Wednesday, July 29
Monday, July 27
Friday, July 24
I found Nimo... and Stephen Keel
So the game ended up being a nil-nil draw. Hard fought by both teams and we will probably face the Islanders in the final. Now more importantly pictures of me with great footballers...
Thursday, July 23
LIVE BLOGGING: Timbers VS Islanders
After 45 minutes and a couple minutes of stoppage time, we have a 0 - 0 tie at halftime. Also, good work by our reporter on the field, Paulsepp, who's been taking the exciting action shots.
LIVE BLOGGING: Timbers VS Islanders
The national anthem singer smokes cigarettes...these are the inside scoops you can only find at Dropping Timber.
LIVE BLOGGING: Timbers VS Islanders
A smokin' game, lots of action... Portland getting some good shots on goal.
Stay Classy Montreal
Check out the on field implosion by the Montreal Impact as Mauro Biello (#20) and Sandro Grande (#8) face off just moments before a Minnesota corner kick last week. Minnesota Thunder's Melvin Tarley easily scored a goal as the Impact's keeper had to break up his own team's fight.
Wednesday, July 22
The MLS, Timbers, and TV Ratings
An interesting topic over at DwightJaynes.com - Why aren't Americans watching soccer on TV? Does the MLS need TV ratings to survive? I think it's a "chicken or the egg" situation. Do you need TV to create interest in your sport and do you need advertising/sponsor revenue to become economically successful? Or are fans created on the "grass roots" level by getting a first-hand, on the pitch, experience? If nobody supports the team at the gate then can you really expect people to tune in on television?
There's really interesting and informative discussions going on, I'd check it out.
http://www.dwightjaynes.com/
- Also, I'm curious to see what level of TV production and who the broadcast team might be for the Timbers when they finally move up to the MLS. Who'll be broadcasting the games? Fox? Comcast? Strong going to be the play-by-play man? And we better get a British guy for the Color commentator position.
There's really interesting and informative discussions going on, I'd check it out.
http://www.dwightjaynes.com/
- Also, I'm curious to see what level of TV production and who the broadcast team might be for the Timbers when they finally move up to the MLS. Who'll be broadcasting the games? Fox? Comcast? Strong going to be the play-by-play man? And we better get a British guy for the Color commentator position.
Tuesday, July 21
Game Preview The Battle for #1
Puerto Rico IslandersVs.
PGE Park
Portland has not lost in sixteen games and is now tied for first place with the Puerto Rico Islanders, the team they face this Thursday. This game will determine who stands alone at the top of the league. So far this season the Timbers have shown us the most potent offense and the most solid defense in the league, a combination that has put this team in the history books.
Radio Broadcast on
Portland Timbers
Thursday July 23, 2009 7:00PMPGE Park
Portland has not lost in sixteen games and is now tied for first place with the Puerto Rico Islanders, the team they face this Thursday. This game will determine who stands alone at the top of the league. So far this season the Timbers have shown us the most potent offense and the most solid defense in the league, a combination that has put this team in the history books.- The two top goal scorers in the league will face off as Portland's #10 Mandjou Keita and Puerto Rico's #26 Cristian Arrieta both have seven goals. Expect a goal from one of these two that could play a major role in who wins.
- Portland has only allowed 9 goals this season, while the Islanders have let in twice that figure. Portland has 8 shutouts in 17 games.
- Portland had three players named to the USL Players of the Week Squad. David Hayes took Player of the Week honors with his game tying free kick last Friday. That free kick kept the unbeaten streak alive.
- A big crowd is to be expected as it is a July Thirsty Thursday game, cheap beer and 80 degree weather at kickoff.
Televised on
Radio Broadcast on
Sunday, July 19
GAME NOTES: The Timbers Stand Alone! Longest Unbeaten Streak of All-Time!
A few drops...
- The Portland Timbers crushed the Miami FC Blues 3-0 this afternoon and break the USL first division record for longest all-time unbeaten streak. Going 16 matches without a loss, the Timbers don't seem to be slowing down at all, as they move into a tie for first place in the league with the Puerto Rico Islanders. Both teams lead the USL with 34 pts and are set for a Thursday evening showdown with the Timbers at PGE Park, the winning team leaving with sole possession of First Place. Should be a packed house.
- The Timbers mixed around their lineup a bit today. Ryan Pore didn't play - that injury he recieved during Friday's game still bothering him apparently, let's hope it's nothing serious. However - Danso, Savage, Claesson - all got starts today and Coach Wilkinson played 4 subs throughout the match. I thought it was a smart move to shake things up a bit, especially in a back-to-back situation, probably helped to keep Miami on their toes and also keep Portland from getting complacent out on the pitch. Just another advantage the Timber's have with their incredible depth.
- Although the team started the game off a bit slow, they just became more and more dominant as the match progressed. I was expecting a drop-off from Friday or a lack of energy by the team, but this wasn't the case at all. Wilkinson has to be acknowledged for keeping the team motivated and for his willingness to tinker with the lineup.
- Suzuki is so important to the success of this team. The more I watch him the more I like him. His constant energy and tenacity up that sideline is apparent every match and the Timbers are so much more dangerous with him putting pressure on the defense and creating opportunities. Today's goal by Savage is a great example of Suzuki's value. He created something out of nothing, somehow squeezing through two defenders, and then sent a ball on the money to Savage at the top of the box. Suzuki is the man and he is from Japan.
- Hayes is deadly off those free kicks. He's been very aggressive lately when he gets good placements, blasting quality shots from 30+ yrds out. Almost had another goal this afternoon.
- Cronin gets his 5th shutout of the season. He didn't have to work too hard today. Portland outshot Miami 13-8 and Miami didn't have very many threatening strikes. Credit has to go to Portland's veteran defense who've been solid all season. In fact, Scott Thompson is now the all-time Timbers leader in minutes played, so basically he's been making bad passes and unforced turnovers for a long time for this franchise. Good thing he can defend.
- What a great victory. Just an amazing season in progress for the Timbers. First place in the division. Setting the USL record books ablaze. And their condidence is soaring, I don't think this team feels like they can lose right now. Thursday is going to be a blast - cheap beer, nice weather, and a battle for first place in the league. We'll have your Game Preview posted in the next couple days. GO TIMBERS
- The Portland Timbers crushed the Miami FC Blues 3-0 this afternoon and break the USL first division record for longest all-time unbeaten streak. Going 16 matches without a loss, the Timbers don't seem to be slowing down at all, as they move into a tie for first place in the league with the Puerto Rico Islanders. Both teams lead the USL with 34 pts and are set for a Thursday evening showdown with the Timbers at PGE Park, the winning team leaving with sole possession of First Place. Should be a packed house.
- The Timbers mixed around their lineup a bit today. Ryan Pore didn't play - that injury he recieved during Friday's game still bothering him apparently, let's hope it's nothing serious. However - Danso, Savage, Claesson - all got starts today and Coach Wilkinson played 4 subs throughout the match. I thought it was a smart move to shake things up a bit, especially in a back-to-back situation, probably helped to keep Miami on their toes and also keep Portland from getting complacent out on the pitch. Just another advantage the Timber's have with their incredible depth.
- Although the team started the game off a bit slow, they just became more and more dominant as the match progressed. I was expecting a drop-off from Friday or a lack of energy by the team, but this wasn't the case at all. Wilkinson has to be acknowledged for keeping the team motivated and for his willingness to tinker with the lineup.
- Suzuki is so important to the success of this team. The more I watch him the more I like him. His constant energy and tenacity up that sideline is apparent every match and the Timbers are so much more dangerous with him putting pressure on the defense and creating opportunities. Today's goal by Savage is a great example of Suzuki's value. He created something out of nothing, somehow squeezing through two defenders, and then sent a ball on the money to Savage at the top of the box. Suzuki is the man and he is from Japan.
- Hayes is deadly off those free kicks. He's been very aggressive lately when he gets good placements, blasting quality shots from 30+ yrds out. Almost had another goal this afternoon.
- Cronin gets his 5th shutout of the season. He didn't have to work too hard today. Portland outshot Miami 13-8 and Miami didn't have very many threatening strikes. Credit has to go to Portland's veteran defense who've been solid all season. In fact, Scott Thompson is now the all-time Timbers leader in minutes played, so basically he's been making bad passes and unforced turnovers for a long time for this franchise. Good thing he can defend.
- What a great victory. Just an amazing season in progress for the Timbers. First place in the division. Setting the USL record books ablaze. And their condidence is soaring, I don't think this team feels like they can lose right now. Thursday is going to be a blast - cheap beer, nice weather, and a battle for first place in the league. We'll have your Game Preview posted in the next couple days. GO TIMBERS
Saturday, July 18
GAME PREVIEW: The Timbers Shoot For History!
Portland Timbers
VS
Miami FC Blues
Sunday, July 18th
3:00 pm PST
Watch LIVE online @ USLlive.com
Preview: If the Timbers can simply avoid losing one more match, then this Sunday they will claim their throne atop the USL record books. With their 1-1 draw against Miami on Friday, the team extended their unbeaten streak to 15, currently tied with the Montreal Impact for longest unbeaten streak in USL-league history. In 2005, the Impact went an impressive 10-0-5 during their run; while the Timbers have accumilated 8 wins and earned 7 draws for their streak. On the verge of history, can the team remained focused in their rematch with the Blues? Afterall, the team is currently battling for First place in the league standings and this has to be greater goal on the season.
Keys to the Game: Focus and Intensity. It's a difficult task to play any team in a back-to-back situation. I'm sure the Blue feel we stole a win from them on Friday night so the team will have it's hands full with a motivated and vengeful Miami squad. Miami is a hungry team fighting for a playoff spot, currently sitting 6th in the standings, 10 points behind the Timbers. Last game we came out slow to start off and then looked tired during the late stages of the match. That can't happen again on Sunday.
Midfield play will be a huge factor. Our midfielders couldn't consistently control the action and never really looked fluid. We were fortunate to come up with a goal on the freekick by Hayes.
Ryan Pore and Tony Mcmanus will need to be on their games, making sharper passes, and creating opportunities for the front-two. It seemed that overall, the Miami players had better individual skill and touch with the ball, so Portland will need to play effeciently, anticipating the action better.
Depth. If energy level and stamina become an issue then Coach Wilkinson shouldn't hesitate to look to his bench. Nimo, Mchlaughlin, Savage, Cameron, Danso - the team is stacked on all three levels of the pitch. When players went down due to injury this season, the team had no need to panic. Portland has started 18 different players this year and still continued marching on with their unbeaten streak, a testament to the quality of their depth. Some have said that this could be the best Portland Timbers team of all-time? Certainly, being the sole owners of the Unbeaten Streak Crown would help out their case.
A Look at History:
Single Season Unbeaten Streaks
15 Montreal Impact 2005 10-0-5
15 Portland Timbers 2009 8-0-7
13 Rochester Raging Rhinos 1998 13-0-0
13 Richmond Kickers 2000 13-0-0
12 Montreal Impact 2006 8-0-4
12 Puerto Rico Islanders 2008 6-0-6
12 Charleston Battery 2009 6-0-6
11 Charleston Battery 2002 11-0-0
11 Seattle Sounders 2007 9-0-2
11 Rochester Raging Rhinos 2006 5-0-6
10 Toronto Lynx 1997 10-0-0
10 San Diego Flash 1998 10-0-0
15 Montreal Impact 2005 10-0-5
15 Portland Timbers 2009 8-0-7
13 Rochester Raging Rhinos 1998 13-0-0
13 Richmond Kickers 2000 13-0-0
12 Montreal Impact 2006 8-0-4
12 Puerto Rico Islanders 2008 6-0-6
12 Charleston Battery 2009 6-0-6
11 Charleston Battery 2002 11-0-0
11 Seattle Sounders 2007 9-0-2
11 Rochester Raging Rhinos 2006 5-0-6
10 Toronto Lynx 1997 10-0-0
10 San Diego Flash 1998 10-0-0
Friday, July 17
Thursday, July 16
GAME PREVIEW Portland Timbers at Miami FC Blues
Portland at Miami
The 14 game unbeaten streak heads to to Florida to face the Miami FC Blues. Miami's record is 6 wins, 6 losses and 6 ties in 14 games of action. Portland will play two matches in Miami one on Friday and then again on Sunday both of which are at FIU Stadium. Someone's streak is about to break as Portland remains 14 games undefeated while Miami has not lost at FIU Stadium this season.
Miami Players to Watch
Leo Inacio Nunes #10 the Brazilian leads the team in points with four goals and one assist.
Alen Marcina #11 a USL veteran scored 13 goals in the 2006 season.
Zinho (coach) was a member of the 1994 World Cup Champion team Brazil.
Monday, July 13
Portland at Austin Highlights
A slide tackle pass for a goal? Second 20
A body check for a goal? Minute 1:40
The reaction of losers? Minute 1:52
PORTLAND GOING 14 GAMES UNDEFEATED. PRICELESS.
A body check for a goal? Minute 1:40
The reaction of losers? Minute 1:52
PORTLAND GOING 14 GAMES UNDEFEATED. PRICELESS.
Sunday, July 12
Saturday, July 11
TIMBERS WIN 2-1 IN STOPPAGE TIME FINAL
Keita scores in the 15th minute
74th minute Portland still leads 1-0.
90th minute Portland 1, Austin 0. 4 minutes Stoppage time!
4MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME, THAT WAS MADE OUT OF THIN AIR, WITH NO GOALS OR INJURIES AND GUESS WHAT??????? aUSTIN SCOREs IN STOPPAGE!
Portland 1 Austin 1
AND PORTLAND SCORES!!!!!!!!! 2-1 PORTLAND WINS!!!!!!!!!
Johan Claussen scores off the pass from McManus
WATCH THIS GAME LIVE AT USLLIVE.COM
74th minute Portland still leads 1-0.
90th minute Portland 1, Austin 0. 4 minutes Stoppage time!
4MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME, THAT WAS MADE OUT OF THIN AIR, WITH NO GOALS OR INJURIES AND GUESS WHAT??????? aUSTIN SCOREs IN STOPPAGE!
Portland 1 Austin 1
AND PORTLAND SCORES!!!!!!!!! 2-1 PORTLAND WINS!!!!!!!!!
Johan Claussen scores off the pass from McManus
WATCH THIS GAME LIVE AT USLLIVE.COM
Game Preview Portland at Austin
Portlandat
Austin
Saturday July 11th 5:30PM
Nelson Field
Radio: 95.5 The Game
WebCast: USL Live
Austin
Saturday July 11th 5:30PM
Nelson Field
Radio: 95.5 The Game
WebCast: USL Live
The 13 game undefeated Portland Timbers face the bottom dwelling Austin Aztex this Saturday. Portland's potent offense will face one of the league's worst defenses, which should make for a solid win for our Timbers. The Aztex are led by the Brit Edward Johnson who has scored 4 and assisted on 3 others. Johnson's claim to fame is a one game appearance for Manchester Untied back in 2004. Since then he bounced around English football until landing at Austin this year.
Game time temperatures in Austin should be around 100 degrees at game time, but Portland has played in these hot conditions before with immunity. The key as always will be to get on the board early, and with the potent goal scoring we have shown this season, we should get the win over this struggling team. We have predicted a Stephen Keel goal on this road trip, and the stars are telling me that deep in Texas, Stephen "Big Hair" Keel will find the back of the net. Our major hope though, will be a better performance from the ref then we saw in Minnesota.
Austin Players to Watch
Edward Johnson - An English footballer who in his first season leads the Aztex in points.
Sullivan Silva - Scored the game winner in 1-0 win over Cleveland.
Game time temperatures in Austin should be around 100 degrees at game time, but Portland has played in these hot conditions before with immunity. The key as always will be to get on the board early, and with the potent goal scoring we have shown this season, we should get the win over this struggling team. We have predicted a Stephen Keel goal on this road trip, and the stars are telling me that deep in Texas, Stephen "Big Hair" Keel will find the back of the net. Our major hope though, will be a better performance from the ref then we saw in Minnesota.
Austin Players to Watch
Edward Johnson - An English footballer who in his first season leads the Aztex in points.
Sullivan Silva - Scored the game winner in 1-0 win over Cleveland.
Thursday, July 9
It's a Deal
Sam Adams and Randy Leonard struck a tentative deal with Merrit Paulson for $31 million in combined public-private financing to renovate PGE Park.
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/07/city_paulson_strike_deal_to_re.html
Wednesday, July 8
Portland Timbers in Fifa 2009
I wanted to sign a few Timbers to the team I'm managing in Fifa 09. I went through the rosters and found out who was in the game. Here are the current Portland Timbers you can find and their ratings:
Alex Nimo, Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Pos: LWM
Overall: 55
Control 57
Dribble 63
Short Pass 47
Cross 41
Sprint 74
Stamina 68
Ryan Pore, KC Wizards (MLS)
Pos: ST
Overall: 58
Control 55
Dribble 54
Finish 56
Shot Power 53
Sprint 79
Stamina 64
Johan Claesson, Gefle IF (Allsvenskan)
Pos: CM
Overall: 59
Control 60
Dribble 53
Long Pass 54
Short Pass 61
Tackle 57
Strength 55
Stamina 69
Steve Cronin, LA Galaxy (MLS)
Pos: GK
Overall: 60
Handle 59
Reflex 63
Position 59
Strength 47
Diving 64
Stephen Keel, Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Pos: CB
Overall: 58
Tackle 62
Marking 63
Heading 45
Control 46
Strength 64
Stamina 65
Nice ratings on speed for Nimo and Pore. I looked at the detailed ratings on Keel and I noticed they didn't respect his offensive skills, giving him around the same ratings as they give all defenders.
I might look through and find a bunch of past Timbers as well- might be fun to make an all Timbers team.
Alex Nimo, Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Pos: LWM
Overall: 55
Control 57
Dribble 63
Short Pass 47
Cross 41
Sprint 74
Stamina 68
Ryan Pore, KC Wizards (MLS)
Pos: ST
Overall: 58
Control 55
Dribble 54
Finish 56
Shot Power 53
Sprint 79
Stamina 64
Johan Claesson, Gefle IF (Allsvenskan)
Pos: CM
Overall: 59
Control 60
Dribble 53
Long Pass 54
Short Pass 61
Tackle 57
Strength 55
Stamina 69
Steve Cronin, LA Galaxy (MLS)
Pos: GK
Overall: 60
Handle 59
Reflex 63
Position 59
Strength 47
Diving 64
Stephen Keel, Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Pos: CB
Overall: 58
Tackle 62
Marking 63
Heading 45
Control 46
Strength 64
Stamina 65
Nice ratings on speed for Nimo and Pore. I looked at the detailed ratings on Keel and I noticed they didn't respect his offensive skills, giving him around the same ratings as they give all defenders.
I might look through and find a bunch of past Timbers as well- might be fun to make an all Timbers team.
Tuesday, July 7
Portland Timbers Stat Leaders
Goals
Mandjou Keita 6 * tied for league leader
Brian Farber 3
Ryan Pore 3
George Josten 2
Assists
George Josten 4
Brian Farber 3
David Hayes 3
Mandjou Keita 6 * tied for league leader
Brian Farber 3
Ryan Pore 3
George Josten 2
Assists
George Josten 4
Brian Farber 3
David Hayes 3
Monday, July 6
Nyassi and the Seattle Flounders
Those who were at the Seattle game may have seen the act of God, when a water bottle was thrown onto the pitch and hit a diving Nyassi right in the nuts! Call the North End the grassy knoll, the thrower a highly trained sniper and Nyassi and the rest of Seattle the bitches they are. The TV feed does not show the bottle hit him, just the acting job before hand and the aftermath. We are offering a $25 bounty on actual footage showing the bottle strike Nyassi in the nuts. Come on people someone must have the video, my memory is not enough, we need to see it again!
Seattle Sounder Fan Mug Shot
How about a Monday cup of drama. The mug shot to the left belongs to Seattle Sounder fan Jacob Reeder who got himself hogtied and carried out of PGE park for being an idiot. The incident took place in the Widmer Beer Garden late in the second half and somehow this guy was too drunk or too dumb to remain at the game. Links to video and more below.
- Multhnomah County Sheriff booking information
- MLSRumors.net has some gems about this wonderful gentleman
- Youtube.com Video 1, Video 2, Video 3 (Facebook video)
- His personal website, opps!
Saturday, July 4
Happy 4th of July: Timbers Tie Thunder 1 - 1, Extend USL-League Unbeaten Streak to 13
The Timbers score first, but must settle for a 1 - 1 draw. Still, despite some disapointment, good to see the unbeaten streak stay alive. Midfielder Tony McManus, recently returning from injury, gets his first goal of the season. Some bigger drops on the game coming tommorrow. Watch some fireworks, grill the hell out of something, and have a happy 4th.
Friday, July 3
Game Preview - Portland at Minnesota
PortlandDropping Timber Power Rankings
USL Power Rankings
Dropping Timbers ranks teams by points divided by games played.
-The top seven teams based on total points advance to the playoffs
Dropping Timbers ranks teams by points divided by games played.
- Portland Timbers 2.00
Keita tied for the league lead in goals - Charleston Battery 1.80
Tied with Portland for the least goals allowed - Puerto Rico Islanders 1.75
Leading the league in goals scored - Carolina RailHawks 1.71
- Rochester Rhinos 1.54
- Montreal Impact 1.42
Placentino tied for the lead in assists - Miami FC Blues 1.33
- Vancouver Whitecaps 1.25
- Austin Aztex 0.86
- Cleveland City Stars 0.67
Aguilera tied for the lead in assists - Minnesota Thunder 0.58
-The top seven teams based on total points advance to the playoffs
Thursday, July 2
Timbers 2-0 over Bayern Munich II
The Timbers took down Bayern Munich II handily with two goals. Portland dominated the entire match, but seemed to tire a bit in the heat as the game drew on.
Nimo had a great high pass down the field for a header from Kevin Forrest for the first goal. Defender Stephen Keel (the dude with the long hair to you casual fans) almost made the highlight reel with a bicycle kick that was tapped in by Antouman Jallow, but the goal was unfortunately ruled offsides. Jallow, starting at forward, also scored his first goal of the season.
The only thing BMII showed in the second half was a propensity for whining, fouling and the ability to garner yellow cards in a "friendly" match. #37 led the charge of whiners in the second half, at one point throwing his shoe off while complaining to a ref (no card for that?!). Where was the water bottle chucker tonight?
Nimo had a great high pass down the field for a header from Kevin Forrest for the first goal. Defender Stephen Keel (the dude with the long hair to you casual fans) almost made the highlight reel with a bicycle kick that was tapped in by Antouman Jallow, but the goal was unfortunately ruled offsides. Jallow, starting at forward, also scored his first goal of the season.
The only thing BMII showed in the second half was a propensity for whining, fouling and the ability to garner yellow cards in a "friendly" match. #37 led the charge of whiners in the second half, at one point throwing his shoe off while complaining to a ref (no card for that?!). Where was the water bottle chucker tonight?
Random NOTES: Timbers Knocked Out of US Open Cup
A few quick drops on the Timbers 2-1 loss to the Sounders last night...
- Well, the overall unbeaten streak is over, but the Timbers are still riding a 12 game unbeaten in league play. Basically, we rock and the Sounder suck, still.
- Wow. Even with the wrong result, what a game and what a memorable experience. The Timber's Army was about 3x it's average size and the Flounder fans took over a section at the MAC end of the pitch, making for a raucous, explosive crowd. Personally, I've never seen PGE that packed for a sporting event, but it became quite clear that the ol' ballpark doesn't handle "full" capacity well. It was annoying constantly pushing through crowds that only had room to move single file down the narrow aisles of the stadium.
- HUGE HUGE HUGE pet peeve of mine - Self-absorbed, idiots who stand in the middle of the walkways to chat up some other moron while they're oblivious or indifferent to the congestion they create, completely blocking the lines of people behind them from moving forward. SMALLER pet peeve - the people behind these morons who don't just push them out the way to get by. Then I have to push everyone just to go get a beer or take a piss and I don't like pushing people.
- Keita is really breaking out of his shell. This guy is just on an offensive tear right now, scoring our only goal of the game, but really just continuing what he's been doing for the Timbers for a couple weeks now.
- Suzuki is the man and he's from Japan. And he worked his tail off last night.
- Freddy Montero is the MAN. No, means, no, Freddy - but still this guy has incredible touch on the ball, his quickness, and abillity to split defenders is insane. He has the upside to be bigtime player on the World's stage.
- NO MEANS NO FREDDY MONTERO! My favorite chant from the Timber's Army last night. Who would of thought you could come enjoy a soccer game and get a little social activism at the same time?
- We got owned in the Midfield. Usually the Timbers strength is their quality midfield play, but the Timbers were troubled by the Sounders overall speed and size as a team - that became clear. The Sounders were fast to recover on defense and shut down most of the Timber's angles of attack.
- Overall, the Timbers had a very good showing. Granted, the Sounders didn't play their normal rotation, but the Timber's put up a real fight. I felt like they outplayed the Sounders in the 2nd half and they definetely proved they could hang with the big, bad, MLS team.
- By far, THE BEST MOMENT OF THE NIGHT, when the Sounders player was down on the field, perhaps overplaying an injury and certianly delaying the game, when suddenly - WHAM - water bottle comes flying out of the Timber's Army and it's a direct hit in his junk. Usually, I wouldn't condone something like that, but it was hard not to laugh this time. I mean, that's a one in a million shot, talk about sniper skills with a Aquafina. Anyone got Youtube on this?
- Well, the overall unbeaten streak is over, but the Timbers are still riding a 12 game unbeaten in league play. Basically, we rock and the Sounder suck, still.
- Wow. Even with the wrong result, what a game and what a memorable experience. The Timber's Army was about 3x it's average size and the Flounder fans took over a section at the MAC end of the pitch, making for a raucous, explosive crowd. Personally, I've never seen PGE that packed for a sporting event, but it became quite clear that the ol' ballpark doesn't handle "full" capacity well. It was annoying constantly pushing through crowds that only had room to move single file down the narrow aisles of the stadium.
- HUGE HUGE HUGE pet peeve of mine - Self-absorbed, idiots who stand in the middle of the walkways to chat up some other moron while they're oblivious or indifferent to the congestion they create, completely blocking the lines of people behind them from moving forward. SMALLER pet peeve - the people behind these morons who don't just push them out the way to get by. Then I have to push everyone just to go get a beer or take a piss and I don't like pushing people.
- Keita is really breaking out of his shell. This guy is just on an offensive tear right now, scoring our only goal of the game, but really just continuing what he's been doing for the Timbers for a couple weeks now.
- Suzuki is the man and he's from Japan. And he worked his tail off last night.
- Freddy Montero is the MAN. No, means, no, Freddy - but still this guy has incredible touch on the ball, his quickness, and abillity to split defenders is insane. He has the upside to be bigtime player on the World's stage.
- NO MEANS NO FREDDY MONTERO! My favorite chant from the Timber's Army last night. Who would of thought you could come enjoy a soccer game and get a little social activism at the same time?
- We got owned in the Midfield. Usually the Timbers strength is their quality midfield play, but the Timbers were troubled by the Sounders overall speed and size as a team - that became clear. The Sounders were fast to recover on defense and shut down most of the Timber's angles of attack.
- Overall, the Timbers had a very good showing. Granted, the Sounders didn't play their normal rotation, but the Timber's put up a real fight. I felt like they outplayed the Sounders in the 2nd half and they definetely proved they could hang with the big, bad, MLS team.
- By far, THE BEST MOMENT OF THE NIGHT, when the Sounders player was down on the field, perhaps overplaying an injury and certianly delaying the game, when suddenly - WHAM - water bottle comes flying out of the Timber's Army and it's a direct hit in his junk. Usually, I wouldn't condone something like that, but it was hard not to laugh this time. I mean, that's a one in a million shot, talk about sniper skills with a Aquafina. Anyone got Youtube on this?
Portland 1 Seattle 2
Portland Goal
Mandjou Keita 43 minute
Shittle Goals
Roger Levesque 1st minute
Stephen King 26th minute
This was a close match folks, in what is and will remain the hottest rivalry in US soccer. The incredible atmosphere at PGE Park was further proof that this park belongs to soccer, and baseball must find a new home. Chants for Merritt Paulson were loud and proud when he was seen checking out the field conditions shortly before the game. The sellout tonight is just a glimpse of the insanity that a second professional team will bring to Portland.
Mandjou Keita 43 minute
Shittle Goals
Roger Levesque 1st minute
Stephen King 26th minute
This was a close match folks, in what is and will remain the hottest rivalry in US soccer. The incredible atmosphere at PGE Park was further proof that this park belongs to soccer, and baseball must find a new home. Chants for Merritt Paulson were loud and proud when he was seen checking out the field conditions shortly before the game. The sellout tonight is just a glimpse of the insanity that a second professional team will bring to Portland.
