GAME NOTES: The Timbers Stand Alone! Longest Unbeaten Streak of All-Time!

A few drops...
- The Portland Timbers crushed the Miami FC Blues 3-0 this afternoon and break the USL first division record for longest all-time unbeaten streak. Going 16 matches without a loss, the Timbers don't seem to be slowing down at all, as they move into a tie for first place in the league with the Puerto Rico Islanders. Both teams lead the USL with 34 pts and are set for a Thursday evening showdown with the Timbers at PGE Park, the winning team leaving with sole possession of First Place. Should be a packed house.

- The Timbers mixed around their lineup a bit today. Ryan Pore didn't play - that injury he recieved during Friday's game still bothering him apparently, let's hope it's nothing serious. However - Danso, Savage, Claesson - all got starts today and Coach Wilkinson played 4 subs throughout the match. I thought it was a smart move to shake things up a bit, especially in a back-to-back situation, probably helped to keep Miami on their toes and also keep Portland from getting complacent out on the pitch. Just another advantage the Timber's have with their incredible depth.

- Although the team started the game off a bit slow, they just became more and more dominant as the match progressed. I was expecting a drop-off from Friday or a lack of energy by the team, but this wasn't the case at all. Wilkinson has to be acknowledged for keeping the team motivated and for his willingness to tinker with the lineup.

- Suzuki is so important to the success of this team. The more I watch him the more I like him. His constant energy and tenacity up that sideline is apparent every match and the Timbers are so much more dangerous with him putting pressure on the defense and creating opportunities. Today's goal by Savage is a great example of Suzuki's value. He created something out of nothing, somehow squeezing through two defenders, and then sent a ball on the money to Savage at the top of the box. Suzuki is the man and he is from Japan.

- Hayes is deadly off those free kicks. He's been very aggressive lately when he gets good placements, blasting quality shots from 30+ yrds out. Almost had another goal this afternoon.

- Cronin gets his 5th shutout of the season. He didn't have to work too hard today. Portland outshot Miami 13-8 and Miami didn't have very many threatening strikes. Credit has to go to Portland's veteran defense who've been solid all season. In fact, Scott Thompson is now the all-time Timbers leader in minutes played, so basically he's been making bad passes and unforced turnovers for a long time for this franchise. Good thing he can defend.

- What a great victory. Just an amazing season in progress for the Timbers. First place in the division. Setting the USL record books ablaze. And their condidence is soaring, I don't think this team feels like they can lose right now. Thursday is going to be a blast - cheap beer, nice weather, and a battle for first place in the league. We'll have your Game Preview posted in the next couple days. GO TIMBERS

GAME PREVIEW: The Timbers Shoot For History!

Portland Timbers

VS

Miami FC Blues

Sunday, July 18th

3:00 pm PST

Watch LIVE online @ USLlive.com

Preview: If the Timbers can simply avoid losing one more match, then this Sunday they will claim their throne atop the USL record books. With their 1-1 draw against Miami on Friday, the team extended their unbeaten streak to 15, currently tied with the Montreal Impact for longest unbeaten streak in USL-league history. In 2005, the Impact went an impressive 10-0-5 during their run; while the Timbers have accumilated 8 wins and earned 7 draws for their streak. On the verge of history, can the team remained focused in their rematch with the Blues? Afterall, the team is currently battling for First place in the league standings and this has to be greater goal on the season.

Keys to the Game: Focus and Intensity. It's a difficult task to play any team in a back-to-back situation. I'm sure the Blue feel we stole a win from them on Friday night so the team will have it's hands full with a motivated and vengeful Miami squad. Miami is a hungry team fighting for a playoff spot, currently sitting 6th in the standings, 10 points behind the Timbers. Last game we came out slow to start off and then looked tired during the late stages of the match. That can't happen again on Sunday.

Midfield play will be a huge factor. Our midfielders couldn't consistently control the action and never really looked fluid. We were fortunate to come up with a goal on the freekick by Hayes.

Ryan Pore and Tony Mcmanus will need to be on their games, making sharper passes, and creating opportunities for the front-two. It seemed that overall, the Miami players had better individual skill and touch with the ball, so Portland will need to play effeciently, anticipating the action better.

Depth. If energy level and stamina become an issue then Coach Wilkinson shouldn't hesitate to look to his bench. Nimo, Mchlaughlin, Savage, Cameron, Danso - the team is stacked on all three levels of the pitch. When players went down due to injury this season, the team had no need to panic. Portland has started 18 different players this year and still continued marching on with their unbeaten streak, a testament to the quality of their depth. Some have said that this could be the best Portland Timbers team of all-time? Certainly, being the sole owners of the Unbeaten Streak Crown would help out their case.

A Look at History:

Single Season Unbeaten Streaks
15 Montreal Impact 2005 10-0-5
15 Portland Timbers 2009 8-0-7
13 Rochester Raging Rhinos 1998 13-0-0
13 Richmond Kickers 2000 13-0-0
12 Montreal Impact 2006 8-0-4
12 Puerto Rico Islanders 2008 6-0-6
12 Charleston Battery 2009 6-0-6
11 Charleston Battery 2002 11-0-0
11 Seattle Sounders 2007 9-0-2
11 Rochester Raging Rhinos 2006 5-0-6
10 Toronto Lynx 1997 10-0-0
10 San Diego Flash 1998 10-0-0

Standings Update - Portland King of the Pack

15 Games Undefeated Portland 1 Miami 1

Miami scored first, but David Hayes scores a flawless free kick to tie the game in the 78th minute. Portland ties a USL record for 15 games without a loss. More updates to come.

GAME PREVIEW Portland Timbers at Miami FC Blues

Portland at Miami

July 17th 5:00PM FIU StadiumWatch Online at USL Live
Listen to it live at 95.5 FM

The 14 game unbeaten streak heads to to Florida to face the Miami FC Blues. Miami's record is 6 wins, 6 losses and 6 ties in 14 games of action. Portland will play two matches in Miami one on Friday and then again on Sunday both of which are at FIU Stadium. Someone's streak is about to break as Portland remains 14 games undefeated while Miami has not lost at FIU Stadium this season.
Miami Players to Watch
Leo Inacio Nunes #10 the Brazilian leads the team in points with four goals and one assist.
Alen Marcina #11 a USL veteran scored 13 goals in the 2006 season.
Zinho (coach) was a member of the 1994 World Cup Champion team Brazil.

Portland at Austin Highlights

A slide tackle pass for a goal? Second 20
A body check for a goal? Minute 1:40
The reaction of losers? Minute 1:52
PORTLAND GOING 14 GAMES UNDEFEATED. PRICELESS.

No.1 in the Tables and No. 1 in our Hearts PORTLAND TIMBERS