Knowles Makes First Team… Boring, Boring, Timbers.

It seemed fitting that considering the team’s performance as of late that the only Timber to make it to this week’s USL-1 first team was a defender.  Cameron Knowles gets the nod from USL-1 for the defensive strength the Timbers have shown.  The Portland Timbers’ site says the following.

Through five games in 2008, Knowles has been a key figure on a Timbers’ defensive unit that has recorded four shutouts and allowed a single goal – the fewest in the league among teams with four or more matches.

How awesome is that?  Our defense is so amazing that a goal is conceded once in every five matches which puts them on the pace to concede what, 6 on the season.  Bring it on.  The defense definitely gives the Timbers the opportunity to play the style of football the Arsenal did in the ’70s when they earned the glorious title of Boring, Boring Arsenal but something tells me even though we have this brick wall erected in our defensive third we’ll try and push for more than 1-0 wins.  Congratulations to Cameron and to the rest of the boys in back that ensure us to at least one point each match.

The Totori Effect, Should Brown Worry?

The Timbers have been scoreless for two games now and have been able come through with two points.  The offense, which scored five goals in their first three games, has begun to slump a bit.  After the nil-nil match with Rochester, Gavin mentioned possibly making these players earn their slots and I can’t help but think he was speaking to the forwards as much as he was the mid-field. 

I disregarded the possibility of benching the big name forwards, Brown and Suzuki, at first but then I came to the realization that it could happen with Benjamin Totori coming in.  I’m sure Suzuki’s spot is safe, with his all around soccer knowledge, but I do feel that Brown may have to watch out when the young gun from the Solomon Islands arrives.

A common criticism of Brown is that he is older and has lost a bit of pace.  Not to mention that he, who’s credited with a few of those goals in the first three matches, has become silent in the last two and was subbed out to bring on Bryan Little Saturday.  It wouldn’t be to suprising to me if Benjamin Totori, who’s a high scoring speed racer, ends up splitting time with Brown epecially if our local hero can’t find his boot again.  If Totori is as fast as the legend makes him out to be he could be quite the companion up front with Suzuki who’s shown great assisting ability. 

Thus begs the question, is Brown’s spot safe?

Match Review: Portland Timbers V. Seattle Sounders 5/10

After a stampede of children and awkward national anthem the Timbers and Sounders squared off for the last time in Seattle as USL rivals. Portland controlled the stands as the army were the fan-track on USLlive; however, it was a bit different on the pitch. The match started out as I expected, playing off the emotion of being at home in the big time stadium, the Sounders went searching for the opening goal.

The first 15’ minutes of the match were packed with intensity as the Sounders desperately searched for a goal. In the 3’ LeToux and Schmid got past the defensive line and failed to finish (this becomes a trend throughout the night). In the 6’ minute, the Sounders got a free kick 19 yards out after their player was bumped and brought down which didn’t provide Burse with a challenge. Three minutes later in the 9’ Seattle get’s yet another chance to go one up as LeToux draws the Portland defense perfectly and gives the ball up to Schmid who, are you ready for this, fails to finish. Seattle continues to apply pressure but doesn’t get a good chance again until the 15’ minute when Schmid makes a good run inside the box but, with four defenders circling him, botches yet another shot (failing to finish again). The Sounders weren’t the only ones looking for a goal to start, the Timbers formation was quite offensively focused but as the Sounders offense began to attack more Timbers’ found themselves in the back to help stop the attack.

The constant pressure allowed Burse to shine. In the 21’, Gardner took a decent shot from 25 yards out causing Burse to get a hand on the ball. Again in the 27’ Burse is able to easily save an easy chance from Sakuda.

The game got a bit scrappy in the 35’ when Gregor and O’Brien decided to exchange words in the center field. Their tiff increased the intensity on the pitch as Brown who was chasing a ball down into the box was beat by Eyelander who popped right up to jaw a bit with Brown who is alleged to have dragged his feet when jumping over the Seattle keeper… Brown could take him.

The second half started much like the first as Seattle continued their ability to spread the Portland side. However, this half would prove to be a bit different when after a series of subs, between the 65’ and 75’, the Timbers got their best chances of the night. The 76’ minute gave a glimmer of hope for us as the Timbers began to set up a decent attack; the attack, however, ended quickly due to bodies hitting the pitch all around the Sounder’s 18 yard box, resulting in a possession changing foul. Portland soon were to take possession back in the 78’ as Poltl took a long range shot from outside the box which deflected off a Sounder. This run, excluding Suzuki’s header in the 89^th, would be Portland’s last chance to score.

The Sounders finished up much like how they started, spreading the Portland squad but unable to finish any of their chances. Gardner had a golden chance to end the game in the 82’ but sailed the ball high over the goal, summarizing the Sounders night. The match ended with a somewhat exciting 0-0 draw.

I was a bit bummed with Portland’s performance tonight, however, the game played out much like I expected it to; Seattle controlling the game but unable to do anything because their forwards are weak and the Timbers’ defense did decent (but could do better). The only part I got wrong was the Timbers’ offense. They were silent for another 90 minutes, granted a lot of the men up front were taking on a defensive role most of the match. That’s 180+ minutes without a goal for anyone who’s counting, our boys up front need to find the niche they had before the two week break. I wonder if we’ll see Little or Oka getting a starting slot soon as the boys led the Timbers’ to their first real stint of pressure after entering the match. Only time will tell.

Portland Timbers: Burse, S. Thompson, J. Thompson, Knowles, Griffin, Poltl, Gregor (Guante, 64‘), Higgins, Bagley (Oka, 68‘), Suzuki (Olum, 89‘), Brown (Little, 73‘).

Seattle Sounders:Eyelander, Sakuda, Jackson, Graham, Scott, Treshuck, O’Brien (Kante, 79‘), Alcaraz-Cuellar, Gardner, Schmid (Cascio, 64‘), LeToux.

4 hours and 30 minutes…

…until we humiliate the Seattle Sounders’ for the last time on their home turf.  I remember as a kid watching the Yankees take on the Red Sox and how the entire day my stomach would just rumble with anticipation, today I’m having the same experience but in lieu of the two most historic teams in Major League Baseball it’s two minor league Soccer teams. 

For those of us who have blood that pumps green and yellow we know that it’s more than just two minor league teams facing off in a sport that the majority of the nation ignores.  This match is our last chance to send our foes the message on their own grounds that we’re the kings of the northwest and regardless of the league it will remain as such.  Tonight’s match is the only that Seattle will play on Qwest field this season, perhaps giving us a glimpse as to what the MLS clashes will look like in the near future.

As for game play, the Timbers offense was shut down by Rochester Thursday allowing the defense to show up.  Hopefully the experience will give the back line some momentum to build on as they were pressured by the Seattle side in the game we took 2-0 a few weeks back.  My hope is that tonight Portland will rely on their defense as they give Seattle space to play and capitalize on the break after the back line boys stop the weak Seattle forwards. 

The Timbers have a 4-9-2 record against Seattle away and trail 11-15-4 all time, how beautiful it will be for the Timbers to give the city of Seattle a loss for their last installment of the most significant rivalry in the history of American soccer. 

I’m not going anywhere during tonight’s match so expect to have a better write up than that of the Rochester yawn fest.

Match Review: Portland v. Rochester 5/8

Tonight’s match left a nasty taste in my mouth.  I stated that Rochester would be lucky to pull out a draw in May and that we weren’t going to be the ones to give it to them, tonight I was wrong.  I was proud of the defensive line who stepped it up and did a good job at stopping the attacks but I was a bit disappointed in the midfield and offense tonight who had a hard time getting back into the swing of things after two weeks off.  I also don’t want to sound like a footy elitist, I know it’s odd for me to say that, but has anyone else noticed how much flopping has ruined the game?  Seriously, stay on your feet and play we don’t come to watch 0-0 draw’s that stop every 45 seconds. 

Portland was silent for most of the first half tonight, allowing Rochester to play.  I was truly disappointed with how much play was stopped due to ticky tack calls due to embellished contact.  The Rochester side’s questionable practice almost earned them a goal in the 10′ where Diallo took a flop outside the 18 yard box.  The awarded foul got a free kick from about 20 yards out which rolled under the feet of the elevated wall and forced Burse to make his only save of the night.  However, one of the fouls that was justly called came a bit before the 30′ when Taka Suzuki flew into a Rochester player as he attempted to complete a cross from Thompson which looked fairly dangerous, ironically the Rochester player got right up.

It was about this time that I had to go to work… that’s right, I missed the entire second half which according to some of the other write ups was the only moment of real Portland pressure.  I’m sorry for droppin’ the ball this time but I’m prepared to give the write up of all write ups on Saturday.  Here’s some other places to get the news, which you’ve probably already read if you’re here. haha.

portlandtimbers.com

Timbers on the Offside

 

The Waiting Game, the MLS debate rages on.

I’ve been a critic of the MLS for about as long as I’ve been a footy fan.  I’ve been at odds with myself over the topic of MLS expansion in Portland with more times taking the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it approach.”  I’ve also mentioned Portland would be a huge cash cow for the MLS and would possibly make it something worth watching.  The question ultimately becomes when’s the right time?

I was reading Bob’s blog today and I saw that he linked to Cliff Pfenning’s article, a man smarter than myself, who hit the nail right on the head; the Portland Timbers should wait to join MLS.  Oregonsport’s points out a few reasons for waiting out MLS but the part that connects in my non-genius mind is the mere economics behind it.  The article points out that the $40 million price tag for the Portland Timbers is $10 million more than Seattle’s expansion fee who, all rivalry aside, couldn’t generate the same kind of revenue Portland does. 

The article goes on to mention the opportunity cost.  If the Timbers decide to rush into MLS expansion they have to spend $40 million now and force PGE park to fit MLS standards; however, they could wait to haggle down MLS to $10 million and use the other $30 million for other uses such as a soccer specific stadium.  I had never considered the SSS approach before because when I hear the phrase I think of that hideous monstrosity in Columbus, that can double as a concert venue after MLS fails.  It makes theoretical sense but I’m not fully ready to give up on PGE park, and if we hold out on those pricey renovations it’s provide us with increased profit.  That being said it does seem silly to have two baseball parks to make room for one professional soccer team.

I guess the question to be asked is, will waiting work?  I honestly, 100% with all anti-MLS bias aside, believe it will.  For one reason, basic economics.  One’s profit is determined by revenue minus costs, which league costs the most?  MLS hands down.  Right now, it’ll cost $40 million dollars to transform the team to MLS and also some extra cash to the city of Portland for stadium renovations.  Now compare that to the USL who states in their Franchise FAQ’s that “average operating budgets for the USL First Division range from $1M - $1.5M.”  Add in the fact that Timber’s attendance has grown exponentially and you can draw the conclusion that the Timber’s have a greater margin for profit if they stay in USL.  Don’t believe me? Look at all the high quality signings they were able to make this off season, the Timbers’ are in the green.

After all is said in done, we’re left with two sides. One side that will take close to $90 million in expenses to join a league which will give us a bit of increased revenue in hype (for a little while) and end up breaking even with the soccer mom demographic; or there’s the other, which was mapped out decently in Oregonsports, that states we can wait out MLS until they want the outstanding product the fans and FO have created bringing out the best opportunity for profit.  I know where I’m leaning, how about you?

Can it be? Arsene Oka has arrived!

The Tribune posted today an interview with Arsene Oka who according to the Tribune has been in Portland for two days now after the long wait on his visa.  The Article states that Arsene is expecting to play two or three games from now which will be interesting.  Arsene seems to have a good attitude and a level head.  Oka also made mention of the Timber’s community and solidarity among the players which is one of the strengths for the club on the pitch and in the terraces, I love these guys!  My excitement meter just went up, read the Tribune article now.

Double Match Weekend For The Timbers

I’m freaking excited.  It sucked having a week off, having to get my fix from other teams with empty stands; however, the pride of Portland is going to make it up to me this weekend as they face the Rochester Raging Rhinos, are they still called that, at PGE park and then make the trip up to Seattle [speaking of empty stands] for their first away match. 

Rochester

Bottom of the table Rochester isn’t a match to worry about as they struggle to find a rhythm during this time of reinvention. The hurt may continue for Rochester as they have an unforgiving schedule, after the Timbers they face the other two Cascadian teams away as well as Charleston at home who’s eaten them alive once and then another away match against the Carolina Railhawks.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they got a maximum of one point in May, and that one point won’t be coming from Portland this Thursday.

Seattle

On the other side of the spectrum you have Seattle who sits in the middle of the table waiting to show us what an MLS team looks like.  Seattle fans, who were quiet after their humiliating defeat at PGE park, are beginning to speak up as the rivalry heads north to be played in front of 60,000 empty seats with bold white lines every ten yards.  There are a few aspects that make me fear for a draw, Burse’s decision making as well as the defensive rust that should be coming off about now.  I’m also having a hard time calling this one because it will be Portland’s first away match.  The positive side?  It’s against Seattle and their twelfth man, well 11 and 1/4 really, isn’t much to fear.  Keep an eye on LeToux, he may still be on cloud nine.  I want us to win 2-1 but see it ending 1-1 with the Timber’s defense stepping up.

Also Goalseattle decided to take a youtube video from the NASL days to build up this weekend’s match, I prefer something a bit more recent.  Videos courtesy of Donald.

Taka’s first goal against the Sounders.

Miguel Guante’s Goal against the Sounders.

The Truthful Proclamation.

Seattle Wins(Finally) and Montreal Continues to Impress

It’s been a slow week with me questioning the meaning of life, this often happens when the Timbers have a week off.  However, I still need my soccer fix so I decided to scope out how our rivals who suck did as well as the team that may put some pressure on us this season.

The first notable match of the weekend was Montreal’s win over the Puerto Rico Islanders.  There’s been some hype about this Montreal side with many people expecting a decent show from them this season.  The match itself wasn’t an offensive spectacle with Montreal out shooting 5-4 but it was full of contact with both team’s splitting 20 fouls and Montreal’s Brown getting sent off.  The lone goal came from the sub Joey Gjertsen in the 80th minute.  The three points that Montreal took from the match now has them sitting a point behind the Timbers in second place on the USL 1 table; the Islander’s, on the other hand, sit second to last with a total of 3 losses thus far.

The Flounder’s finally won a match in the ‘07 championship replay against the Atlanta Silverbacks.  Seattle netted two goals against the Silverbacks, with O’Brien scoring in the 8th and LeToux in the 66th off the assist of O’Brien.  I was expecting the goal of the Frenchman due to the news of his signing with the MLS Flounders next season which broke earlier this week, a promotion at work usually gears a person up.  In LeToux’s case it did.  The flounder’s, who didn’t look amazing, were carried by the Frenchman who took three of the Sounder’s four shots.  The Sounders also won in fouls 13-8 and as well as in bookings.  The win now puts the not so hot Sounders in fifth place with a record of 1-1-1.  Maybe if they start signing more players to ride the pine next season they’ll get a championship squad this year.

For all the official statistics: Montreal v. Puerto Rico, Sounders v. Silverbacks.

Henry Rollins : Black Flag :: Portland Timbers : MLS

That’s right, I said it.  Dust off your brains, or if you’re not hip to 80’s hardcore browse wikipedia, and you’ll remember the story of Black Flag.  The So-Cal band that had a bit of a following but didn’t cement their name into the underground hall of fame until they added one important factor, in their case it was the ridiculously buff and outspoken front man Henry Rollins.

As I continue to read these stories of the Timbers absorption in to MLS I can’t help but make that parallel, although Henry Rollins didn’t need $90 mil. from Washington DC to join Black Flag.  For those who are diligent readers of my blog I’ll spare you by not reiterating my distaste for the pile of mass-produced, faux-euro, bigger-than-they-are, fecal matter that is MLS.  I believe that by adding the Portland Timbers to MLS they may finally do something right.

One of the main reasons MLS sucks so bad is because there’s no history, yet they use “traditional names.”  If they were to add the Timbers to MLS they’d have a team that has been in America’s fabric since the seventies, a club that has survived two collapsed leagues and found tremendous monetary success in a league that is no stranger to bankruptcy.  Not to mention, the MLS would then have a real rivalry that has history especially with the scum joining up in ‘09.

So if our beloved owner who, I’m not just blowing hot air here, sticks up for the club and is pretty much the coolest thing since the exploding whale on the Oregon coast can make this happen I believe the Timbers will be the front-runners for making MLS something worth watching.  I beg to the city of Portland, give us the money for more urinals!

Disclaimer:  I still hate MLS and will watch it only if Portland remains the Portland Timbers when brought in, this maybe a few years from now so we’ll just have to keep watching them dominate the USL opposition.