Timber Bits - USSF

Check out an awesome USSF Division 2 League Preview from Inside Minnesota Soccer. They enlisted writers from every team in the league to sum up every team. 2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League Season Preview

The Timbers Offside blog is back, with a new author, Micheal from Mao's Football. Look forward to more great coverage of your favorite club.

Know Your History

In 1975 Portland was awarded an expansion team in the North American Soccer League. The Portland Timbers were successful on the field in their first season and the love affair between Portlanders and the Timbers was set.

It was August 12, 1975 and the Seattle Sounders were in town for the quarterfinal playoff game at Multnomah Stadium (PGE Park) which was packed with over 31,000 supporters. The game played to a 1-1 draw at the end of regular time. A sudden death overtime ensued and the Timbers won the match. Fans by the thousands poured unto the field after the long hard fought victory to celebrate. It is not only one of the greatest matches in Timber history, but in the history of professional soccer in the US. We will work on getting some more clips from this match and from others of the good old days.


For more Portland Timbers history, check out the Portland Timbers Fan Page which has a wealth of stats and info to dig through.

Timbers head to Washington for Training

The Timbers are on a five day training trip to Bremerton, Washington which will include a preseason game against Kitsap SC Pumas on Saturday at 6pm. The team was founded in 2008 and plays in the USL's Premier Development League. For those thinking of making the trip north, tickets are only $5, and can be bought at the door of Bremerton Memorial Stadium.

The trip north will allow the players to focus on training and getting to know one another, as they will all be in foreign territory together. The Timbers are unbeaten in the preseason with a record of 3-0-1. Learn more about the trip at portlandtimbers.com.

MLS Final Kick Week 1

Timbers beat the flounders Victory Videos

MLS Power Rankings Week One

Ranking	Team	Notes
1	Columbus	Two-time defending Supporter Shield winners outclass Canadians with Schelloto picking up where he left off with goal and assist.
2	RSL	MLS Cup champs defend title with a big win on the road. Javier Morales scores two to take a very early lead for Golden Boot.
3	Seattle	MLS sophomores beat-up the freshmen team. Rain did not dter a sellout crowd as Sounders were in total control all night.
4	LA	No Beckham, no problem as Galaxy win at home thanks to Edson Buddle's early goal.
5	Houston	Dynamo grab a point on the road despite losing two national team players in the off-season.
6	Colorado	Omar Cummings' second-half goal was all that the Rapids needed in the opening week's least eventful game.
7	Kansas City	The Wizards' 4-0 blow-out of their former coach's new team has to be the biggest surprise of week one.
8	Chicago	Poor finishing bit the Fire as they fall to 2009's worst team despite outshooting them 8 to 3.
9	NYRB	Red Bull get a fresh start in the MLS Taj Mahal, they need to win on the road to prove they are for real.
10	Toronto	Four new players added in the days leading up to opening day and a new coach led to a punchless loss for TFC.
11	Dallas	Luckily for FCD, only 8,000 fans showed up to see them draw in-state rivals - really? Only 8,000 for opening day?
12	New England	The Revolution better find some offense quickly - they had no shots on goal in their opening day loss.
13	DC	What happened to this once proud franchise? New season brings them still playing in RFK Stadium and getting blown out.
14	Chivas	2008 Sacha Kljestan where are you? The USA Goats desperately need the video game poster boy to regain his form.
15	Philly	Tough way to start their MLS history - on the road, in front of sellout crowd, on national television.
16	San Jose	Getting blown out at home is not the way to convince fans to show up - that’s why the 2005 team moved to Houston… St. Louis calling???

You Can't Stop Us, We are the Rose City!

Portland continued it's preseason success with a 2 nil drop of the Vancouver Whitecaps in Tukwila, Washington. Two goals were scored in the first half, both set up by Ryan Pore. Doug DeMartin scored in the 12th minute, beating the keeper on a one on one play. Trialist Bright Dike upped his ante in the 41st minute with a chip over the Vancouver keeper. Getting beat twice must have really angered Vancouver keeper Jay Nolly, because in the final minutes of play a hard tackle on a Timbers break away, got him sent off with a straight red card.

Its only preseason, but the success in finding the back of the net in every game thus far, means we may be seeing a lot of the 2009 success continue into 2010.

• For those following Ian Joy's twitter, we got a racy picture of what he left in Washington.
• Follow the official twitter account of the Timbers.
  
• From Portlandtimbers.com Timbers defeat Vancouver 2-0 in preseason play

PGE Park Latest Pictures

These pictures were taken this morning.

MLS Season Kicks Off Tonight

The 2010 MLS season is just hours away, and the league is stronger than ever. Player and owner negotiations dragged on for longer than anyone wanted, but no practice or games were missed, except by Frank Ljungberg. This season sees the the 16th team join the league, the Philadelphia Union. The importance of adding Philly to the league or any professional league can not be stated enough. Philly fans are miserable creatures, who sell out stadiums just to boo their own under performing team. Add to that the natural rivalries that exist with Boston & NY, and you will have a club that stirs passion for the game and the league.

The new Red Bull Arena is the crown jewel of American Soccer Stadiums, the location allows New Yorkers to take the path train to the matches, design is top notch and this modern stadium gives one of the world's great cities, a pitch to be proud of.

The league finally launched a redesigned website mlssoccer.com, hopefully to replace the the old and lame mlsnet.com. Portland and Vancouver, both some of the most passionate supporters in North America, will be added to the mix in 2011, and the MLS will only grow stronger.


Some great matches in this opening week of MLS action, set your tivo now. All times posted on dropping timber are pacific standard time.

Thursday, March 25

• Seattle flounders v Philadelphia Union - 6:30pm on ESPN2

Friday, March 26

• Chivas USA v Colorado Rapids - 7:30pm on Direct Kick

Saturday, March 27

• Columbus Crew v Toronto FC - 1pm on Direct Kick
• FC Dallas v Houston Dynamo - 1pm on Telefutura
• New York Red Bulls v Chicago Fire - 4pm on ESPN
• Kansas City Wizards v DC United - 5:30pm on Direct Kick
• San Jose Earthquakes v Real Salt Lake - 6pm on FSC
• LA Galaxy v New England Revolution - 8pm on FSC

PGE Park Renovation Drawings

Some more renderings of the renovations that will be in place for the 2011 season. The pictures are from city documents made available to the public on Portlandonline.com.

Goalkeeper scores from 70 yards out

MLS 2010 Kicks Off on Thursday

Every team in the league will see action this opening week, and any strike delay to the season would have had fans missing out on some great matches. The Philadelphia Union will play their first MLS match in seattle this Thursday, hopefully Portland native and first round draft pick Danny Mwanga can help the Union drop the flounders. The Crew travel to Toronto on Saturday, this rivalry has only intensified over the years and expect a hard fought battle. The Fire will play at the awesome Red Bull Arena (pictured above), the arena will see it's first MLS match and the game will be on ESPN. Oh yeah, since its the opening week of the 2010 season, that means we are just 52 weeks away from the Timbers MLS debut.

Thursday, March 25

• Seattle flounders v Philadelphia Union - 6:30pm on ESPN2

Friday, March 26

• Chivas USA v Colorado Rapids - 7:30pm on Direct Kick

Saturday, March 27

• Columbus Crew v Toronto FC - 1pm on Direct Kick
• FC Dallas v Houston Dynamo - 1pm on Telefutura
• New York Red Bulls v Chicago Fire - 4pm on ESPN
• Kansas City Wizards v DC United - 5:30pm on Direct Kick
• San Jose Earthquakes v Real Salt Lake - 6pm on FSC
• LA Galaxy v New England Revolution - 8pm on FSC

Timber Bits - Timbers Remain Unbeaten

Portland played to a 1-1 draw in San Jose on Saturday, with Scot Thompson scoring the header against the Earthquakes. The Timbers remain unbeaten in the preseason, scoring 6 goals, while only allowing 1 scored against them. Get the story from those who attended the match.
Portland Timbers Website
Soccer City USA
The Bay Soccer

Mandjou Keita, may be more concerned with Portland, than continue to play in India.

Of bigger concern though will be a sudden drop in form of his key striker, Keita Mandjou. The team’s leading goalscorer seemed completely out of place on a balmy Sunday, prompting Bencherifa to show him the bench in the second session.

- Kolkata Mirror


A video of fans at the Community Shield match.

Portland Clashes with San Jose Earthquakes Tonight

Portland Timbers
Vs.
San Jose Earthquakes
Preseason Friendly
Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, California
7:00 PM March 20th

Listen live to John Strong, 95.5 the Game, show starts at 6:30PM

MLS strike averted as players' union reaches deal

MLS strike averted as players' union reaches deal

Timber Bits - Links, links and more links

Super stud Tony McManus does a little Q&A, and gives the army props. One-on-one with Tony McManus.


Portland Soccer Bars, brought to you by the excellent local blogger Dave Knows. This is one of the best domain names in the history of the internets. http://portlandsoccerbars.com/


Three flounder fans watched frodo in green street hooligans and decided that jumping a guy in downtown shittle is cool. This is so lame, its unbelievable! To the idiot supporters of any club, ours included, that think violence is cool, or some how part of the match day experience, join UFC, go to another continent or do a cobain. Better yet do all three! The Shittle Times


And now some great news, Fox Sports Northwest will televise ten Timber games this year.

2010 Portland Timbers on FSN (all games originating from PGE Park)
April 22 – vs. AC St. Louis (7 p.m.)
April 29 – vs. Vancouver (7 p.m.)
May 13 – vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore (7 p.m.)
May 15 – vs. AC St. Louis (7 p.m.)
June 6 – vs. Carolina (6 p.m.)
June 17 – vs. NSC Minnesota (7 p.m.)
June 27 – vs. FC Tampa Bay (5 p.m.)
Aug. 11 – vs. NSC Minnesota (7 p.m.)
Aug. 26 – vs. Austin (7 p.m.)
Aug. 29 – vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore (6 p.m.)

The Deuce is back!

South Africa here we go!

PGE Park Big Update

107ist - The Timbers Army Independent Supporters' Trust

Anyone who is a Timbers fan and cheers for the team can call themselves a part of the Timbers Army, but there is an official side to the Timbers Army as well, the 107 Independent Supporters' Trust. 107ist holds elections, votes on issues, coordinates Timbers Army events and works with Portland Timbers management. This is a new venture, for the Timbers Army, but not uncommon amongst big clubs around the world. Independent supporters trusts, help negotiate the common goals between supporters and the the ownership of the club.

The group is "open to anyone who loves soccer, the Timbers, Portland, and, especially, the combination of the three", and you can become a member for a $20 fee. Membership includes benefits including first dibs on road trip transportation, special 107ist merchandise, and access to member-only events. The fee also helps support Tifo efforts, flags and whatever else it takes to make Timber's games the the best experience in North America. Interested, learn more at the links below, passionate enough, run for election to the board.

Become a member: http://www.timbersarmy.org/107ist/membership/
More information about 107ist: http://www.timbersarmy.org/107ist/

Behind the Scenes USA and the Dutch

Timbers on KPTV-12

KPTV channel 12, your local Fox Affiliate, that brings you Dirty Dining, Most Wanted and other highly entertaining news stories from the local area is also doing some "half decent' Timbers coverage. Last year, they did a nice piece about local Alex Nimo's journey to the Timbers, last week they engaged Merritt, discussing what we already knew, and today some interviews with Ian Joy and the Ryan Pore. It is nice to see some local tv outlets sorta get it, sorta. Watch the interviews on kptv.com/timbers.

Speaking of Traditional Media, let's go
Newspaper: Kip Kesgard does an excellent job blogging with the Oregonian, just wish more of those stories hit the newsprint. The Kip knows his Timbers and runs stories from in depth to the new to the beautiful game. oregonlive.com/timbers
Radio: John Strong is the voice of the Timbers, his knowledge and style is right on from his game day commentary to his Timbers radio show. The mature voice and young Strong may be solidifying his growing spot with the Timbers, better then anybody. Strong at Night
Graffiti Artist: It dates back to 30,000 BCE, and yet the great ones still remain mysterious.

Timbers 20 Year Reunion

Way back in 1995, I was super ultra and got a free ticket to the Timbers 20 Year Reunion game. I just found the ticket stub, it is in poor condition as you can see below. I have been trying to find information about this match, but I can't find squat. I am hoping others may remember more about this match, or have found some more information.
It was a freshman in high school 15 years ago, and I remember only a little. I know there was a controversial offside call, I think against Clyde Best in the final 10 minutes. The whole crowd booed, because they thought they should let the play go on, as it was a reunion match. I am sure Timber Jim was there, but over the years the chainsaw has become synonymous with every Timbers match at PGE Park.

Please send us what you know or post a comment of what you remember about this match, the stories, photographs, video?, any and all would be awesome.

MLS Final Kick Season Preview

MLS Final Kick is a weekly show on ESPN covering all MLS action, and this episode is the 2010 season preview.

Try this at home - Judo Chop

What do you do as a defender, when some flashy blond haired striker tries to do some cheeky step over on you? You clock him upside the head, duh! This brilliant defender doesn't take fancy footwork without getting some special moves in of his own. Now kids, this can take some practice and may result in a few cards before you get it just right, but as you learn the judo chop, strikers will learn to take their fancy shat somewhere else. Still, a great little pass to the left, unlucky miss off the side of the post.


BREAKING NEWS - The Strikers Strike Back, not only are those offensive bastards using fancy footwork to move the ball, they are also using fists of fury and elbow bombs, as nightclub brawler and v-sign giver Steven Gerrard demonstrates below.

Timbers Bits - NO means NO!

First off, we had to post this picture of Ross Smith kindly introducing himself to Fredy Montero.



The voice of the Timbers, John Strong is on the air tonight, Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm. Strong at Night always has solid Timbers coverage, including analysis, interviews and phone calls, so make sure to tune in to 95.5 tonight. Also check out Strong's latest blog post which includes interviews with Gavin and Ross Smith. The audio links are at the bottom of the post.


Portland Timber Rookie Goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski will be writing about his first year experiences as a professional player in a blog named the Clean Sheet. You can read his first entry on portlandtimbers.com.


The Seattle game wasn't the only derby for the Timbers, as Mandjou Keita played in the Gao derby between Salgaocar and Dempo. Keita didn't find the back of the net, but his team mates did, as they won 3-1, shocking league leader Dempo. It was big victory for Salgaocar, as they are still fighting to get out of the relegation zone. Keita is expected to come back to Portland before the season starts.

A video shot by some dude, (not ours) of the renovation project at PGE Park. Our elite PGE Park Photographer did not shoot this video, and it is not his voice.


Our new favorite Twitter account is LevesqueisDouche

Know Your Chants: Portland Boys

Portland boys we are here - Wo ho, Wo ho
Portland boys we are here - Wo ho, Wo ho
Portland boys we are here
Hug your women, drink your beer
Wo ho, Wo ho, oh

Use your head and use your feet - Wo ho, Wo ho
Use you head and use your feet - Wo ho, Wo ho
Use your head and use your feet
10 -color of opposition- buggers at my feet
Wo ho, Wo ho, oh

Burn, destroy, wreck and kill - Wo ho, Wo ho
Burn, destroy, wreck and kill - Wo ho, Wo ho
Burn, destroy, wreck and kill
Portland Timbers bloody will
Wo ho, Wo ho, oh

Timbers chants: http://timbers107.blogspot.com/2007/09/timbers-army-chants.html

Timbers Player Ratings

Player ratings for the 3/11 pre-season match against the Sounders.

Steve Cronin: 10
An absolute beast. He hasn't lost a step from last season, and the Timbers may be able to ride his back again for a few matches this year. If this season is an MLS tryout, Cronin really made his case against the Sounders. (90', 6 saves)

Back line: 8.5
The Timbers played with 4 defenders in the back, and a defensive midfielder, so the Timbers in effect were allowing the Sounders to get their chances. Despite a few lapses, the defense came through and Wilkinson's strategy paid huge dividends.

Mamadou "Futty" Danso: 9
Sporting "Futty" on his back, Danso was the Timber's most solid defender, anchoring the defense and coming up with huge plays against the Sounders. (90')

Quavas Kirk: 8
Kirk was the most impressive new addition to the Timbers defense. He had a couple of missed marks and touches, allowing the Sounders to strike, but came through when needed and single-handedly prevented at least one goal. (subbed at 73')

Midfield: 6
Except for a brief period in the second half, the Sounders were able to control possession for most of the match. Part of this was because the Timbers were set up defensively, but some of it can be attributed to the midfielders just being out-skilled by their MLS counterparts.

Rodrigo Lopez: 3.5
Lopez was especially disappointing, as it almost seemed as if the effort wasn't there. It was a relief to see the much more exciting Nimo replace him. (subbed at 54')

Forwards: 9
The offense didn't have many chances, but they were able to convert when it counted. The score could have easily been 2-0.

O.J. Obatola: 10
Instant Timbers Legend. Be honest, you probably didn't even know who this guy was and he walks off the field a hero. (subbed at 61', goal)

PGE Park Construction Update

The PGE Park renovation seems to be ahead of schedule, as they are finishing the foundation work and will soon put the turf back. Pictures were taken this morning.

Things that suck about Qworst Field

• Shittle fans
• The Sound Wave
  
• If you buy a bottled water they throw the cap away and hand it to you. Your bottle is now impossible to reuse. Way to be green Seattle.
  
• Washed up goalies.
• 2 beer choices and one is sold out. Nothing says Northwest like Bud Light.
  
• Overrated prima-donna forwards who flop and whine to the ref.
• Fans who obviously weren't around when their team averaged 2,000 home attendance, but put up signs about "history"
  
• The chick who spent 8 minutes burning steaming milk for a latte. This is the home of Starbucks?
• It's a rotten metal taco
• Who wants to go to a soccer match and sit so far away you can't see?
  
• No board up with game stats (maybe that's because it was a charity match?)
• It's too big, so sound doesn't carry. Oh wait, they fixed that by piping in chants on the PA system and micing up the supporters section.
• You can't smoke. Anywhere. You literally have to leave the entire stadium to smoke and they don't allow you to come back in after the match starts. Smokers are officially third class citizens in Seattle.
• If you noticed anything else that sucks about Qworst Field, let us know in the comments.
  

These are not the official opinions of Dropping Timber as we strive to the utmost to never allow biases to affect our reporting. Oh yeah, and we'll see you neon puke green bastards in 2011.

Welcome Back Alex Nimo!

The Portland Timbers announced yesterday that Real Salt Lake will again be loaning Alex Nimo to the team for their 2010 season. Nimo didn't have much time to take in the news as he found himself on a rain soaked Qwest field later that evening playing against the Sounders. Subbing in for some second half action, Nimo looked like the same speedy, playmaking midfielder that excited Timber fans a year ago.

A hometown product, graduating from Benson high School, Nimo was named a Parade All-American in 2006 before being selected 17th overall by Real Salt Lake in the 2008 MLS draft. Only 19 years of age, Nimo, played in 23 games for the Timbers last year, scoring two goals and recording one assist. Conditions of the loan agreement state that Nimo can be called back up to the MLS by Real Salt Lake at any point during the season should they feel the need. The transaction is also still pending league approval.

Alex Nimo Player Profiles
PortlandTimbers.com and MLSnet.com

Timbers Shine in Rain Soaked Victory, Beat Sounders 1 - 0

In an electric and spirited atmosphere, the Portland Timbers marched into a packed Qwest Field and pulled out a gutty 1-0 victory against the Seattle Sounders FC. Over 18,600 fans endured a cold evening filled with steady rain fall to watch what will soon perhaps become the premiere soccer rivalry in the entire nation. Although only a preseason charity exhibition, the play on the field was competitive and aggressive as both teams continue to ready themselves for their upcoming regular seasons. Of course, the Sounders are about to begin their second year in the MLS, America's top soccer division, and the Timbers will be spending their last season in soccer's minor leagues before making the jump in 2011, a fact that only further enriches the victory.

Over four busloads of enthusiastic Timber fans got a chance to see their new-look team in action. Highly anticipated off-season acquisitions Quavas Kirk, Ross Smith, Ian Joy, James Marcelin, Derek Gaudet, and Doug DeMartin all got an opportunity to show-off their skills, but it was perhaps pre-season camp invite, Gabriel Obatola, who made the most of the occasion, scoring the game's only goal in the 44th minute. Despite the Sounders controlling possession and earning numerous scoring threats, it was the Timbers who finally broke through late in the first half. A quick striking play, forward George Josten found his way into the box and snuck a pass around the Sounders backline to find a streaking Obatola who blasted the shot past keeper Kasey Keller.

The real story of the game was the Timber's defense. Although they had some communication problems early on, allowing the Sounders to slip past their backline on a handful of occasions, they were able to recovery quickly and showed great skill at breaking up plays when it mattered the most. As expected with a roster full of new players, the Timbers will have to work out a few kinks and build up chemistry, something that won't simply happen overnight. But so far so good. Ross Smith seemed comfortable directing the backline and Quavas Kirk looked fast even on the wet field. Keeper Steve Cronin earned himself another shutout and the team leaned on him heavily, as he was forced to make many big saves on a busy night. The Sounders went into a 3-4-3 formation during the final minutes of play, trying to force the action up front, which made for a hectic conclusion to the match. In what seemed like a long three minutes of stoppage time, the Sounders turned up the pressure, nearly scoring in the closing moments, but ultimately failing to come through in the final third.

Overall, the Timbers defense looked very solid, a trait that carried this team to success last season. Even with the announced return of midfielder Alex Nimo, play in the middle third of field left much to be desired. The Sounders were more active, winning 50/50 balls, and keeping possession with craftier and more patient play. Surely, Manager Gavin Wilkinson will be looking for better play out of his midfield in order to relieve pressure from the defense and avoid wearing them down. The return back into the lineup of Taka Suzuki, Brian Farber, Keith Savage and other stalwarts from last year's rotation will certainly help as well.

It should also be noted that the final score could have just as easily been 2-0. In the 85th minute, forward George Josten found himself isolated on the left side of the box against Keller, juking around him and firing a shot that ricocheted off the far goal post.

The Timbers next match takes place Saturday, March 20th, in a preseason matchup against the MLS's San Jose Earthquake in Santa Clara, Ca. Kick off is set for 7pm.

Extra Bits
Timbers Defeat MLS's Sounders FC 1-0 in Preseason (Portlandtimbers.com)
Sounders Dominate All But The Score (SoundersFC.com)

Portland at Seattle 1-nil Victory, Pictures and Videos

Timbers take seattle 1-0

A great adventure into seattle, just some videos for now. More pictures and video to come very soon.

DERBY DAY! PORTLAND vs SEATTLE

Some may say its just a game, but this is about heroes and tribes, loyalty and devotion, a commitment to a passion, a battle in our belief, this is our faith. Feel the fever of the crowd, the roar of the faithful.

-Fifa 06 intro

The Timbers are on the road to Seattle today, in what is and always will be the biggest rivalry in the US soccer. A rivalry 35 years in the making continues today in what might be the last match day, before Portland goes MLS. The Timbers Army has filled four buses and many others will be making the trip on their own, into the lion's den, Qwest Field. The passion behind this preseason "friendly" is only a fragment of what the 2011 matches will look like.
This great rivalry is not fully understood or appreciated by many of the US soccer world, well this may be the last time that is true. It may be the last time you can just walk up to a ticket window minutes before the derby, it may be the last time we are ever considered minor or 2nd division and it may be the last time that the rest of the MLS is safe. There's No Pity in the Rose City.


The Timbers roster at this time includes 25 players, not all of which have been either signed, or are even in country at this time.

Goalkeepers (3): Adin Brown, Steve Cronin, Matt Pyzdrowski
Defenders (6): Mamadou Danso, Ian Joy, Stephen Keel, Quavas Kirk, Ross Smith, Scot Thompson
Midfielders (9): Josh Cameron, Johan Claesson, Brian Farber, Derek Gaudet, Rodrigo Lopez, James Marcelin, Tony McManus, Ryan Pore, Keith Savage,
Forwards (4): Doug DeMartin, George Josten, Mandjou Keita, Takayuki Suzuki,
Inactive (1): Cameron Knowles
In Camp (2): Gabreil Obatola (forward), Israel Sesay (midfielder)
Total Players: 25

Seattle Preview with the Timbers

Read the Timbers press release about this derby.

35 Years of Tribal Warfare, Loyalty and Devotion

Portland Timbers

vs.
Seattle Flounders
Thursday, March 11th, 6:00pm
Qwest Field

In 1975 the Timbers and flounders played four matches, Seattle won two, and Portland won two, but the last match was a OT quarterfinal win for us. A moment so epic, that Portland's love affair with the team culminated with fans rushing the field to congratulate the Timbers. Little did we know then, the ups and downs that faced the clubs, the leagues and football itself in the US. Through it all one thing has remained certain, that Seattle is shit and will always be shit.
The first ever "community shield" charity match is in many ways a dry run for 2011, so that qworst field workers can learn how to treat visiting fans with some respect, concession workers learn how to quickly change kegs, and we continue to be the Timbers Army, greatest football supporters the world has ever seen. Four buses with over 200 fans have been organized for a preseason charity match, and it makes everyone wonder how many buses it will take in 2011, rumor is, it will take a train. Many more people will be carpooling and driving themselves up to the game, for what will be a match between two tribes.

A few notes for us fans traveling to the game...

• Don't throw things on the pitch, the field is for playing not your stupid drunk ass to chuck things unto. If that's your gig, move to another continent.
  
• For the drinkers, don't be the guy that never makes it off the bus or into the stadium, drinking to excess is for post game celebrations.
• When we travel, we are representing the Rose City, make them proud and don't end up like this guy.
• Have fun, yell and shout til your voice gives out and enjoy the beautiful game.

The funny part is, the people who need to be reminded of these sort of things, probably don't read well.

A great radio interview is hosted on pro Seattle site Prost Amerika Soccer, an interview with Bickle about the current status and future of the rivalry.

We will update the site soon after the match finishes or as our hangover allows.

Timbers Bits - Shittle, Facebook, Keita

The Timbers Army has organized and packed four buses full of faithful supporters. Ninkasi Brewing Company from Eugene, has been kind enough to donate a keg for each bus. A warning to us drinkers, don't be that guy that never makes it off the bus, because you have had too much. Drinking to excess is for the post game celebration not the I don't even make it in the gate of qworst field. A big thank you is in order for the people who have helped organize this event for us all to enjoy. Checkout the Facebook event page to find out the nitty gritty.


Q&A with the Timbers
From the Portland Timbers Facebook page

The Timbers will feature a series of question-and-answer segments, exclusive to Facebook, with team executives, coaches, players and staff this season. The first installment features team owner Merritt Paulson. Submit your questions below, and check back at the end of the week for Merritt’s thoughts on some of your questions.

Oregon State preseason match
Some pictures and video from the preseason match in Corvallis. - Timber Fan Page Pictures, The Woodwork Video 1, Video 2, Video 3

Paulson on TV
Merritt Paulson talk about the Timbers on Oregon Sports Final on Fox 12 - Video Link

Mandjou Keita plays Wednesday March 10th and was chosen as the key player of the game in this goal.com match preview

Oops...

Keep Up with all the EPL Action

Visit local blogger Mao's Football to keep up with all the action in the EPL and the latest in the final march to South Africa.