Playoff Race Updates

• Carolina and Montreal fought to a 1-1 tie at Saputo Stadium, bringing the Timbers magic number down to 9.
  
• Puerto Rico picked up a win over Minnesota, keeping them in contention for the commissioner's cup.
• Rochester's tie against the Whitecaps made it mathematically impossible for them to take the top spot. The race is now officially down to four teams.
  

POSTGAME: Mired in Marsh, Portland Settles for a Draw on the Way to 24

Despite the rain soaked playing surface, the Timbers managed their way to a 0-0 draw Saturday evening against the Battery, their historic unbeaten streak now pushed to 24 league matches. However, considering Portland played with man-up advantage for over an hour, some may feel coming away from Charleston with only a draw was a bit of disappointment. Unable to score or really take control with the match 11 on 10, perhaps some of that discontent lays with the players themselves. Regardless, there is the sense here that, nothing aside from a loss, is really "settling". I'd say the overruling consensus is that the team avoided a loss and that they're still atop of the USL standings in a favorable position to win the Commisioner's Cup.

The playing conditions were a major factor in the outcome. With the field drenched in rain, the players not only had to be conscience of their own stability, but had to adjust to a ball that moved unpredictably through the wet surface. It was common to see passes whip over the water one moment and then suddenly come to an abrupt stop in a puddle. At first notion, I thought the slick field would perhaps favor the Timbers, since they're used to a quicker surface on the PGE turf, but this wasn't the case. The Charleston players seemed to handle the conditions better, continuing to put pressure on the Timber defense even after going down a man. For a majority of the match, the Timbers just seemed out of sync, their play especially ragged in the 2nd half. Charleston outshot Portland 8-5 on the match, aggressively forcing set pieces, and earning more corner kicks overall 4-2.

Cronin played well again, grabbing another shutout for the season. He was put to the test multiple times, making 3 official saves on the night. Stephen Keel also did his part on defense, making key break-ups in the box, and saving a couple goals himself. All season Keel has been a vocal leader and a strong presence on the Tmber's backline. Rain or not, Portland's defense has been called to question since Cameron Knowles misfortunate injury a couple weeks ago. Mamadou Danso, who has been taking most of Knowles' minutes, is still trying to adjust and find his way. Against the battery, he made some clumsy passes, carelessly turning over possession too often. But perhaps some miscommunication is to be expected with a player fitting into a new and more demanding role, unfortunately for the Timbers with only 5 games left on the season, the postseason is rapidly approaching. In their favor however, is the fact that 4 of those last 5 matches are against non-playoff teams and will also be played at home.

A quick note on Ian Fuller's red card. He deserved it. Pore made light, incidental contact with Charleston's keeper Wiggans chasing a loose ball in the box, to which Fuller took great offense, instantly charging Pore and grabbing him with both hands around the shirt collar. I can understand protecting your players, especially your keeper, but it was still a gross overreaction, considering Pore instantly raised his hand to apologize. The refs must have felt the need to make an example of Fuller to keep control of the match under the extreme conditions.

Last Drop - A couple of new faces. In the 2nd half, new signee Rodrigo Lopez subbed in and got to play about 32 minutes. I thought Lopez looked like a player who could definitely contribute to this team - he's got speed and moved the ball efficiently and quickly around the pitch. It will be interesting to see how much playing time he'll get in the future and if he can break into the rotation this late in the year. Also on Friday, the Timbers signed Mexican-born defender, Ivan Becerra, a standout from the PDL champion Ventura Fusion. This is certainly a sign that Coach Wilkinson feels the need to solidify and shore up that defensive line, providing a little more insurance with Knowles missing in action.

GAME PREVIEW: Charleston's Blackbaud Stadium Looms as Serious Threat to the Streak

Portland Timbers

VS
Charleston Battery

5:00p Friday

August 28th @ Blackbaud Stadium

LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel

& Online at USLlive.com

For the team's last contest in August, the Timbers will take on the Battery in Charleston, where they look to push their historic streak to 24 matches Unbeaten. A lot will be on the line at Blackbaud Stadium Friday night, as both teams are hoping to claim this year's Commissioner's Cup, awarded to the club that finishes the year atop of the USL standings.

Currently, there are streaks within The Big Streak, so to speak. The 1st place Timber's are also riding a 5 match winning streak, exploding for 12 goals in those games, a stretch in which the team's play on the pitch has been splendid, their confidence visibly rising with every victory. On an individual level, Ryan Pore has found the back of the net in ALL 6 games since returning from injury, his scoring streak adding to what's already the league's most productive offense. Mandjou Keita, recently named to the USL Team of the Week for the 5th time this year, leads the league in goals and total points. Pore is 2nd in the league in both categories as well.

The Battery, who are tied for 2nd place, trailing 6 points behind the Timbers, will have to deal with a tenacious and stingy Portland defense. Despite losing star defender Cameron Knowles for the season, the Timbers have only allowed 4 goals this entire month and keeper Steve Cronin has had 2 August shutouts already. Mamadou Danso and Takuro Nishimura are simply more proof of this team's depth, and both will need to keep playing well as the playoffs approach. The Portland juggernaut will roll into South Carolina bursting with momentum, but can they pull together yet again for the last serious road test of the season?

Charleston will be motivated and dangerous, as they look to avenge their only loss of the month. This will be the final regular season meeting between these two clubs - Portland earning a draw early in the year at Blackbaud Stadium and then annihilating the Battery 3-1 at PGE Park. However, at home the Battery are best, accumulating a record of 7-1-4 and only allowing 6 goals against. Don't be fooled by Blackbaud Stadium's diminuitive stature either, although only seating 5,100 at full capacity, the intimate design puts the crowd right on the field, and the fans should be out in force to root against the Timber's reaching No. 24 at their expense. For extra incentive, if the Battery get the victory they officially clinch a spot in the playoffs, something the Timber's have already accomplished. Either way, it's going to be an absolute battle, as two of the favorites to win the USL championship this year meet. Looks like we're in store for a humid summer night down South, with a high around 84 degrees, 40% percipitation, and a chance for a few thunderstorms.

Players to Watch
Tsuyoshi Yoshitake - In Charleston's last couple matches, the midfielder scored 2 goals in the team's win over Cleveland and assisted in the game's only goal in a draw against the Whitecaps. Containing Yoshitake's quick, attacking style will be a key for the Timber's defense.

Tyler Hemming - Hemming is an aggressive midfielder who doesn't shy away from contact when trying to win balls and won't be afraid to take a shot on goal either - second on the team with 30 attempts. As usual, this game will be won in the midfield, so expect physical play and expect confrontations with Mcmanus. Hemming leads the Battery with 30 fouls on the season.

Keith Wiggans - Charleston's regular starter at keeper, Dusty Hudock, has missed the last 3 matches due to injury. He leads the USL in shutouts with 12 on the year. Wiggan's first game filling in he took a beating from the Timbers. He's rebounded a bit since then, only allowing 2 goals in as many matches. How will he do a second time around?

One last drop - Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez, recently signed by the Timbers, will be officially activated and ready for any possible action on Friday.

***Just a couple quick updates (Dan):
Carolina kept the race interesting last night. They are now within 3 points of Portland after their 9-0 bitchslapping of Miami. No, that's not a typo either. Way to fuck up the goal differential Miami. Portland is just barely holding on to the league lead now. The Railhawks have 5 games remaining.
Also, we revised our magic number for Portland down to 12. The Timbers own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Carolina, meaning if both teams end with 63 points (Carolina's ceiling), Portland would still take the Commissioner's Cup.

USL Playoff Race Update

If the playoffs were held today, here are the top seven teams that would be in:


Portland is the only team to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The top five teams are still mathematically able to take the top spot (with Rochester being a very long shot), but Portland is emerging as a slight favorite.

Let's take a look at the remaining schedules of the top four teams.

Portland and Charleston have the easiest remaining schedules. With four games remaining in PGE Park, and four more games against the bottom of the league, the Timbers have a huge opportunity to hold on to the top spot.

Portland's magic # for the Commissioner's Cup is 13. If they can get 13 more points from their remaining games, they will guarantee the top spot. If Carolina misses any points by getting a tie or a loss in their next game, that magic # will also go down.

Timbers League Leaders

Points
Mandjou Keita, 28, #1 in USL
Ryan Pore, 20, #2 in USL (tie)
George Josten, 10, #15 in USL (tie)
Brian Farber, 10, #15 in USL (tie)

Goals
Mandjou Keita, 11, #1 in USL
Ryan Pore, 9, #2 in USL (tie)

Assists
Mandjou Keita, 6, #1 in USL (tie)
David Hayes, 4, #4 in USL (tie)

Shots
Mandjou Keita, 54, #3 in USL
Ryan Pore, 53, #4 in USL

Goalkeeper Wins
Steve Cronin, 13, #1 in USL

Goals Allowed
Steve Cronin, 13, #7 in USL

Shutouts
Steve Cronin, 8, #4 in USL

Saves
Steve Cronin, 72, #5 in USL

Goals Allowed per Appearance
Steve Cronin, 0.594, #3 in USL

POSTGAME: Timbers First to Clinch Playoff Berth, Beat Miami 3 - 1

Last night at PGE Park, in front of a crowd of nearly 14,000 - the Portland Timbers with their 3-1 victory over the Miami FC Blues, became the first team in the USL First Division to clinch a spot in this year's playoffs. Their historic unbeaten streak now stands at 23 matches and the Timbers sit at 1st place in the league standings, 6 pts ahead of Carolina and Charleston, who are tied in 2nd. With their sights certainly set on higher goals, the Timbers will take this postseason berth in passing, their focus prudently aimed on winning the Commissioner's Cup (the regular season championship) and earning the first round playoff bye that comes with it. Another question must linger in the back of the minds of the Timber's players - with only two road games remaining, can this team finish the rest of the regular season unbeaten? The talent, depth, and confidence level of this team seems to suggest it might be so.

Before anything else, i'd like to say what a wonderful tribute it was to defender Cameron Knowles, that the Timber Army flew New Zealand flags throughout the crowd to honor him for all he's done for this team - a great gesture. And now to the game - forward Mandjou Keita, scored two goals, pushing his season total to a team leading 11 scores. He now leads the USL in goals scored and total points with 28. Enough can't be said about the job Keita has done for this squad, his combination of speed and strength constantly putting pressure on the defense, and his quick strike and reflexes in the box make him one of the most dangerous players in the entire league. As expected for a first year player, he came out of the gates a little slow, taking time to adjust to the new league, but he's sure found his way now, hasn't he?

Although not the Team's best overall performance this season, Portland still played a very solid game, outshooting the Blues 19-7 and earning more corner kicks 8-1. Unfortunately, with the exception of Keita's 1st half goal, the Timbers weren't able to capitalize on their advantage in possessions. And after the Blues scored the 2nd half equalizer it appeared the Timbers were ready to cough up another two points in the standings, a dissapointment they've had to face a few times this year. However, the players pulled together and responded - Merritt's score serving as a wake up call - the Timber's tallying off two more goals to close out the game. It was a real showing of grit and tenacity by this team, something Coach Wilkinson should be able to find pride in.

It has been a season of magical moments and Saturday night was no different. After Keita's go ahead goal in the 81st minute, the only dissapointment remained that Ryan Pore had not been able to find the back of the net and keep his individual scoring streak alive. Then, magically, in stoppage time, Taka suddenly broke up a play, sent a lead pass to Keita in the corner, who then whipped a beautiful ball to Pore across the box. And almost unbelievably, Pore was wide open, nobody even near him, giving him time to take a few touches before blasting the ball past the helpless and defenseless Blues keeper. The streak within the streak! Really an incredible moment in an incredible season, and we're not done yet.

One last drop - the importance of the Timber's depth needs to be noted again. It allows Coach Wilkinson to make substitutions liberally, ensuring the team can play freely and with aggresion, and still have fresh legs down the stretch. Also, during moments this season when we've had injuries, the team has been able to keep going without missing a beat, plugging in another skilled player off the bench. Cameron Knowle's recent injury is a good example, even with a player of his value out, this team has prevailed - players like Mamadou Danso and Takuro Nishimura filling in valiantly. Nishimura especially looked sharp with some nice tackles and some fancy ball work, even blasting a couple shots on goal. I'll be eager to see what he can bring the rest of the year.

Timbers' winning goals

Ryan Pore's Streak

Watch his five goals: