Friday, July 30
Game Preview: Rowdy Time for Timbers
Portland TimbersVS
Tampa Bay RowdiesSaturday, July 31ist
4:30pm @ George Steinbrenner Field
Online @ PortlandTimbers.com
Radio on 95.5 The Game
Tampa Bay is led by the two Aarons, King and Wheeler. We missed Wheeler the first time around due to yellow card accumulation.
King, a former Charleston Battery player, has not slowed down and he leads the team with 5 goals. King has played in all 17 matches this season, but has only started 3. The Timbers will need to be on the look out for him, because he leads the team in overall points with 8.The Rowdies recently signed two Whitecap midfielders, Ricardo Sánchez and Jonathan Steele. Both are solid proven players, who could help ignite the Rowdies offense.
The Rowdies and the Timbers have beef, 35 year old beef, that goes back to the Timbers inaugural season, when the Rowdies defeated the Timbers in the 1975 Soccer Bowl. This may be our last chance to play in Tampa Bay for a very long time, as we move to MLS and Tampa learns the ropes of D-2.
Video Links
Video highlights - Timbers v Rowdies 6/27
Video highlights - Rowdies v Islanders 7/15
Stadium Tour - Check out the Rowdies stadium with Saharah
Rowdies Commercial - circa mid 70's
Wednesday, July 28
AC St. Louis Trounce the Timbers
The Timbers played their worst game of the season by dropping to AC St. Louis 3 nil. Mike Ambersley got the hat trick for St. Louis, as the Timbers seemed to just hand the goals over him. Simple mistakes were quickly exploited by Ambersley who scored in the 26th minute and then chipped a ball over Cronin just a minute later to make the game 2-nil. Josten had a chance, but was stopped by the keeper just before half.
The second half was as lackluster as the first for the Timbers, as Ambersley scored again for the hat trick in the 57th minute. The Timbers tried to move the ball to Dike as usual, but the St. Louis defense did a good job of breaking up chances. The Timbers offense never seemed to get on track and defensive lapses led to easy goals for AC.
One positive note for the match was the delightful color commentary coming from Ian Joy on 95.5 the game. Joy sat out this match due to his yellow card accumulation.
This loss snapped Portland's season long five game unbeaten streak. The Timbers face the Tampa bay Rowdies this Saturday in game two of this three game road trip. Those damn Rowdies won their last match against their Florida rival Miami FC 2-nil last Sunday. Ian Joy will be back with the squad on Saturday and hopefully today's loss was a fluke that we can forget about.
Box Score here
AC St. Louis Fanatic - Ambersley, Dufty Chop Down Timbers: AC St. Louis Wins 3-0
Next up is the Tampa bay Rowdies this Saturday at 4:30 pm.
The second half was as lackluster as the first for the Timbers, as Ambersley scored again for the hat trick in the 57th minute. The Timbers tried to move the ball to Dike as usual, but the St. Louis defense did a good job of breaking up chances. The Timbers offense never seemed to get on track and defensive lapses led to easy goals for AC.
One positive note for the match was the delightful color commentary coming from Ian Joy on 95.5 the game. Joy sat out this match due to his yellow card accumulation.
This loss snapped Portland's season long five game unbeaten streak. The Timbers face the Tampa bay Rowdies this Saturday in game two of this three game road trip. Those damn Rowdies won their last match against their Florida rival Miami FC 2-nil last Sunday. Ian Joy will be back with the squad on Saturday and hopefully today's loss was a fluke that we can forget about.
Box Score here
AC St. Louis Fanatic - Ambersley, Dufty Chop Down Timbers: AC St. Louis Wins 3-0
Next up is the Tampa bay Rowdies this Saturday at 4:30 pm.
Match Day PTFC v AC St. Louis
Portland Timbers v AC St Louis
Timbers pregame radio show on 95.5 the game begins at 4:30
Watch the match live at 5:10pm on portlandtimbers.com/live
Feed is up.
MLS All Stars v Manchester United
Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas
5:30 pm on ESPN 2
At halftime of the all-star game, a coin flip will determine if either the Timbers or the Whitecaps get the first pick in the draft. Read more here. We will report the results of the coin flip ASAP.
Update: Vancouver won first pick.
Puerto Rico Islanders Shock LA Galaxy
The Puerto Rico Islanders played at the Home Depot Center and put on a show by beating Landon's LA 4-1. Last night's match was a qualifier for the CONCACAF Champions League, and things do not look good for LA. The only goal scored by the Galaxy was an own goal.
Match Day Fix PTFC v AC St. louis
Game Previews
Dropping Timber - Going to St. Louis
Portland Timbers - Timbers begin three-game road trip Wednesday
AC St. Louis - AC ST. LOUIS READY FOR SOME HOME COOKING
AC St Louis Fanatic - Timbers Time: AC St. Louis Hosts Portland Wednesday Night
Timber Mill - Timbers in St. Louis with a little redemption on their minds
Offside - Game 18: AC St. Louis v. Portland Timbers
More Timbers News
John Strong - Talk Timbers (7/27/2010)
Dave Knows - Tuesday Timbers Tidbits (07/27/2010)
Oregon Live - Tough guy John Spencer tops list of candidates to coach Timbers for their inaugural
Oregon Live - Commissioner Doug Garber discusses the state of MLS and the Portland Timbers
Dropping Timber - Going to St. Louis
Portland Timbers - Timbers begin three-game road trip Wednesday
AC St. Louis - AC ST. LOUIS READY FOR SOME HOME COOKING
AC St Louis Fanatic - Timbers Time: AC St. Louis Hosts Portland Wednesday Night
Timber Mill - Timbers in St. Louis with a little redemption on their minds
Offside - Game 18: AC St. Louis v. Portland Timbers
More Timbers News
John Strong - Talk Timbers (7/27/2010)
Dave Knows - Tuesday Timbers Tidbits (07/27/2010)
Oregon Live - Tough guy John Spencer tops list of candidates to coach Timbers for their inaugural
Oregon Live - Commissioner Doug Garber discusses the state of MLS and the Portland Timbers
Tuesday, July 27
Expansion Draft or SuperDraft? Coin flip will decide who chooses
The Timbers face AC St Louis tomorrow, but while the match on the field is important for this years playoff race, something even more important for the Timbers future will happen on Wednesday. At halftime during the MLS All Stars vs. Manchester United game, a coin flip will determine the fates of Vancouver and Portland. The winner of the toss gets to choose their preference between having the first pick in the SuperDraft or the Expansion Draft.
The All-star Game will be on ESPN2 this Wednesday, starting at 5:30pm PST, so the coin toss will be sometime after 6:15pm, if you want to make sure to see it.
Dropping Timber will be posting in depth articles on the SuperDraft and Expansion drafts in the coming days, so stay tuned.
Monday, July 26
Game Preview: Going to St. Louis
Portland Timbers(7-5-5)
VS
AC St Louis
VS
AC St Louis(4-10-4)
The Timbers travel to St. Louis for the first time this Wednesday. It is our third match with AC St. Louis, as we won the first meeting 3-nil back in April and then tied them 1-1 in May. AC has been struggling on several fronts with financial trouble that put the team's future in doubt and poor play that has resulted in a 4-10-4 record.
The Timbers are red hot at moment fresh from a huge win in Vancouver and on a 5 game unbeaten streak. St. Louis won on Saturday, in a 1-nil match at home against Crystal Palace Baltimore. Earlier this month AC, destroyed the Impact in a 3 nil victory at home, but Montreal reversed that score just 11 days later when St. Louis went to Saputo Stadium.
St. Louis has the least amount of goals scored by any team this year with only 14 goals in 18 games. They also have allowed some 27 goals against them in those 18 games. This is the second match of a four game road trip and this would be a great game for someone other than Ryan Pore, to carry the burden of getting the ball in the net in league play. Pore leads the Timbers and the league with 11 goals, while five other Timbers have one goal each. Make some match predictions in our forums.
Players To Watch
Luke Kreamalmeyer - The former Timber has 2 goals and 4 assists. Also, was very impressive in US Open Cup play.
Mike Ambersley - Leads the team with 3 goals and scored the only goal on Saturday's win over Baltimore.
Alec Dufty - Goalkeeper has had some solid games blocking shot after shot.
YouTube links of recent AC St. Louis play
Vancouver 1, AC St. Louis - Some big saves by the AC keeper.
Aztex 2, Ac St. Louis 0 - Check out the save by the defender around the 20 second mark.
NSC Minnesota 2, AC St. Louis 2 - NSC score twice in the final minutes to steal the point.
Timbers 2, AC St. Louis - Pore scores 18 seconds in.
Check out then AC St Louis Fanatic blog, they do an excellent job covering the team.
Timber Bits
Post Game Links
Portland Timbers - Timbers defeat Whitecaps 2-1 on winner by Danso
Vancouver WhiteCaps - Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Prost Amerika Soccer - Wilkinson: Our Fans Put In More Work Than Anyone
Oregon Live - 2010 Cascadia Cup Champions
Oregon Live - Win at Vancouver sets bar higher for season; news, notes and links
Oregon Live - Portland 2, Vancouver 1: Second-half goals earn Timbers a win on the road
Portland Tribune - Timbers score game-winner with man advantage at Vancouver
The Vancouver Sun - Whitecaps fall to Timbers in chippy match between division rivals
The Province - Timbers' streak-snapper out of sky
More Timber News
Oregon Live - Coin flip is next step as Timbers prep for Major League Soccer
Lansing State Journal - Mason alum plays for Portland Timbers
Oregon Live - Power-wielding Paul Allen tops list of influential Oregon sports figures
News from Around the league
AC St. Louis Fanatic - Ambersley Nets Winner as AC St. Louis Beat Baltimore Saturday 1-0
TBO - Islanders move into the playoff positions
Inside Minnesota Soccer - Thunder Splits Weekend Series with Thunder Bay
The Cary News - Midseason RailHawks heading home
Vancouver Sun - Whitecaps lucky to pull off 1-1 draw Sunday
USSF Division-2 Standings
Portland Timbers - Timbers defeat Whitecaps 2-1 on winner by Danso
Vancouver WhiteCaps - Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Prost Amerika Soccer - Wilkinson: Our Fans Put In More Work Than Anyone
Oregon Live - 2010 Cascadia Cup Champions
Oregon Live - Win at Vancouver sets bar higher for season; news, notes and links
Oregon Live - Portland 2, Vancouver 1: Second-half goals earn Timbers a win on the road
Portland Tribune - Timbers score game-winner with man advantage at Vancouver
The Vancouver Sun - Whitecaps fall to Timbers in chippy match between division rivals
The Province - Timbers' streak-snapper out of sky
More Timber News
Oregon Live - Coin flip is next step as Timbers prep for Major League Soccer
Lansing State Journal - Mason alum plays for Portland Timbers
Oregon Live - Power-wielding Paul Allen tops list of influential Oregon sports figures
News from Around the league
AC St. Louis Fanatic - Ambersley Nets Winner as AC St. Louis Beat Baltimore Saturday 1-0
TBO - Islanders move into the playoff positions
Inside Minnesota Soccer - Thunder Splits Weekend Series with Thunder Bay
The Cary News - Midseason RailHawks heading home
Vancouver Sun - Whitecaps lucky to pull off 1-1 draw Sunday
USSF Division-2 Standings
| NASL Conference | |||||||||||||||||
| NASL Conference | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |||||||||
| 01. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 19 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 20 | 13 | 7 | 30 | |||||||||
| 02. Carolina RailHawks | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 24 | |||||||||
| 03. Montreal Impact | 18 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 21 | -3 | 23 | |||||||||
| 04. Crystal Palace Baltimore | 18 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 15 | 23 | -8 | 19 | |||||||||
| 05. AC St. Louis | 18 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 27 | -13 | 16 | |||||||||
| 06. Miami FC Blues | 18 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 18 | 29 | -11 | 15 | |||||||||
| USL Conference | |||||||||||||||||
| USL Conference | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |||||||||
| 01. Austin Aztex | 17 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 17 | 13 | 35 | |||||||||
| 02. Rochester Rhinos | 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 21 | 16 | 5 | 30 | |||||||||
| 03. Portland Timbers | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 26 | |||||||||
| 04. NSC Minnesota Stars | 21 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 26 | |||||||||
| 05. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 18 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 21 | 18 | 3 | 23 | |||||||||
| 06. Puerto Rico Islanders | 18 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 22 | 1 | 23 | |||||||||
Saturday, July 24
USSF Division 2 Standings
| NASL Conference | |||||||||||||||||
| NASL Conference | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |||||||||
| 01. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 18 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 29 | |||||||||
| 02. Carolina RailHawks | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 24 | |||||||||
| 03. Montreal Impact | 18 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 21 | -3 | 23 | |||||||||
| 04. Crystal Palace Baltimore | 17 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 15 | 22 | -7 | 19 | |||||||||
| 05. Miami FC Blues | 17 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 18 | 27 | -9 | 15 | |||||||||
| 06. AC St. Louis | 17 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 13 | 27 | -14 | 13 | |||||||||
| USL Conference | |||||||||||||||||
| USL Conference | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |||||||||
| 01. Austin Aztex | 17 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 17 | 13 | 35 | |||||||||
| 02. Rochester Rhinos | 18 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 20 | 13 | 7 | 30 | |||||||||
| 03. Portland Timbers | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 26 | |||||||||
| 04. NSC Minnesota Stars | 20 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 19 | 26 | -7 | 25 | |||||||||
| 05. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 20 | |||||||||
| 06. Puerto Rico Islanders | 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 21 | -1 | 20 | |||||||||
Watch PTFC v Vancouver highlights and the full replay of the match at portlandtimbers.com/live
Friday, July 23
Thursday, July 22
Fantasy Standings Update
We have a new fantasy leader, harmsway01, who correctly predicted how many goals the Timbers would score in the first and third Cascadia Cup matches. He also has Mamadou Danso as his starting defender, one of only three Portland defenders to score thus far.
View the complete standings.
| 1 | harmsway01 | 34 | Mandjou Keita (2) | Ryan Pore (24) | Mamadou Danso (2) | C1,C3 |
| 2 | FC Chainsaw the Monkey | 32 | Mandjou Keita (2) | Ryan Pore (24) | Stephen Keel (0) | C1,C3 |
| 2 | No Coast FC | 32 | Mandjou Keita (2) | Ryan Pore (24) | Quavas Kirk (0) | C1,C3 |
| 4 | ACES Utd. | 31 | Mandjou Keita (2) | Ryan Pore (24) | Mamadou Danso (2) | C1 |
| 4 | Chrisbers | 31 | Mandjou Keita (2) | Ryan Pore (24) | Josh Cameron (2) | C1 |
| 4 | ehsXC2006 | 31 | George Josten (1) | Ryan Pore (24) | Quavas Kirk (0) | C1,C3 |
| 4 | Happy Up Here | 31 | Mandjou Keita (2) | Ryan Pore (24) | Ross Smith (2) | C1 |
| 4 | Team Awesome | 31 | Mandjou Keita (2) | Ryan Pore (24) | Mamadou Danso (2) | C1 |
View the complete standings.
Timbers Win 2-1 to take the Cascadia Cup
Mamadou "Futty" Danso scored the game winner in the 72nd minute. Pore scored in the 67th minute off a PK for his 11th goal. Vancouver started things off with a goal at 51'.
With two wins and a tie against Vancouver, the Timbers retain the Cascadia Cup.
The Timbers break a 6 year winless streak in Vancouver, as well as a 3 year losing streak. This is only the Whitecaps third loss of the season.
With two wins and a tie against Vancouver, the Timbers retain the Cascadia Cup.
The Timbers break a 6 year winless streak in Vancouver, as well as a 3 year losing streak. This is only the Whitecaps third loss of the season.
 |
| Photo by Allison Andrews |
Match Day Fix - PTFC v Vancouver Whitecraps
Online feed - portlandtimbers.com
Radio Feed - 95.5 the game
Local Bars that show the feed (List from SCUSA board)
Dropping Timber - Match Preview
Soccer City - Cup Night in Canada
Strong At Night - Match Preview
Oregon Live - Timbers begin second half of season with tough test at Vancouver
Vancouver Sun - Newly offensive Whitecaps hope to continue roll against Timbers
CTV News - Whitecaps look to extend streak to 10 against Portland
MLS News
Boston.com - It’s one and done for Ralston - MLS Legend Sir Steve of Foxboro retires
MLS Soccer - MLS All-Stars v Manchester United - Wednesday July 28th
Match Fit USA - Major League Soccer's Direction and Destination - to think six months ago both MLS and USL futures were hazy
WVHooligan - Chivas Wins Zizzo Sweepstakes - MLS has its own rules and random drafts
MLS Talk - Freddie Ljungberg Plotting Return to Europe? - the cellar can get mighty cold
and one last thing Fenway is an awesome venue for international friendlies.
Ryan Pore Free Kick vs Vancouver 4/29/2010
Radio Feed - 95.5 the game
Local Bars that show the feed (List from SCUSA board)
- Buelahland: 118 NE 28th Ave - 503.235.2794
- Rogue Distillery & Public House: 1339 NW Flanders - 503.222.5910
- Bitter End: 1981 W Burnside - 971.222.2000
- The Workshop: 2524 SE Clinton St. - 503.954.1606
- Irish Town Bar & Grill: 11600 SE Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver,WA - 360.253.1479
Dropping Timber - Match Preview
Soccer City - Cup Night in Canada
Strong At Night - Match Preview
Oregon Live - Timbers begin second half of season with tough test at Vancouver
Vancouver Sun - Newly offensive Whitecaps hope to continue roll against Timbers
CTV News - Whitecaps look to extend streak to 10 against Portland
MLS News
Boston.com - It’s one and done for Ralston - MLS Legend Sir Steve of Foxboro retires
MLS Soccer - MLS All-Stars v Manchester United - Wednesday July 28th
Match Fit USA - Major League Soccer's Direction and Destination - to think six months ago both MLS and USL futures were hazy
WVHooligan - Chivas Wins Zizzo Sweepstakes - MLS has its own rules and random drafts
MLS Talk - Freddie Ljungberg Plotting Return to Europe? - the cellar can get mighty cold
and one last thing Fenway is an awesome venue for international friendlies.
Ryan Pore Free Kick vs Vancouver 4/29/2010
Wednesday, July 21
Game Preview - Portland Travels to Vancouver
Portland Timbersvs
Vancouver WhitecapsThursday July 22nd
7:30pm @ Swangard Stadium
Online @ PortlandTimbers.com
Radio on 95.5 The Game
Online @ PortlandTimbers.com
Radio on 95.5 The Game
The Timbers kick off a 4 game road trip against the Vancouver Whitecaps this Thursday. It will be the third match up of four scheduled games this season with the Whitecaps. In the first match, back in April, Ryan Pore found the back of the net twice as the Timbers won 2-1 at home. Then on July 3rd, the Timbers played at home to a nil-nil draw, resulting in 4 total points thus far for the Timbers in their battle for the Cascadia Cup.
The Timbers haven't had much luck in Vancouver, as their last win there was back in 2004 and the last draw in Wankcouver was in 2007. The Timbers will be battling history as they look to extend their unbeaten streak beyond 4 games.
The Timbers have been relying largely on Pore to score in league play as he has tallied 10 goals thus far. Only five other Timbers have scored in league play and each of those five have only scored once this season. Pore's performance can be inconsistent and relying on him leads to inconsistent results. Now, is the time for DK, Keita, Josten or anyone else to step up and make goals happen. Vancouver on the other hand is the exact opposite when it comes to scoring, with thirteen players tallying goals and the leading scorer Blake Wagner has only 3 total goals.
Vancouver hates to lose and loves to draw with a 7-2-8 record. They also remain unbeaten at home this year. A win by the Timbers would extend our streak while killing two streaks that we need to eliminate, such as a no wins in Vancouver since 2004 and Vancouver's strong home pitch performance. The battle for the Cascadia Cup is in full swing, lets have it boys.
Now a little time for Gary Fong.
The Timbers haven't had much luck in Vancouver, as their last win there was back in 2004 and the last draw in Wankcouver was in 2007. The Timbers will be battling history as they look to extend their unbeaten streak beyond 4 games.
The Timbers have been relying largely on Pore to score in league play as he has tallied 10 goals thus far. Only five other Timbers have scored in league play and each of those five have only scored once this season. Pore's performance can be inconsistent and relying on him leads to inconsistent results. Now, is the time for DK, Keita, Josten or anyone else to step up and make goals happen. Vancouver on the other hand is the exact opposite when it comes to scoring, with thirteen players tallying goals and the leading scorer Blake Wagner has only 3 total goals.
Vancouver hates to lose and loves to draw with a 7-2-8 record. They also remain unbeaten at home this year. A win by the Timbers would extend our streak while killing two streaks that we need to eliminate, such as a no wins in Vancouver since 2004 and Vancouver's strong home pitch performance. The battle for the Cascadia Cup is in full swing, lets have it boys.
Now a little time for Gary Fong.
Timber Bits - Around the League
News from around the USSF D-2
Oregon Live - Timbers U-23 team makes PDL history; other Timbers updates
uslsoccer.com - Timbers U-23 Make History at Kitsap
uslsoccer.com - Timbers Begin Road Stretch
Inside Minnesota Soccer - Rethinking Division-2 Pro Soccer in North America Part 1
Inside Minnesota Soccer - USSF D-2 Pro League Teams Bolstering Rosters
AC St Louis Fanatic - USSF D2 Weekend Roundup
Miami Soccer Fan - Miami FC hires new head coach
Indy Week - RailHawks owners discuss search for new investors
Winnipeg Free Press - MLS-bound Impact look for answers as they idle in USSF Division-2
Montreal Offside - Impact 1, Crystal Palace 2
USSF D-2 Current Standings 7/21/2010
Oregon Live - Timbers U-23 team makes PDL history; other Timbers updates
uslsoccer.com - Timbers U-23 Make History at Kitsap
uslsoccer.com - Timbers Begin Road Stretch
Inside Minnesota Soccer - Rethinking Division-2 Pro Soccer in North America Part 1
Inside Minnesota Soccer - USSF D-2 Pro League Teams Bolstering Rosters
AC St Louis Fanatic - USSF D2 Weekend Roundup
Miami Soccer Fan - Miami FC hires new head coach
Indy Week - RailHawks owners discuss search for new investors
Winnipeg Free Press - MLS-bound Impact look for answers as they idle in USSF Division-2
Montreal Offside - Impact 1, Crystal Palace 2
USSF D-2 Current Standings 7/21/2010
| NASL Conference | |||||||||||||||||
| NASL Conference | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |||||||||
| 01. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 17 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 29 | |||||||||
| 02. Carolina RailHawks | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 19 | 12 | 7 | 24 | |||||||||
| 03. Montreal Impact | 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 15 | 21 | -6 | 20 | |||||||||
| 04. Crystal Palace Baltimore | 17 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 15 | 22 | -7 | 19 | |||||||||
| 05. Miami FC Blues | 17 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 18 | 27 | -9 | 15 | |||||||||
| 06. AC St. Louis | 16 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 24 | -11 | 13 | |||||||||
| USL Conference | |||||||||||||||||
| USL Conference | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |||||||||
| 01. Austin Aztex | 17 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 17 | 13 | 35 | |||||||||
| 02. Rochester Rhinos | 17 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 27 | |||||||||
| 03. NSC Minnesota Stars | 19 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 18 | 25 | -7 | 24 | |||||||||
| 04. Portland Timbers | 16 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 23 | |||||||||
| 05. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 16 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 20 | |||||||||
| 06. Puerto Rico Islanders | 16 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 19 | 20 | -1 | 19 | |||||||||
Tuesday, July 20
A Look at the Numbers
The Timbers season has had its ups and downs, started hot, then cooled down, froze and now heating right back up with a four game unbeaten streak. So lets look at the numbers that the Timbers have put up so far.
To no surprise we lead the league in shots.
Sadly, we sit near the bottom in goals scored
But, we sit tied at the top in goals allowed.
To no surprise we lead the league in shots.
| Team | Shots |
| 01. Portland Timbers | 224 |
| 02. Puerto Rico Islanders | 208 |
| 03. Austin Aztex | 206 |
| 04. Montreal Impact | 173 |
| 05. Miami FC Blues | 166 |
Sadly, we sit near the bottom in goals scored
| Team | Goals Scored |
| 01. Austin Aztex | 30 |
| 02. Carolina RailHawks | 19 |
| 03. Puerto Rico Islanders | 19 |
| 04. Rochester Rhinos | 19 |
| 05. Tampa Bay Rowdies | 19 |
| 06. Miami FC Blues | 18 |
| 07. NSC Minnesota Stars | 18 |
| 08. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 18 |
| 09. Crystal Palace Baltimore | 15 |
| 10. Montreal Impact | 15 |
| 11. Portland Timbers | 15 |
| 12. AC St. Louis | 13 |
But, we sit tied at the top in goals allowed.
| Team | Goals Against |
| 01. Portland Timbers | 10 |
| 02. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 10 |
| 03. Carolina RailHawks | 12 |
| 04. Rochester Rhinos | 13 |
| 05. Austin Aztex | 17 |
Pelada Documentary - More Shows this Weekend
I finally went to see the soccer documentary Pelada last Thursday and I encourage any and everyone to go see it. The film is playing at the Hollywood Theater for its second run. The film follows two ex-college soccer players as they travel the world searching the road less traveled for pick up games. From roof tops to prisons, the adventure is fun ride to watch.Show Times
Fri 23 Jul 2010 05:20PM
Sat 24 Jul 2010 01:30PM
Sat 24 Jul 2010 05:15PM
Sat 24 Jul 2010 07:00PM
Sun 25 Jul 2010 01:30PM
Sun 25 Jul 2010 05:15PM
Sun 25 Jul 2010 07:00PM
Mon 26 Jul 2010 07:00PM
Tue 27 Jul 2010 07:00PM
Thu 29 Jul 2010 07:00PM
Pelada from Rebekah Fergusson on Vimeo.
MLS Final Kick: Week 16
Check out the Crew's Brian Carroll, with the left footed one timer at around the one minute mark.
Timber Bits - MCFC v PTFC Links
Soccer City - Timbers fall 3-0 to Manchester City
Soccer City - Pictures
Portland Mercury - Sometimes A Loss Is A Win
Portland Timbers - Manchester City tops Timbers 3-0 at Merlo Field
Portland Timbers - Match Archive Timbers v Man City
Manchester City - Game Day in Portland
Lesson in Pride - Portland Timbers 0 Manchester City 3
Oregon Live - Timbers v. Manchester City: Timbers show heart against skilled opponents from England
Oregon Live - Manchester City 3, Portland 0: Premier Leaguers strike in a hurry
Doni Dexter Photography - For those with a crush on MCFC
Monday, July 19
Know Your Tifo: Cascadia Flag
The Republic of Cascadia doesn't actually exist, but this is almost certainly the largest Cascadia flag in existence:
I'm sure we can look forward to seeing this at future Vancouver and Seattle matches.
I'm sure we can look forward to seeing this at future Vancouver and Seattle matches.
Know Your Chants: Bury Me In Timbers Green
Along with Onward Rose City and The Tetris Chant, this is another new chant that has really caught on this season:
Bury me in Timbers Green
Whoah-oh-oh whoah-oh-oh
Bury me in Timbers Gold
Ah-ah-ah ah-ah-ah
Bury me in Timbers Green
Whoah-oh-oh whoah-oh-oh
Bury me in Timbers Gold
Ah-ah-ah ah-ah-ah
And when I go, And when I go,
And when I go make sure I'm wearing green and gold
And when I go, And when I go,
And when I go make sure I'm wearing green and gold
It's not yet on the Timbers Army Chant Sheet, but most of the other chants are.
Other Chants:
Korobeinki (Tetris Chant)
Onward Rose City
Oh Rose City! Soccer City
Timber Jim's Everywhere we go
Portland Boys
Bury me in Timbers Green
Whoah-oh-oh whoah-oh-oh
Bury me in Timbers Gold
Ah-ah-ah ah-ah-ah
Bury me in Timbers Green
Whoah-oh-oh whoah-oh-oh
Bury me in Timbers Gold
Ah-ah-ah ah-ah-ah
And when I go, And when I go,
And when I go make sure I'm wearing green and gold
And when I go, And when I go,
And when I go make sure I'm wearing green and gold
It's not yet on the Timbers Army Chant Sheet, but most of the other chants are.
Other Chants:
Korobeinki (Tetris Chant)
Onward Rose City
Oh Rose City! Soccer City
Timber Jim's Everywhere we go
Portland Boys
Saturday, July 17
Friday, July 16
Timbers Army Trailer Fund
The Timbers Army Trailer, better known as the Sunshine Trailer has met its early demise. The Sunshine Trailer was normally parked on 20th & SW Morrison on game days and staffed with kind volunteers selling the finest Timbers Army gear. Unfortunately, on its way to the stadium last Saturday the trailer went kaput and is now no longer with us. Many people volunteered many hours to make the Sunshine Trailer a game day fixture. The trailer was old and it was known that it would someday need to be replaced, but hopes were it would last the rest of this season.Well Onward Rose City, as the mission to replace the trailer has begun. A commemorative Timbers Army Sunshine Trailer T-Shirt (pictured above) is now available for pre-order for $20. All proceeds after costs will go to the trailer fund. These t-shirts will be available for pick up at the August 11th Timbers vs. Minnesota home game before and after the match where the trailer used to reside at 20th and SW Morrison.
USSF Division 2 Playoff Race - July
The USSF Division 2 playoff structure is very generous, with 8 of the 12 teams being selected for the playoffs. The top two teams from each conference are automatically selected, and the remaining six are selected based on total points.
All three rounds of the playoffs feature two game series, with a home and away game for each team. Just like last season, aggregate goals decide who wins the series, so it's a good thing American soccer fans are good at math.
How the race currently stands:
#1 Austin (1st in USL, 32 points, 2.00 ppg)
#2 Vancouver (1st in NASL, 29 points, 1.71 ppg)
#3 Rochester (27 points, 1.69 ppg)
#4 Minnesota (24 points, 1.26 ppg)
#7 Tampa Bay (20 points, 1.25 ppg)
#8 Montreal (20 points, 1.25 ppg)
No team has been mathematically eliminated, so here is the rest of the field:
#9 Puerto Rico (18 points, 1.20 ppg)
#10 Baltimore (16 points, 1.00 ppg)
#11 Miami (14 points, 0.88 ppg)
#12 St. Louis (13 points, 0.87 ppg)
Where the Timbers Stand
The Timbers sit fairly comfortably in the middle of the playoff contenders, but they still have 10 road matches remaining and only four more at PGE Park. If they can perform on the road, Portland is still within striking distance of catching the Aztex for the conference lead. Currently the Timbers are 1-2-2 in away matches.
Portland's Remaing Games
@Vancouver (7-2-8)
@St. Louis (3-8-4)
@Tampa Bay (5-6-5)
@Rochester (7-3-6)
Minnesota (7-9-3)
@St. Louis (3-8-4)
@Minnesota (7-9-3)
Austin (9-2-5)
Baltimore (4-8-4)
Puerto Rico (5-7-3)
@Carolina (5-3-6)
@Puerto Rico (5-7-3)
@Baltimore (4-8-4)
@Vancouver (7-2-8)
(W-T-L in parentheses)
All three rounds of the playoffs feature two game series, with a home and away game for each team. Just like last season, aggregate goals decide who wins the series, so it's a good thing American soccer fans are good at math.
How the race currently stands:
#1 Austin (1st in USL, 32 points, 2.00 ppg)
#2 Vancouver (1st in NASL, 29 points, 1.71 ppg)
#3 Rochester (27 points, 1.69 ppg)
#4 Minnesota (24 points, 1.26 ppg)
#5 Portland (23 points, 1.44 ppg)
#6 Carolina (21 points, 1.50 ppg)#7 Tampa Bay (20 points, 1.25 ppg)
#8 Montreal (20 points, 1.25 ppg)
No team has been mathematically eliminated, so here is the rest of the field:
#9 Puerto Rico (18 points, 1.20 ppg)
#10 Baltimore (16 points, 1.00 ppg)
#11 Miami (14 points, 0.88 ppg)
#12 St. Louis (13 points, 0.87 ppg)
Where the Timbers Stand
The Timbers sit fairly comfortably in the middle of the playoff contenders, but they still have 10 road matches remaining and only four more at PGE Park. If they can perform on the road, Portland is still within striking distance of catching the Aztex for the conference lead. Currently the Timbers are 1-2-2 in away matches.
Portland's Remaing Games
@Vancouver (7-2-8)
@St. Louis (3-8-4)
@Tampa Bay (5-6-5)
@Rochester (7-3-6)
Minnesota (7-9-3)
@St. Louis (3-8-4)
@Minnesota (7-9-3)
Austin (9-2-5)
Baltimore (4-8-4)
Puerto Rico (5-7-3)
@Carolina (5-3-6)
@Puerto Rico (5-7-3)
@Baltimore (4-8-4)
@Vancouver (7-2-8)
(W-T-L in parentheses)
World Cup Humor
After a meal out, my friend asked if I wanted to 'Go Dutch'. I agreed, tripped him up, kicked him, then went home crying.
Victoria's Secret has launched a new bra named Holland, it has a lot of support, but no cup!
Victoria's Secret has launched a new bra named Holland, it has a lot of support, but no cup!
Know Your Chants: Korobeinki (Tetris Chant)
First it was a Russian folk song.
Then it was the Type A music for Tetris on the Game Boy.
Now it's a Timbers Army chant.
(does anyone else think the best part of this video is the guy in the straw hat at 10.5 seconds?)
Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Deet Do Do (Hey!)
Do, Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do, Do Do Do Deet Do Do Do (Hey!)
Portland Timbers we a-dore you
Portland Timbers for you we sing
It's not yet on the Timbers Army Chant Sheet, but most of the other chants are.
Other Chants:
Onward Rose City
Oh Rose City! Soccer City
Timber Jim's Everywhere we go
Portland Boys
Then it was the Type A music for Tetris on the Game Boy.
Now it's a Timbers Army chant.
(does anyone else think the best part of this video is the guy in the straw hat at 10.5 seconds?)
Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do Deet Do Do (Hey!)
Do, Do Do, Do Do Do, Do Do, Do Do Do Deet Do Do Do (Hey!)
Portland Timbers we a-dore you
Portland Timbers for you we sing
It's not yet on the Timbers Army Chant Sheet, but most of the other chants are.
Other Chants:
Onward Rose City
Oh Rose City! Soccer City
Timber Jim's Everywhere we go
Portland Boys
Thursday, July 15
Timber Bits - July 15th
Manchester City in Portland NewsManchester City - Videos of their US Tour. Man City gets all scientific in training.
Portland Timbers - Timbers face England's Manchester City Saturday
Offsides - Portland Timbers v. Manchester City
Oregon Live - The Premiership visits the rose city
American Chronicle - Manchester City game rekindles memories, creates opportunity for Timbers players
Portland Tribune - Manchester City has new mentality, goalie Shay Given says
Head Coach Rumors
Strong at Night - Voice of the Timbers speaks with the voice of the Dynamo, Glenn Davis.
Portland v Miami Highlights
This game's highlights deserve another post. Steve Cronin had an incredible game, making huge saves throughout.
Wednesday, July 14
Portland Timbers MLS Coach Rumors
We knew the Timbers would have a new coach for next season, and the rumors surrounding the decision have been building and now the Portland Business Journal is reporting that the next coach of the Portland Timbers will be the former assistant coach of the Houston Dynamo, John Spencer. Spencer has been in the assitant coaching spot for the past four years and resigned yesterday. The Houston Dynamo website reports the following...
Spencer – or “Spenny,” as the players called him – had been notably absent this week from practice, and several Dynamo players claimed his ultimate destination was Oregon, for a coaching role with the 2011 MLS expansion Portland Timbers. Both Dynamo and Timbers officials declined to comment on Spencer’s plans.Spencer is a very exciting prospect for our new head coach, as he has been considered one of the most sought after coaches in the MLS. He had a long playing career, starting for the likes of Rangers, Chelsea, QPR and finishing his playing days at Colorado. He played in 88 matches for the Rapids tallying 37 goals. Spencer has been the assistant coach with the Dynamo since they first entered the league in 2006. There is no official word from the Timbers as of yet.
My prediction of head coaching announcements was blown, when I hypothesized that the US team might announce Klinsmann as the new coach during the WC final weekend. So with no credibility at stake, maybe we hear a Spencer announcement this weekend around the Man City game.
Links to the rumor mill...
Portland Business Journal - Spencer to be Timbers first MLS coach
Houston Dynamo - Dynamo drop Landín, announce Spencer will leave
Prost Amerika - Timbers Coach Will Have MLS Experience
Oregon Live - Timbers' coaching candidates include John Spencer
MLS Stadium Updates
PGE Park is just two months away from the final phase of construction to make the venue a soccer specific stadium, for a closer look at what the new park will look like check out the awesome virtual venue seat selector. Portland State Football and local high schools will also benefit from the newly redesigned stadium as they will continue to use the facility in 2011 and beyond. The stadium renovation will be finished for the Timbers to play in during their first season in the MLS. 
The Kansas City Wizard's new stadium is coming along, as today they began installing the roof trusses. Check the Hillcrest Road Blog for the latest updates.
The Philadelphia Union opened their new stadium PPL Park in style, by obliterating the flounders on June 27th. For more information on the new stadium go to the Union's official stadium site.
The Kansas City Wizard's new stadium is coming along, as today they began installing the roof trusses. Check the Hillcrest Road Blog for the latest updates.
The Philadelphia Union opened their new stadium PPL Park in style, by obliterating the flounders on June 27th. For more information on the new stadium go to the Union's official stadium site.
Tuesday, July 13
Monday, July 12
Manchester City is in Town
The Timbers have released the traveling roster for Man City while they visit the states. The lineup includes three players who competed in the 2010 World Cup, England's Kolo Toure and Shaun Wright-Phillips, as well as the Ivory Coast's Yaya Toure.The roster is an impressive one with stars like Emmanuel Adebayor and Patrick Vieira making the trip.
Manchester City Travel Roster
Goalkeepers (4): Shay Given, David Gonzalez, Joe Hart, Stuart Taylor
Defenders (12): Dedryk Boyata, Wayne Bridge, Greg Cunningham, Javier Garrido, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Ben Mee, Nedum Onuoha, Micah Richards, Kieran Trippier, Kolo Toure, Pablo Zabaleta
Midfielders (9): Abdisalam Ibrahim, Stephen Ireland, Adam Johnson, Michael Johnson, Scott Kay, Yaya Toure, Andrew Tutte, Patrick Vieira, Shaun Wright-Phillips
Strikers (6): Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy, John Guidetti, Jeremy Helan, Alex Nimely, Jo Silva
For more information and video of Man City's training at Nike go to Man City website.
Tetris Chant and Sunshine Banner Take Over the Park
Tetris Chant in the North End
Video by urifz
Sunshine Banner goes around the park
Video by Donaldproductions
Video by urifz
Sunshine Banner goes around the park
Video by Donaldproductions
Timber Bits - Timbers Win all Weekend Long
Timbers v Atlas Recap
The Portland Timbers hosted Mexico’s Club Deportivo Atlas in an international friendly at PGE Park last night. Over 7,000 people attended and a large amount of Atlas fans were in dressed in red and black. Timber fans were in good spirits after a solid 2-nil win over Miami on Friday, followed by the World Cup final and the continued dominance of the U-23 squad.
George Josten scored his first goal of the year in the 77th minute, congrats to him getting that monkey off his back. The Timbers remained up 1 nil until the 90th minute when Quavas Kirk committed a foul in the box leading to a buried PK.
The friendly then went into a shootout, just like Burnley last year, but with one major difference we won the shootout. Timbers U-23 keeper Jake Gleeson was in goal for the shootout and blocked two of Atlas's attempts for the win. The Timbers put away all four pks they took, with Josten, Nimo, Keel and Lopez scoring in that order.
Timber Links
Timbers - Timbers extend unbeaten streak with 2-0 win over Blues
Timbers - Timbers capture win over Atlas in thrilling shootout
Timbers - Timbers U-23s clinch Northwest Division title
Soccer City - A Weekend Full of Football
Offsides - Game 16: Timbers 2 – Miami 0
Oregon Live - Portland 2, Miami 0: Cronin comes up big for Timbers
Oregon Live - Portland 1, Atlas 1 (Portland wins 4-2 on penalty kicks): Timbers' Lopez gets better of old rivals
The Concourse is for Dancing
The Concourse is for Dancing
Josten's goal against Atlas.
Video by donaldproductions
The Portland Timbers hosted Mexico’s Club Deportivo Atlas in an international friendly at PGE Park last night. Over 7,000 people attended and a large amount of Atlas fans were in dressed in red and black. Timber fans were in good spirits after a solid 2-nil win over Miami on Friday, followed by the World Cup final and the continued dominance of the U-23 squad.
George Josten scored his first goal of the year in the 77th minute, congrats to him getting that monkey off his back. The Timbers remained up 1 nil until the 90th minute when Quavas Kirk committed a foul in the box leading to a buried PK.
The friendly then went into a shootout, just like Burnley last year, but with one major difference we won the shootout. Timbers U-23 keeper Jake Gleeson was in goal for the shootout and blocked two of Atlas's attempts for the win. The Timbers put away all four pks they took, with Josten, Nimo, Keel and Lopez scoring in that order.
Timber Links
Timbers - Timbers extend unbeaten streak with 2-0 win over Blues
Timbers - Timbers capture win over Atlas in thrilling shootout
Timbers - Timbers U-23s clinch Northwest Division title
Soccer City - A Weekend Full of Football
Offsides - Game 16: Timbers 2 – Miami 0
Oregon Live - Portland 2, Miami 0: Cronin comes up big for Timbers
Oregon Live - Portland 1, Atlas 1 (Portland wins 4-2 on penalty kicks): Timbers' Lopez gets better of old rivals
The Concourse is for Dancing
The Concourse is for Dancing
Josten's goal against Atlas.
Video by donaldproductions
Sunday, July 11
A Day Full of Soccer
It's a triple header for Portland soccer fans! A Super Soccer Sunday with 3 games scheduled in a row!
11am - World Cup Final: Spain vs Netherlands
Viewing parties all over town. Head to Pioneer Courthouse Square, enjoy the sun, and watch the game on a big, BIG screen. Or check out the Thirsty Lion off 2nd street downtown, where 95.5 the Game will be hosting. Or just watch it from your couch, but bottom line....watch it!
2pm - Timbers U-23 vs Vancouver Whitecaps Residency @ PGE Park
Portland's U23 team has been dominating the competition and deserves your attention. They're unbeaten so far this season, winning all 13 matches they've played, and lead the league in goals scored with 40 altogether. Tomorrow will be the last scheduled home game for the team and most likely your last chance to see them play. Oh and by the way, here's a score of a recent U23 match..... A win of course. A 9-0 win against Spokane.
6pm - Portland Timbers vs Club Atlas @ PGE Park
The perfect way to finish off Super Soccer Sunday! Coming off a big win against Miami on Saturday night, many of the Timbers will be taking the evening off against Atlas. However, the match will serve as an opportunity for some of the other Timber players to show what they can do and potentially earn themselves a spot in the regular rotation. Expect a nice crowd and some good weather. It's going to be a fun night!
11am - World Cup Final: Spain vs Netherlands
Viewing parties all over town. Head to Pioneer Courthouse Square, enjoy the sun, and watch the game on a big, BIG screen. Or check out the Thirsty Lion off 2nd street downtown, where 95.5 the Game will be hosting. Or just watch it from your couch, but bottom line....watch it!
2pm - Timbers U-23 vs Vancouver Whitecaps Residency @ PGE Park
Portland's U23 team has been dominating the competition and deserves your attention. They're unbeaten so far this season, winning all 13 matches they've played, and lead the league in goals scored with 40 altogether. Tomorrow will be the last scheduled home game for the team and most likely your last chance to see them play. Oh and by the way, here's a score of a recent U23 match..... A win of course. A 9-0 win against Spokane.
6pm - Portland Timbers vs Club Atlas @ PGE Park
The perfect way to finish off Super Soccer Sunday! Coming off a big win against Miami on Saturday night, many of the Timbers will be taking the evening off against Atlas. However, the match will serve as an opportunity for some of the other Timber players to show what they can do and potentially earn themselves a spot in the regular rotation. Expect a nice crowd and some good weather. It's going to be a fun night!
Saturday, July 10
No Blue Faces - Portland beats Miami 2-0
.
Teammates rush to celebrate Ross Smith's 1st goal of the season.
The Timbers are starting to put things together. Sloppy possession, costly defensive lapses, an inability to finish plays - all things that plagued Portland in the 1st half of the season, were thankfully nowhere to be seen on Saturday evening. In front of over 12,000 fans at PGE Park, the Timbers played some of their best soccer of the year, outworking their opponents as usual, but this time around capitalizing on their opportunities, scoring twice in the 2nd half and pulling out a 2-0 victory. Portland (6-5-5, 23 pts) is now unbeaten in their last 4 league games and tied for 4th place in the overall league standings, 9 points behind first place Austin. A great way to kick off the 2nd half of the season.
"The 2nd half of the season, we knew we'd have to get on a roll and start to push on and catch up," Said defender Ross Smith. "So we knew we needed a good start in front of the home crowd tonight."
"The first half of the season wasn't exactly what we wanted and what we expected," Said midfielder Tony McManus. "But to start the 2nd half of the season this way, it's awesome for our confidence, and awesome in terms of building momentum. "
When asked about the importance of tonight's victory in terms of the team's psyche, Coach Gavin Wilkinson responded with enthusiasm, "It's massive. We talked about it before this game, to start the 2nd of the season well. We started the beginning of the season very well, winning those 3 games and we need those 3 games again, maybe even a bit more. So it's tremendous."
Added Wilkinson, "(In the league standings) we have 23 points, our target is a minimum of 40, so that's good news."
Heading into the match there was also payback on the team's mind. The Timbers had traveled to South Beach earlier in the season, out playing the Blues for 90 minutes, only to give up a late goal and lose 1-0. Did this create any extra incentive?
"When you go down there, and you feel like you were the better team and they walk away with the points, you definitely feel a little frustrated and angry about that," Said McManus. "So yeah, we wanted a little retribution today."
The Timbers found their revenge tonight. Overall, an exciting game with a lot of back-and-forth play, the Timbers outshot Miami 7-5, but the match remained scoreless heading into halftime. However, it wouldn't take long for Portland to break the deadlock. In the 48th minute, after a Miami foul, midfielder Alex Nimo's ensuing free kick soared into the box and over the crowd of players, eventually landing at the feet of defender Ross Smith, who rushed though and blasted the ball far post for the score. As PGE Park erupted, Smith sprinted across the field, his teammates swarming him in celebration.
"I've been dreaming about (this). I've never been apart of a club where its such a big thing, such a big crowd and such fantastic support," Said Smith, grinning from ear-to-ear. "I've never scored in front of a crowd like this."
Added Smith, "That penalty against Seattle has been haunting me and hopefully this will put to rest some of those demons."
The Timbers continued the attack and applied pressure for most of the 2nd half, at one point leading Miami in shots 15-7, however the Blues would fight back, taking control of a late 10 minute stretch of the match and putting a flurry of shots on goal. Memories of past defensive breakdowns began to simmer in the mind's of fans, but the Timbers remained resilient. Despite the Blues earning 8 corner kicks and eventually catching up on shots (only losing 15-17 overall), the Timbers were able to rally together and avoid any last-minute heartaches. In the 90th minute, midfielder and the Timber's leading scorer Ryan Pore, was able to streak his way past two Miami defenders before scoring his 10th goal of the season and putting the game out of reach.
"It's a good win," Said Cronin. "Something we can really build on."
"We put our shots on target," Said McManus. "We made the goalie actually have to make a save, and when you put shots on target and make the goalie react, then the ball is definitely in your court."
"We could have been a little bit better at holding on to the ball and getting more players into the attack," Said Wilkinson, cautious perhaps of overconfidence. "But we did well, the players outworked them."
Portland's defense was able to hold another opponent scoreless (only 10 goals given up all year), but they certainly needed a little help from Steve Cronin. Cronin was heroic in front of the net, making 7 saves on the night, including a handful of impressive goal-saving stops. It's his 4th consecutive shutout in league play and his 7th shutout of the season.
"Steve Cronin came up massive for us and I think he's an absolute brilliant keeper," Said Smith. "He made some fantastic saves and got us out of danger quite a bit."
"(Cronin) was fantastic," Said Coach Wilkinson. "What you need sometimes when you're struggling to put the ball in the net is for someone to come up big and he came up huge for us. So to me, man of the match tonight."
When asked about his performance, Cronin was eager to pass credit to his teammates.
"The guys in front of me did a great job." Said Cronin. "The back four (did well), we won a lot of plays in the midfield, and when everybody is working hard and putting good pressure on the ball, it helps everybody else behind them."
Said Cronin when asked about his seven shutouts this year: "Its not just a credit to myself, its a credit to the rest of the team and especially the back four."
Certainly, the entire team deserves praise for the momentum they've built heading into the last 15 games of the season. After many lineup changes and working to find the right chemistry, the Timbers are seemingly headed in the right direction. What's been the major difference?
"It's just a mentality," Said Cronin. "In and around the box we're giving nothing away, we're taking our chances, and we're willing to scrap it out, do the dirty work and all those little things."
"Tonight, we just grinded them down. We just had to keep on pushing and we knew it would come, I think that's been the story of late, our chances are there, but haven't put them away." Said Smith. "And just that belief is important, and I think we're starting to have that belief again."
"We're just trying to start the 2nd half of the season right, and we've been on a good little run, putting together good games, good performances, and getting results in the last month or so, and we just want to keep that going." Added keeper Steve Cronin.
The Timbers get little time to rest as the team plays an exhibition match tomorrow evening at PGE Park against Atlas, one of the oldest professional clubs in Mexico. Then next Saturday on July 17th, the team will play at Merlo Field against one of the premiere soccer team's in the world, the EPL's Manchester City, a rare and special opportunity Although the matches are only friendlies, both games will present a chance to test the team's merits against top competition and it'll be important that the team continues to play well and carry momentum back into league play. After Manchester City, the Timbers will play 6 of their next 7 matches on the road.
"Any game we go into we want to win. It doesn't matter who the opponent is or what kind of game it is," Said McManus. "We want to go into the game and try to get something out of it after."
"We're just continuing to fight for each other," Said Cronin, "And that's what's most important."
== Box Score ==
* Photo provided by Allison Andrews @ Timber Mill
Teammates rush to celebrate Ross Smith's 1st goal of the season. The Timbers are starting to put things together. Sloppy possession, costly defensive lapses, an inability to finish plays - all things that plagued Portland in the 1st half of the season, were thankfully nowhere to be seen on Saturday evening. In front of over 12,000 fans at PGE Park, the Timbers played some of their best soccer of the year, outworking their opponents as usual, but this time around capitalizing on their opportunities, scoring twice in the 2nd half and pulling out a 2-0 victory. Portland (6-5-5, 23 pts) is now unbeaten in their last 4 league games and tied for 4th place in the overall league standings, 9 points behind first place Austin. A great way to kick off the 2nd half of the season.
"The 2nd half of the season, we knew we'd have to get on a roll and start to push on and catch up," Said defender Ross Smith. "So we knew we needed a good start in front of the home crowd tonight."
"The first half of the season wasn't exactly what we wanted and what we expected," Said midfielder Tony McManus. "But to start the 2nd half of the season this way, it's awesome for our confidence, and awesome in terms of building momentum. "
When asked about the importance of tonight's victory in terms of the team's psyche, Coach Gavin Wilkinson responded with enthusiasm, "It's massive. We talked about it before this game, to start the 2nd of the season well. We started the beginning of the season very well, winning those 3 games and we need those 3 games again, maybe even a bit more. So it's tremendous."
Added Wilkinson, "(In the league standings) we have 23 points, our target is a minimum of 40, so that's good news."
Heading into the match there was also payback on the team's mind. The Timbers had traveled to South Beach earlier in the season, out playing the Blues for 90 minutes, only to give up a late goal and lose 1-0. Did this create any extra incentive?
"When you go down there, and you feel like you were the better team and they walk away with the points, you definitely feel a little frustrated and angry about that," Said McManus. "So yeah, we wanted a little retribution today."
The Timbers found their revenge tonight. Overall, an exciting game with a lot of back-and-forth play, the Timbers outshot Miami 7-5, but the match remained scoreless heading into halftime. However, it wouldn't take long for Portland to break the deadlock. In the 48th minute, after a Miami foul, midfielder Alex Nimo's ensuing free kick soared into the box and over the crowd of players, eventually landing at the feet of defender Ross Smith, who rushed though and blasted the ball far post for the score. As PGE Park erupted, Smith sprinted across the field, his teammates swarming him in celebration.
"I've been dreaming about (this). I've never been apart of a club where its such a big thing, such a big crowd and such fantastic support," Said Smith, grinning from ear-to-ear. "I've never scored in front of a crowd like this."
Added Smith, "That penalty against Seattle has been haunting me and hopefully this will put to rest some of those demons."
The Timbers continued the attack and applied pressure for most of the 2nd half, at one point leading Miami in shots 15-7, however the Blues would fight back, taking control of a late 10 minute stretch of the match and putting a flurry of shots on goal. Memories of past defensive breakdowns began to simmer in the mind's of fans, but the Timbers remained resilient. Despite the Blues earning 8 corner kicks and eventually catching up on shots (only losing 15-17 overall), the Timbers were able to rally together and avoid any last-minute heartaches. In the 90th minute, midfielder and the Timber's leading scorer Ryan Pore, was able to streak his way past two Miami defenders before scoring his 10th goal of the season and putting the game out of reach.
"It's a good win," Said Cronin. "Something we can really build on."
"We put our shots on target," Said McManus. "We made the goalie actually have to make a save, and when you put shots on target and make the goalie react, then the ball is definitely in your court."
"We could have been a little bit better at holding on to the ball and getting more players into the attack," Said Wilkinson, cautious perhaps of overconfidence. "But we did well, the players outworked them."
Portland's defense was able to hold another opponent scoreless (only 10 goals given up all year), but they certainly needed a little help from Steve Cronin. Cronin was heroic in front of the net, making 7 saves on the night, including a handful of impressive goal-saving stops. It's his 4th consecutive shutout in league play and his 7th shutout of the season.
"Steve Cronin came up massive for us and I think he's an absolute brilliant keeper," Said Smith. "He made some fantastic saves and got us out of danger quite a bit."
"(Cronin) was fantastic," Said Coach Wilkinson. "What you need sometimes when you're struggling to put the ball in the net is for someone to come up big and he came up huge for us. So to me, man of the match tonight."
When asked about his performance, Cronin was eager to pass credit to his teammates.
"The guys in front of me did a great job." Said Cronin. "The back four (did well), we won a lot of plays in the midfield, and when everybody is working hard and putting good pressure on the ball, it helps everybody else behind them."
Said Cronin when asked about his seven shutouts this year: "Its not just a credit to myself, its a credit to the rest of the team and especially the back four."
Certainly, the entire team deserves praise for the momentum they've built heading into the last 15 games of the season. After many lineup changes and working to find the right chemistry, the Timbers are seemingly headed in the right direction. What's been the major difference?
"It's just a mentality," Said Cronin. "In and around the box we're giving nothing away, we're taking our chances, and we're willing to scrap it out, do the dirty work and all those little things."
"Tonight, we just grinded them down. We just had to keep on pushing and we knew it would come, I think that's been the story of late, our chances are there, but haven't put them away." Said Smith. "And just that belief is important, and I think we're starting to have that belief again."
"We're just trying to start the 2nd half of the season right, and we've been on a good little run, putting together good games, good performances, and getting results in the last month or so, and we just want to keep that going." Added keeper Steve Cronin.
The Timbers get little time to rest as the team plays an exhibition match tomorrow evening at PGE Park against Atlas, one of the oldest professional clubs in Mexico. Then next Saturday on July 17th, the team will play at Merlo Field against one of the premiere soccer team's in the world, the EPL's Manchester City, a rare and special opportunity Although the matches are only friendlies, both games will present a chance to test the team's merits against top competition and it'll be important that the team continues to play well and carry momentum back into league play. After Manchester City, the Timbers will play 6 of their next 7 matches on the road.
"Any game we go into we want to win. It doesn't matter who the opponent is or what kind of game it is," Said McManus. "We want to go into the game and try to get something out of it after."
"We're just continuing to fight for each other," Said Cronin, "And that's what's most important."
== Box Score ==
* Photo provided by Allison Andrews @ Timber Mill
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