Portland Timbers midfielder Will Johnson, who is recovering from a broken leg, played the full time in a Timbers 2 match on Sunday at Providence Park.

T2 lost 2-0 to the Orange County Blues, but the announced crowd of 4,944 fans were treated to Johnson taking free kicks, corner kicks and going in for tackles with confidence.

"Played the whole game, 90-plus minutes, so that was nice to get under my belt," Johnson said. "I wish the quality would have been a little better, so I'm frustrated from where I am and where I need to get to.

"But I felt good. It's a good step for me," he added.

Johnson said that physically, he felt fine, but added: "I've got to get that consistency going."

Johnson played a role in several chances, a free kick he took in the 60th minute that Blues goalkeeper Pepe Miranda was able to knock away.

After the match, Johnson paid tribute to the home crowd and stayed on the field for an extended time, signing autographs.

"It was nice," Johnson said. "Providence Park is always a friendly place for me."

-- Molly Blue