Portland TimbersVS
Rochester Rhinos
7:00pm Saturday April 17th
@ PGE Park
Online LIVE @ PortlandTimbers.com
Radio 95.5 The Game
We're only 1 day away from the start of the 2010 USSF season and only 1 year away from seeing the Portland Timbers in the MLS. With basketball season nearing its end, focus around the city is now free to shift from the hardwood to the beautiful game. Saturday's season opener should be an enthusiastic and raucous environment inside of PGE Park. Anticipate a big crowd and a lot of excitement, as the Timbers resume their quest for the franchise's 1st ever league championship. Portland will face a moderate challenge in the new-look Rochester squad, a good opening opponent and a chance for the team to get the ball rolling in the right direction. Those lucky enough to be in attendance tomorrow evening will not only be able to see a quality sporting event, but will get to witness another step towards Portland joining the world's soccer stage. The wagon is already moving so hurry up and hop on.
Rochester has overhauled its roster during the offseason. Although a team with a fairly successful history, the Rhinos recent disappointments, including an early exit from last year's playoffs, has lead management to shake things up. New coach Bob Lilley brought with him sweeping changes to the club and the Rhinos have only a handful of returning players. Gone is the club's leading scorer Johnny Menyongar. They're now a youthful and inexperienced team full of unproven potential. Last season when the teams met, Stephen Keel was blatantly pushed to the ground in the closing minutes leading to a PK kick and a Timber victory in what was one of the more controversial games of the year. The history here would normally add to the drama of the game, however, Rochester is basically a completely different team now, which in many ways makes them difficult to scout. So far, the Rhinos are 0-0-1, squeaking out a 1-1 draw with Miami in their season opener.
For Portland, the keys to getting a win will revolve around chemistry and cohesiveness. With most of the big changes coming on the defensive end, communication with all the new players and how quickly they get in sync will be of the utmost importance. Fortunately, the Timbers should benefit from having the reliable Steve Cronin defending the goal, as he'll help cover up for any early season miscues. Offensively, the Timbers must play patient and efficiently. Ball control and time of possession will be points of emphasis. Putting the young Rochester team in situations where they must make quick decisions will help Portland get solid scoring opportunities. And another way for the team to give the defense some breathing room is to score goals.
*** For a more extensive overview of the year, make sure and check out our coverage of Timbers Media Day and our 2010 Season Preview Posts below.
Players to Watch
Ryan Heins - The 25 year old is one of only three returning players for the Rhinos. Heins is a physically imposing defender and his experience should lead to a big year. He scored the Rhinos only goal in their 1-1 draw.
Frankie Sanfilippo - Sanfilippo played two seasons for the Rhinos from 2005-2006. One of the few veterans on this team, his return to Rochester should help add some much needed stability to their defense.
Darren Spicer - A quick, young, attacking player, Spicer is another part of the youth movement in Rochester. He lead the team in shot attempts in their first game, so look for him to be active coming out of the midfield.
Rochester Rhinos7:00pm Saturday April 17th
@ PGE Park
Online LIVE @ PortlandTimbers.com
Radio 95.5 The Game
We're only 1 day away from the start of the 2010 USSF season and only 1 year away from seeing the Portland Timbers in the MLS. With basketball season nearing its end, focus around the city is now free to shift from the hardwood to the beautiful game. Saturday's season opener should be an enthusiastic and raucous environment inside of PGE Park. Anticipate a big crowd and a lot of excitement, as the Timbers resume their quest for the franchise's 1st ever league championship. Portland will face a moderate challenge in the new-look Rochester squad, a good opening opponent and a chance for the team to get the ball rolling in the right direction. Those lucky enough to be in attendance tomorrow evening will not only be able to see a quality sporting event, but will get to witness another step towards Portland joining the world's soccer stage. The wagon is already moving so hurry up and hop on.Rochester has overhauled its roster during the offseason. Although a team with a fairly successful history, the Rhinos recent disappointments, including an early exit from last year's playoffs, has lead management to shake things up. New coach Bob Lilley brought with him sweeping changes to the club and the Rhinos have only a handful of returning players. Gone is the club's leading scorer Johnny Menyongar. They're now a youthful and inexperienced team full of unproven potential. Last season when the teams met, Stephen Keel was blatantly pushed to the ground in the closing minutes leading to a PK kick and a Timber victory in what was one of the more controversial games of the year. The history here would normally add to the drama of the game, however, Rochester is basically a completely different team now, which in many ways makes them difficult to scout. So far, the Rhinos are 0-0-1, squeaking out a 1-1 draw with Miami in their season opener.
For Portland, the keys to getting a win will revolve around chemistry and cohesiveness. With most of the big changes coming on the defensive end, communication with all the new players and how quickly they get in sync will be of the utmost importance. Fortunately, the Timbers should benefit from having the reliable Steve Cronin defending the goal, as he'll help cover up for any early season miscues. Offensively, the Timbers must play patient and efficiently. Ball control and time of possession will be points of emphasis. Putting the young Rochester team in situations where they must make quick decisions will help Portland get solid scoring opportunities. And another way for the team to give the defense some breathing room is to score goals.
*** For a more extensive overview of the year, make sure and check out our coverage of Timbers Media Day and our 2010 Season Preview Posts below.
Players to Watch
Ryan Heins - The 25 year old is one of only three returning players for the Rhinos. Heins is a physically imposing defender and his experience should lead to a big year. He scored the Rhinos only goal in their 1-1 draw.
Frankie Sanfilippo - Sanfilippo played two seasons for the Rhinos from 2005-2006. One of the few veterans on this team, his return to Rochester should help add some much needed stability to their defense.
Darren Spicer - A quick, young, attacking player, Spicer is another part of the youth movement in Rochester. He lead the team in shot attempts in their first game, so look for him to be active coming out of the midfield.
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