Better Know a Timber - Quavas Kirk

Hello, I'm Quavas Kirk
Meet one of the Portland Timber's newest defenders, MLS veteran Quavas Kirk. This will be an ongoing series Dropping Timer will be bringing you - an attempt to help you get better acquainted with your 2010 Portland Timbers.

Signed in early December, Portland's promising free agent acquisition will be looking for an opportunity to showcase his strengths in what will be a showcase season overall for the 2011 MLS-bound Timbers. With a bit of luck and some solid play, it's likely Kirk will be joining them in the jump.

Besides a sharp fashion sense, Quavas will bring some extra excitement and athleticism when he arrives in Soccer City USA. Although only 21 years of age, Quavas has multiple seasons of experience in the MLS, but most recently playing for the USL Minnesota Thunder last season.

QUICK PROFILE
Born: April 13th, 1988
Birthplace: Aurora, Illinois
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185

Although only spending a few seasons in the MLS, Quavas is already quite well-traveled. A 3rd round draft pick by the LA Galaxy in 2005, Quavas played in 33 games for the Galaxy, but eventually was traded to DC United. After spending a season in DC and a brief trial with the Seattle Sounders, he was sent over to Minnesota where he appeared in 15 games last year.

Quavas is known as a player loaded with potential, someone who's still learning the game, but has the upside and the youth that can lead to improvement. Along with being a standout on Team USA's under-17 team (scoring 22 goals in 53 games), Kirk learned the game as a youth at the prestigous IMG Soccer Academy. Located in Bradenton, Florida, the IMG Soccer Academy is place for youths who are deadly serious about soccer. Kids live at the dorms, take classes, as well as go through rigorous soccer training throughout their education. Curfew is at 9pm. This place is no joke. In 2005, Quavas signed with the infamous Generation Adidas Program, a joint MLS/Adidas venture aimed at promoting and raising the level of youth soccer in America. The top teenage soccer talent in the nation are identified and then pushed to sign with MLS or other professional teams, as opposed to pursuing a college education (although a safeguard is in place to provide academic scholarships to players whos careers don't pan out). Generation Adidas is a bold program that's helped to produce such players as Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, and Freddy Adu.

The David Beckham Incident

As a member of the LA Galaxy, Quavas originally wore the number 23 on his jersey. However, upon the arrival of David Beckham, Quavas was forced to change his number to 15, despite publicly expressing his desire to keep the number. Beckham brought with him a list of requirements and special accomodations (including his bloated salary) when he came to the MLS and this was certainly one battle that Quavas was not going to win. Sorry, Quavas.

As a member of the Timbers, Quavas won't have to worry about quibling over kit numbers. Instead, he'll be a valued part of the teams 2010 season. Quavas will be an exciting defender to watch, somebody who'll probably show us flashes of brilliance throughout the year, but the question remains....Can Kirk fufill his potential and become a big-time player in the MLS? Well, we'll get an upclose view as he tries to answer that question this summer at PGE.

* MLS Stats - Espn Career Profile

Timbers Mini Camp Video

Rest Assured, S-C-O-T Scot with one T Signed

From the Timbers front office

The Portland Timbers today announced that Scot Thompson will return for the 2010 season in a dual role as a community ambassador and player. The upcoming campaign will mark the defender’s seventh season in Portland.

As a community ambassador, Thompson’s responsibilities will include team appearances, participating in school assemblies, coaching youth and partnering in the Timbers’ community outreach efforts.

“The Timbers are delighted to bring Scot back for the 2010 season in this capacity,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers head coach and general manager. “This role will allow him to pursue his passion for working in the community, and it is a great opportunity for both Scot and the organization.”

Better Know a Timber

Hello, I'm Ross Smith.
Age: 29
Height: 6'1''
Position: Defender
Birthplace: Ontario, Canada

Another big free-agent signing by the Timbers this off-season, Ross Smith will bring experience and steady play to the Timber's defensive backline. With the losses the team has already taken to its defense and the Scott Thompson situation still lingering, Smith's signing will be a welcome and much needed addition.
Smith has had quite a varied and rich soccer life. Although spending much of his youth playing soccer outside of the States, Smith eventually decided to play college soccer at the University of Rhode Island. He would spend four years at Rhode Island, playing in 75 matches, and helping the Rams to a A-10 title in 1999. He was an All A-10 selection in 2001, as well as an All Academic selection his junior and senior seasons.

After college, Smith headed over to England to jumpstart his proffesional career. After playing for a couple different clubs, Smith eventually signed with Gravesend and Northfleet FC (now known as Ebsfleet United) where he would win player of the year for the club in the 2006 season.

With some success abroad under his belt, Smith would head back to the American east coast and play for the USL's Rochester Rhinos in 2008. Smith was selected as a USL 1st-team of the week member three times that year, as well as scoring two goals for the Rhinos from the backline. The MLS would take notice.

Ross Smith Has Got Heart
In 2009, the MLS's Colorado Rapids signed Smith to a contract, but would later terminate that deal becuase of health concerns. Smith would be diagnosed with a heart condition, in which a faulty valve resulted in the enlargement of his Aorta. Smith complained about chest pains during play before seeing doctors, who would eventually say that his condition would require surgery before he could return to the field again safely. Although a life-threatening condition, the NBA's Ronnie Turiaf also suffered from the same ailment before having successful surgery leading to his eventual NBA return.

“This is one of those things you usually find out about when it’s too late,” said Smith last year. “I’m just so lucky. If I took a knock (to the chest) I could be in a bit of trouble, so … surgery is the only chance I have to play again.”

Despite what must of been emotionally trying times from Ross Smith, his friends and family members - Smith was determined to go through with the operation and put in the work to get back onto the soccer field. After a successful surgery and recovery, Smith was assured by doctors that it would be safe for him to play soccer again. He would start his comeback in England. Re-signing with Ebsfleet United, Smith appeared in 6 matches for Ebbsfleet before announcing that he'd be making his return to the States in 2010. With a return to the MLS near the top of his soccer goals, Smith signed with the Portland Timbers this off-season, where he'll surely get the chance to impress MLS scouts and coaches.

"We are excited to have Ross on board," said Gavin Wilkinson, "His strengths will benefit the organization and the team in a big way."

Smith will get the opportunity to become a key member of the Timber's defense this season, although a return to the MLS still remains an uphill task. But if there's one thing Timber fans already know about Ross Smith, its that he possesses the determination and the heart to meet that challenge head on. Good luck, Ross. We at Dropping Timber and the rest of the Timber fanbase will be rooting for you.

Dirty Tackles from just last weekend

Timbers Tryout Home Video

New Jersey Sponser Solar World

The Timbers announced today that they the new kit sponsor for the 2010 season is Solar World. The company is headquartered in Bonn, Germany and has a production facility in Hillsboro.

Along with its partnership with the Timbers, SolarWorld’s involvement in the sport includes a marketing agreement with forward Lucas Podolski of German Bundesliga club FC Cologne, and helping to bring electricity to a community studio in Africa to offer televised broadcasts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup through its Solar2World program, which aids electrification projects in developing countries.

More info on the deal from PortlandTimbers.com

Order the 2010 kits from the PGE Park Store

Timbers Roster adds Veteran Keeper Adin Brown

The Timbers have added 6'5, 31 year old keeper Adin Brown to the 2010 roster. Brown started his professional career for the Colorado Rapids in 2000 and spent four years in the MLS making some 83 appearances. He has played the last five seasons in Norway for Aalesund FK, in which he helped the team earn promotion to Norway's first division. Through out his career he has been hobbled by some injuries and currenttly is recovering from a sucessful foot surgery, and could be ready to play as early as June.

The Adin Brown Header Goal

Double Fail

Timber Bits - More Stadium Porn

PGE Park Renovations - Pictures were taken on the morning of Sunday, February 21st. You may think that the renovations picture are redundant and uninteresting, but any day we add new stadium pictures our traffic nearly doubles. Just imagine if we posed scantily clad women in the construction pictures, we'd be bigger than google.






Portlandtimbers.com Video summary of the preseason mini-camp.

Portlandtimbers.com

The Portland Timbers begin full preparation for the upcoming 2010 season on Monday, March 1, when coaches and players report for preseason training camp. Portland’s preseason schedule will include a trip to Costa Rica and a five-day camp in Bremerton, Wash. The Timbers kick off the regular season April 17.

Radio Broadcasts

The Portland Timbers announced today that they will partner with Sportsradio 95.5 The Game and News Radio 750 KXL to broadcast all 30 of the team’s regular-season matches and potential playoff games live during the upcoming season.

Mandjou Keita scored the only goal in 1-nil win last week, the next game for Salgaocar will be the 3rd of March.

The Timbers Army plants trees, what did you last weekend?

PGE Park Stadium Renovation Pictures

These pictures were taken this morning. The weather must have helped speed construction along, as they doing foundation work at the moment.

Timber Bits - Ian Joy Signed by the Timbers

Ian Joy is the newest Timber to be signed for the 2010 campaign. The 28 year old defender played solid minutes in the 2008 season for Real Salt Lake, but played in only one match for 7 minutes in 2009, before being let go mid-season. He plays left back and could replace David Hayes who retired last season.

Joy has played with several clubs in Europe, most notably in Germany from 2004 through 2007 making some 77 appearances there. The video below shows his first Bundesliga goal and what a goal it is. Official Press Release from portlandtimbers.com.



Strong at Night - 95.5 the Game will broadcast every Timbers game live home and away, unless it conflicts with other events such as the Blazers, in that case the Timbers will broadcast on 970 AM. John Strong will continue to host a weekly Tuesday show all about the Timbers this season. Strong also talked briefly with head coach Gavin Wilkinson, who stated that the Timbers are in contract negotiations with Scot Thompson and he is "hopeful" Thompson will play for Portland in 2010. Gavin was impressed with Doug DeMartin, the two goal scorer in the UP Pilots match, he a few others including one of the keepers will continue to play in the preseason. Listen to the interview here.

And now a little stadium porn. These pictures were taken early this morning.

Donovan wearing Timbers?

Taken from the Everton FC website. I think the shirt is from element skate company, but still it is odd to see this. Thank you to the reader who sent this in.

Ah Nuts

I don't care what country you come from, the grapes on that vine are tender.

$8,000 Raised for Haiti - Timber's Beat the Pilots 2-0

A chilly February night didn't keep over a thousand fans from making their way to the University of Portland's Merlo Field to watch the Timbers take on the Pilots. Although the Timbers won the match on the scoreboard, the night was a victory for everyone involved, as the Timbers and the Pilots in association with Mercy Corp, raised over $8,000 in relief funds for the people of Haiti. All net proceeds from the gate went to Mercy Corp's cause, with final attendance figures totaling 1,142. Throughout the evening, donations were also made by way of a silent auction which consisted of autographed Timber's gear and other team memorabilia.

Although the season is still a few weeks away, the exhibition served as an important opportunity for many of the Timber players who are still trying to earn a spot on the squad. The Timber's "trial team" Wednesday night consisted of only a few players under contract (Josh Cameron, Rodrigo Lopez, James Marcelin), the majority of the team was made up of guest and trial players who are participating in the team's mini-camp this week. Forward Doug DeMartin made a strong case to be apart of the Timber's 2010 season. DeMartin scored both of the team's goals in the second half, the first unassisted on a run up the right side and the second coming on a missed shot and rebound off the crossbar just minutes later.

Perhaps, the highlight of the night was when recently-signed Timber James Marcelin (in the foggy picture above), checked into the match around the 60 minute mark of the 2nd half. The game must have held a special meaning for Marcelin, a Haitian native and member of the Haiti national team, who was actually in the city of Port-au-Prince when the Earthquake struck last month. Within minutes after subbing into the match, Marcelin helped to setup DeMartin's 2nd score, much to the delight of the mostly pro-Timber crowd.

It should also be noted that the Pilots were game opponents tonight. They held the Timber's scoreless in the first half and earned themselves a handful of threatening scoring opportunities. Sophmore striker Michael Nielsen was ball-hawk all evening, but failed to capitalize on a few close scoring chances. Certainly, the Pilots displayed the overall teamwork and talent that took them into the 3rd round of the NCAA tournament last season.

All in all, it was a fun-filled evening and all for a good cause. Despite a few bits of sloppy play, the crowd stayed enthusiastic for most of the match. Timber Joey paced the sidelines, firing up his trademark chainsaw and a nice sampling of the Timber's Army were gathered in the stands singing songs in support as well. After the match, many of the Timber players stuck around to interact with the fans, such as newly-signed stud defender Ross Smith and of course, James Marcelin who was signing autographs for a few of his new fans.

*** A Couple Other Bits
The Timber's mini-camp ends Thursday and the team should be making the final steps towards finalizing their roster soon. Here's an update on how training has been going so far, an article from PortlandTimbers.com about Mini-camp Day 2.

Got talent? The Timbers and the Beavers will be putting on a talent contest to find the most unique, gifted, and entertaining fans of the Rose City during their annual national anthem tryouts. Sounds like it'll be fun to simply go and watch people get on stage and make fools of themselves. If you want a good laugh or if you just think this city deserves to see your juggling skills, then follow this link for more info.

And lastly, if you'd like to help donate to the Haiti relief fund, you can go check out Mercy Corp's website. They deserve a lot credit all they've accomplished and for helping to put on a great soccer event this evening. Give them a look.

Timbers Bits - Timbers vs. UP Pilots

Portland Timbers vs. University of Portland Pilots

Wednesday, March 17th 7:00 PM
Merlo Field on the U of P Campus

Tickets for this match are only $7 and the proceeds will benefit the people of Haiti. You can buy tickets through ticket master, but more than likely you can just buy them at the door. The game is part of four day mini-camp for available Timber players and invited trialists. They will face UP Pilot players returning for the 2010 season. The UP Pilots men's team made it to the third round of 2009 NCAA tournament. This is a great opportunity to see some of the players that will make up the 2010 squad for both the Timbers and the Pilots.

Portlandtimbers.com has some notes about day 1 of the mini-camp. Number of trialists by position: defenders (7), forwards (6), goalkeepers (3), midfielders (2).

Takuro Nishimura has been sold to USSF Division 2 side Crystal Palace Baltimore. Nishimura, 32, appeared in 13 matches and logged 619 minutes for the Timbers in 2009. It was great to have a player of this caliber in the roster, and we hope the best for him. We will face Baltimore at home on May 17th. Read more at the official Crystal Palace Baltimore site.

Ocho Cinco is a fan of the beautiful game. Chad lives in Miami, and supported Miami's bid to be a host venue for the 2018 World Cup. He also loves to take pictures with the best known players in the world. Checkout the pictures at Football in Miami and Beyond.

Follow Dropping Timber on Twitter.

Timbers Sign Defender Ross Smith

The Timbers acquired another player for the 2010 campaign, a 29year old Canadian defender Ross Smith. Smith joined the Rochester Rhinos midway through the season in 2008 and won USL team of the week honors three times that year. Smith signed with the Colorado rapids last season, however his contract was terminated after doctors found a problem with his heart. He had heart surgery to correct the problem and last November signed with the somewhat famous Ebbsfleet United. In December he expressed his intent to come to the States and is now officially a Timber.

His career in England before returning to the states, from portlandtimbers.com

The Milton, Ontario, native has played a majority of his professional career in Europe. After his rookie season with Scotland’s Montrose FC in 2003-04, Smith played for English clubs Margate FC (2004-05), Gravesend & Northfleet FC (2005-07) and League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge (2007-08). During his time in England, Smith was named the 2006 Player of the Year for Gravesend & Northfleet, and reached the third round of the 2007-08 FA Cup with Dagenham & Redbridge.

Highlights from his years in England

Timbers Bits - Keita Keeps Scoring

You can't stop Kieta, you can only hope to contain him. Keita scored the all important goal in a 1-0 win on Saturday and for those keeping count at home this is his fifth goal this season in the Indian I-league. Keita scores goals, like meth head has sores. More at Goal.com


Check out some of the World Cup kits at Mao's Football. Adidas and Puma have finalized most of their designs, while Nike should be releasing some more kits in early March.

Get on the bus to Seattle March 11th. www.timbersarmy.org

Get On The Bus - Timbers at Seattle March 11th

Portland Timbers Vs. Seattle Sounders
"Community Shield" Match for Charity
Thursday, March 11th
Qwest Field 6:00 PM

The Timbers Army have organized buses to move you, the masses of Timbers fans to storm qworst field. They have several ticket packages available, a ticket and round trip transportation is only $41.50. The bus will leave PGE Park at 12pm. Timber fans will have their own section at the north end of the field. Are you Rose City til I die?

Visit www.TimbersArmy.org to sign up today.
The enemy awaits.

PGE Park Renovations Latest Pictures

Our elite reporter, brings you more stadium porn. Thank you and congratulations to Double B and AP.

Timbers Sign Midfielder James Marcelin

The Timbers added to their roster today by signing Haitian national team player James Marcelin. The 6'2 midfielder played for the Puerto Rico Islanders past two seasons, making 22 appearances. The Timbers press release has the full bio on Marcelin. All I really need to know about James came from the video below, tune in at 1:35 and see Marcelin make a quick pass and then sprint down the field to score. The man is fast, very fast.

marcelin

Timbers to Face Seattle in "Community Shield" Charity Match

Portland Timbers Vs. Seattle Sounders

Thursday, March 11th
Qwest Field 6:00 PM

Get your tickets now at ticket master

From the Timbers Front Office

The Portland Timbers will face Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC in a preseason match Thursday, March 11, at 6 p.m. at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash., it was announced today. The Northwest rivals meet in Seattle’s inaugural “Community Shield” match.

Tickets for the event, priced at $10 for adults and $5 for youth (6-17), go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. through area Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Children under the age of six are free.

Start making plans now.

Portland MLS 2011

Know thy Enemy - AC St. Louis

AC St. Louis will play its inaugural season this year in the Second Division. St. Louis has a long and rich history of teams and players, but has been without a professional side for some time. The name AC St. Louis is homage to the Missouri Athletic Club, which has helped promote soccer in the region for over 100 years.

In 2008 St. Louis Athletica formed to play in the Woman's Professional Soccer League and this helped jump start the mens side. The teams will play at Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park, a large sports complex, with a main field capable of holding 6,000 spectators. You may know this complex best as part of failed bid attempt for a MLS expansion team.

AC St. Louis is hitting the ground running with a signature first player future Hall of Famer and hometown kid, Steve Ralston from New England Revolution aka Saint Steve of Foxboro. Ralston has played in every season of the MLS's existence and holds the all time record for the MLS in assists (135), appearances (378), starts (372) and minutes played (33,143) and throw in the U.S. record for professional appearances at 412.These stats don't build up because you're neat, they build through fighting to play. At 36, Ralston looks old, but he is a bull that will provide a threat for a new fangled team. The fans of the game in Stl, know they are getting some love with this pickup . In addition to playing, he will also serve as an assistant coach.

The team's website features a nifty animation with ACDC for those about to rock for music.
AC St. Louis Fanatic - Unofficial Blog
A detailed history or soccer in St. Louis by Dave Litterer.

Portland Timbers and AC St Louis 2010 Match ups

• April 22nd, 7:00PM at PGE Park
• May 15th, 7:00PM at PGE Park
• July 28th, TBA at St Louis
• August 14th, TBA at St Louis
  

Timber Bits - Keita Team of the Week Honor

Mandjou Keita Keeps Doing his Thing
Mandjou Keita is making his mark in the I-league as he received honorable mention for I-League Team of the Week Honors. He has scored four goals in five matches of regular season play. Salgaocar is currently in 12th place out of 15 teams, this has resulted in the head coach Tim Hankinson being sacked, as Salgaocar flirts with relegation. See the full list of I-League Team of Week Players at goal.com

Timbers Returning in 2011 (To the best of our knowledge)

• Johan Claesson (midfielder)
• Steve Cronin (goalkeeper)
• Mamadou Danso (defender)
• Brian Farber (midfielder)
• George Josten (forward)
• Stephen Keel (defender)
• Mandjou Keita (forward)
• Cameron Knowles (defender)
• Rodrigo Lopez (midfielder)
  
• Tony McManus (midfielder)
• Takuro Nishimura (defender)
• Ryan Pore (forward)
• Keith Savage (midfielder)
• Takayuki Suzuki (forward)
• and don't forget the first pick up of the off season Quavas Kirk (midfielder)

1 Goalkeeper
4 Defenders
6 Midfielders
5 Forwards
15 Total

Check out local blogger Mao's Football for some World Cup kit leaks.

2010 Portland Timbers Schedule

The regular schedule for 2010 was released today. The first game of the regular season at PGE park will be Saturday, April 17th at 7:00PM against the Rochester Rhinos. The Timbers will play an exhibition match for charity next Wednesday February 17th, against the Portland Pilots. It is part of a preseason mini camp, for returning players and trialists hoping to make the 2010 roster. It should be a great first glimpse of the 2010 team, at $7 it is bargain and the game will be played at Merlo Field, the home of the University of Portland Pilots. All proceeds from the match will go to the very awesome Mercy Corps.


Preseason Schedule so far
2/17 Wednesday - Portland Pilots at Merlo Field
3/11 Thursday - Seattle Flounders at Qwest Field
3/20 Saturday - San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Field

Some additional links...
2010 USSF Division II Schedule - PDF file
2010 Timbers Schedule Google Calender
Additional Timbers Schedule Info from portlandtimbers.com
More about the Feb. 17th exhibition match from portlandtimbers.com
Read Oregon Live's Kip Kesgard take on the 2010 schedule

PGE Park Renovations Latest Pictures

These pictures were taken this morning, and the crew is hard at work.

Timber Jim on Channel 8

PGE Park Construction Update

Pictures were taken this morning

Red Bull Arena Stadium Profile

The Red Bull Arena will host its first game this March, in delays that would make PGE Park deal look like child's play. City politic delays and a change of club ownership may have eaten up time, but it has led to an impressive stadium that is similar to modern designs around the world. The mostly transparent roof will extend to the touchlines allowing natural sunlight in, while protecting the crowd from the elements. Capacity will be at just over 25,000, at a cost of $180 million. The site is in Harrison, New Jersey is about 10 miles out of NYC. While it is not in NYC, it is easily accessible by train as can be seen in this video of some season ticket holders picking out their seats.New York Red Bulls first MLS game in the new stadium will be March 27th against the Chicago Fire. The MLS's newest soccer specific stadium should have a big 2010, as many people are predicating a near sell out of every match. Although the many suites, may be a harder sell in this economic climate. Large crowds combined with the roof should mean that Red Bull Arena becomes one the loudest in the MLS. This newest stadium should help continue the hype and growth of the MLS.

The New York Red Bulls came up with a clever way to encourage people to donate to Haiti relief efforts, if you give $100, you will receive a tour of the new arena before it opens with a player from the team.

Red Bull Arena live webcam
Red Bull Arena animated tour
Take a virtual seat tour