GAME PREVIEW: A NorthWest Rivalry Renewed

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup - 3rd ROUND

Portland Timbers

VS

Seattle Sounders

7:00 pm Wednesday, July 1st

PGE Park, LIVE on FSN

Radio: 95.5 TheGame

BACKGROUND

The Timbers and Sounders have a rivalry that dates back 34 years. Not only one of the longest-standing rivalries, but it's also one of the most spirited and bitterly contested traditions in all of American soccer. Over the years, many players have jumped ship or switched from team to team - this fact only amping up the tensions on both sides - many labeled as traitors, one past player even being called a Judas. Current Sounders keeper Kasey Keller, who played for the Timbers in 1989 has gained a unique perspective, “I don’t think a lot of the players quite understand what this game is going to be. I think when they show up on game day they’re going to realize real quick that there’s been some groups of fans that have really tried to turn this rivalry into a true, European hatred - which is kind of cool.” Hell yeah, it is.

Spanning across several leagues including the NASL, A-League, and the USL; the Timbers-Sounders Rivalry will instantly become one of the premiere duels in the MLS once Portland gains entrance in 2011. To date, the Sounders have claimed ownership to the "Cascadia Conflict" with a record at 13-8 in the NASL and 20-13-5 in the USL/A-League - including victories in the team's historic 1st ever meeting at ol' Civic Stadium and their last meeting in Seattle's big 2008 MLS send-off.

Both teams head into the match coming off recent victories and are having successful seasons in their respective leagues. The Timbers are riding a 14 game unbeaten streak, some calling this the most talented Timbers roster ever assembled, while the Sounders have the 3rd best record overall in their innagural season in the MLS and just ended the Colorado Rapids 8 game unbeaten streak. The Sounders have an up-tempo, fast-paced style of play. They're also second in the league in Goals Scored, bringing an exciting brand of offensive soccer to their fans - in some ways like the Phoenix Suns of the MLS.

The weatherman says that it'll be sunny with blue skies on Wednesday, a wonderful evening for a soccer match, with each team knowing what's at stake and what this match means to die-hard fans of both cities. The Timbers need to come out and make a statement, show that they are not intimidated by the MLS team, and prove that they belong out on the pitch. Can they control possession and efficiently take advantage of opportunities when they arise? Will they play with poise or will they crack under the pressure and be overwhelmed by Seattle's talent? And most importantly, will they be able to contain Fredy Montero? We'll find out tommorrow if the Timbers can take back control of this bitter Northwest Rivalry.

Players to Watch

Timbers FC

George Josten - The young forward has played well recently, can he keep making the most of his opportunites?

Mandjou Keita - He's been on an offensive explosion the last few games, his speed and ability to stretch the Sounders defense will be a huge key to Timbers success.

Brian Farber - The game will be won in the midfield and Farber will play a big role in determining the outcome. The Timbers will need him to bring the hustle and create chaos.

David Hayes - The team Captain will be leading the defense against the Souders high-powered attack, hopefully, his experience will shine through under the pressure of a big match.

Steve Cronin - The keeper has had a good season so far, originally an MLS product, but never really getting a fair shake - this will be another chance to show how he can defend the net against a major-league offense.

Sounders FC

Fredy Montero - A young rising star in the MLS, the 2nd leading goal scorer in the league, tops on the team in assists, and has a marketable and charming personality to boot. Simply one of the most exciting players in world to watch today.

Nate Jaqua - The Sounders other forward, this MLS veteran has been apart of many successful teams, including the championship Houston Dynamo club. He's been rejuvenated as a goal scorer and creator for Seattle this year.

Freddie Ljungberg - The teams designated expansion player, the swedish-born midfielder and English Premier League product, is a big part of keeping their offensive attack efficient.

Tyrone Marshall - The defender has started every game for the Sounders and provides strong veteran leadership. He can also be a threat on offense with 7 shots this season out of the back.

Kasey Keller - Considered one of the best keepers in the world, this legendary American goalie needs no formal introduction. The Timbers will have a tough task ahead of them trying to put a ball past Keller.

A few quick drops

Here are a few bits about the rivalry...

Portland fans really, really, don't like forward Roger Levesque and if this takes the conflict to "another level" well I suggest the Sounders catch up.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sounders/2009399549_sounders30.html

Here's another reason to hate the Sounders...

http://seattlest.com/2007/05/04/a_guide_to_hating_the_portland_timbers.php

SBI says Timbers-Sounders is the main event.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/06/sounderstimbers-headlines-us-open-cup-third-round.html

Buzz from the local media -

http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2009/06/timberssounders_matchup_a_figh.html

http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=124631569723447100

LET'S GO TIMBERS!!! LET'S GO TIMBERS!!!

TEAM USA Confederations Cup 2009

Just a few videos to relive and remember the great run the United States went on during the Confederations Cup this year. There were some great performances - Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, and Landon Donovan - hopefully just a preview of what's to come in the World Cup next summer.

USA vs Egypt - The first bit of magic...



Highlights from the amazing USA VS Spain upset:



And finally, Brazil vs USA - Not the greatest result, but what a fun game to watch:

SUPER SOCCER SUNDAY Part 2 - Timbers Destroy Impact 4 - 0

A few quick thoughts
The Timbers completely dominated the Montreal Impact tonight at Portland's PGE Park, extending their league unbeaten streak to 12 matches. They're simply playing some great soccer and seem to be getting better each match. When the season opened, the offense had some akward moments and struggled to score goals. However, it looks like the team just needed a little time to gel and build chemistry, something that should be expected when you bring in an influx of new talent. The team has just been on a scoring explosion the last few weeks - the first time in team history they've won back-to-back games by 4 goals or more, standing at 2nd in the league for Goal Scored with 20.

Keita is really starting to shine. With 3 header goals in the last few games, he's been putting great pressure on the opposing team's defense - just looking comfortable out there.

Another shutout for Cronin. The Timber's defense is suffocating. Our midfielders are blazing fast and they play both ends of the pitch well. Farber was all over the place tonight, good to see him get a goal.

Suzuki has amazing touch with the ball and had some breath-taking runs tonight, none resulting in a goal, but he sure opened up my eyes a few times during the match. Fun to watch.

George Josten's been earning every bit of his new playing time. He's a threat when he gets the ball on the top of the box and I like his attacking attitude. A young prospect only recently out of college, he could have an MLS future soon.

This Portland Timber's roster is just loaded with talent and depth. Their confidence level is flying so high right now - they've said it and I think they truly believe it - with the way they've been playing, they cannot be beat. The Sounders better be ready for one tough match Wednesday.

SUPER SOCCER SUNDAY - Brazil Beats USA 3-2

A few quick thoughts
Tough loss for the U.S. today. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead only to see Brazil answer with 3 goals, winning the game and taking home the Confederation Cup trophy. It was truly a tale of two halves, Team USA came out with a ton of energy, especially on defense, breaking up balls and tightly marking Brazil's stars with a lot of aggresion. Although Brazil took more shots, it was the U.S. that capitalized on the advantages - both goals scored on quick counter strikes with effecient passing. But ultimately Brazil's offensive onslaught was too much, even with Keeper Howard protecting the goal valiantly. Brazil's ability to control possesion and consistently threaten with precision crosses on the money just flat out wore the U.S. out by the end of the game. It's tough to keep up that intesity level for a full 90 minutes.

The U.S. has nothing to hang their heads over. The team moved mountains just to get into the Finals and had Brazil dazed on the ropes and nearly knocked out. Chalk it up as a great learning experience and another block that they can keep building with. So many players really came along during this tournament - Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Tim Howard, Onyewu, Oguchi, Jonathan Spectre just to name a few. Plus, the team will return stars Freddy Adu and Brian Ching, both who were out with injuries. A lot of credit has to go to Landon Donovan, he played his heart out all tournament and I think he really sets the tone, leading by example for the younger guys. Despite the loss, taking 2nd place in the Confederations Cup Tourney is an achievment that the U.S. should feel very proud of and it will be a huge momentum builder as the team heads towards the 2010 World Cup.

Last drop - I really like defender Jonathan Spectre. He's just a smart player, plays with poise and makes great passes. Marking up on Kaka for most of the match (arguably the best player in the world today), I thought he did a more than admirable job, all things considering. He also assisted on the team's first goal of the game to Clint Dempsey. And speaking of Dempsey, how about that mid-air volleying kick into the back of the net? Pretty impressive.

GAME PREVIEW - Timbers Return To Action Against The Impact

Portland Timbers

VS

Montreal Impact

Sunday, June 28th

5:00pm PST

LIVE on FSN

PREVIEW: The Timbers play host to the Montreal Impact at PGE tommorow afternoon, returning to action after 8 days off. The layoff has given the team a chance to rest a few of their key players who've been out with minor ailments. Starting midfielders Ryan Pore, Tony Mcmanus, and starting defender Takuro Nishimura all will have an immediate impact. Despite the injuries, the Timbers haven't skipped a beat with many younger players like Alex Nimo taking advantage of the opportunites to show what they can do. The Timbers are riding an 11 game unbeaten streak into the match, unquestionably the hottest team in the league, and sits #1 on our weekly Power Rankings. A big part of what makes this team so tough is their unbelievable depth.

Currently, the Impact are six points behind the Timbers in the league standings, sitting in 5th place overall. They've been hot recently, winning their last three matches in league play, although they've dropped 3 in a row to the Timbers. The Impact like to play a tough, possession-control type of match, so the Timbers will have to be patient and effecient on offense. Earlier this month in Portland, the teams battled to a grinding 1-0 match, which ended on a last-minute goal by Keith Savage. If the team wants to stay ahead in the standings they'd better be ready for an intense match.

Montreal Key Players:
Roberto Ronaldo Brown Perea - The striker with the long name leads the the Impact in goals scored at 3 this season. He's dangerous if you give him space to work with, so the Timbers will have to mark him well.

Rocco Placentino - The Canadian leads the team in total points as well as tallying 5 assists already this season. From the midfield, Rocco is a quick playmaker with good touch on the ball and the Timbers will need to bottle him up, limiting his ability to create.

GAME PREVIEW

Confederations Cup FINAL

USA

vs

Brazil

Sunday, June 28th

11:00a PST ESPN

I'm so excited about this game that I'm nearly at a loss for words. Thus, I've decided to preview this game with the help of some photographs. Afterall, a picture is worth a thousand words, so it will save me and you from a lot of blabbering. Pictures are a lot of fun anyway.... see, blabbering already.

The last time the USA played Brazil was in the opening rounds of this very Confederation Cup tournament. We lost 3 - 0.

Team USA needs to be physical and tough. The defense will be forced to fight for their lives again. This will be a war.
Brazil has all the BIG STARS.


















But the U.S. has the YOUNG GUNS.

Brazil is known for having HOT soccer fans.

But we invented the HOT soccer MOM.




Can the U.S. beat the nation that's won 5 World CUPS?



Can we pull off another amazing upset and win the Confederate Cup Championship Sunday?
Are YOU excited? Because Clint Dempsey is fucking excited.

Timbers MLS Future More Certain

The city council voted today to separate the deals for renovating PGE Park for MLS Soccer, and finding a home for the AAA Beavers. This is a logical move, and is a strong step towards bringing the MLS to Portland.

The 4-1 vote will allow the city to work with Merritt Paulson, who owns the Beavers baseball and Timbers soccer teams, on separate public-private financing deals to renovate PGE Park for the Timbers' 2011 Major League Soccer debut and find a location to build a new ballpark for the Beavers.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/06/major_league_soccer_plan_still.html