Game Preview: The Rowdies are Back

Portland Timbers

VSTampa Bay Rowdies

Sunday, June 27th
5pm @ PGE Park
Televised on Fox Sports Northwest
Online @ PortlandTimbers.com
Radio on 95.5 The Game

The Timbers return to league action, hosting the Tampa bay Rowdies for the first time since 1982, in which we won 5 nil. The Rowdies have had a successful inaugural season thus far, sitting in 5th place in total points. The Timbers are coming off their first two win streak since the beginning of the season, the last two wins we have scored 6 goals and only allowed one to be scored against us.

Where the Timbers had a rough May, the Rowdies went undefeated. June has not been so kind to the Rowdies, they have lost their last three league games and lost this past week in US Open Cup play against Miami FC. They started out June with a trip to Vancouver with a close match in which they lost just 1 nil to the Whitecraps.

The Rowdies have earned their name this year, as they have accumulated a number of cards, leading scorer Aaron Wheeler is suspended from the match against the Timbers due to yellows. They enjoy confrontation and earn stupid cards for their behavior, something the Timbers and their Army can play into.

In 1975 the Rowdies along with the Timbers joined the NASL and shocked everyone by both appearing in the Soccer Bowl in their first season. Unfortunately the Rowdies won their only outdoor championship that year and Portland has chased the dream ever since. So every match with the Rowdies is a time for revenge. The weather should perfect and old rivals will meet once more.

Players to Watch
Aaron King - Tied with suspended Aaron Wheeler as top goal scorer with 4. He had a disappointing year due to injuries, you may remember him from the 2007 and 2008 seasons with Charleston Battery, in which he scored 21 goals in 51 games.

Takuya Yamada - Iconic J-League player Takuya Yamada is nicknamed "The Terminator," for his close physical play and is considered one of Japan's great utility players. He joined the Rowdies for his first stint outside of Japan, although he had tried out with the NE Rev's to no avail.

YouTube videos of the past
The goal against shittle that put us in the 1975 Soccer Bowl
NASL Soccer Bowl '75: Tampa Bay 2, Portland 0

Teddy Bear Toss - Your Chance to Throw Something on the Pitch, Seriously
From the Timbers front office.

As part of the Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Stoel Rives, LLC, fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed animals to the match to be donated to local youth charities. Following the Timbers’ first goal of the night, fans are invited to toss their stuffed animal onto the pitch. Items will be collected and distributed throughout the greater-Portland area.

If you don't believe us, go to Portlandtimbers.com