A Pan-Galactic View: New midfielder is talk of team.
Short piece about ex-Timber Jesus Ochoa, recently signed to a developmental contract in LA.
posted by the timberlog at 12:40 PMShort piece about ex-Timber Jesus Ochoa, recently signed to a developmental contract in LA.
"When Ochoa came to the first practice with us, I thought that he was the same kind of player that Armas was when he was here," said veteran Mauricio Cienfuegos. "He has good qualities in defense, he has good technique, and he reads the game well."
Friday, March 29, 2002
Portland Tribune - Howe vows to be no-nonsense coach.
Today's Tribune article...
Also reported that Rees Bettinger (a Sounder last year, released a month or so back and linked with the Timbers in rumours floating around) will be a Timber this year. Joey Leonetti will be vying for a roster place again this year after suffering an injury in last year's pre-season. Also reported that Brent Sancho (after all the rumours of his return getting stronger and stronger seem to be right) will play on the right side and be given a "green light to attack"
posted by the timberlog at 1:42 PMToday's Tribune article...
I'm going to be a little tougher with the players" he (Howe) says. "If there are any signs of players rocking the boat, they'll be gone. This year, I'll make my life a lot easier - i'll get rid of them.
Also reported that Rees Bettinger (a Sounder last year, released a month or so back and linked with the Timbers in rumours floating around) will be a Timber this year. Joey Leonetti will be vying for a roster place again this year after suffering an injury in last year's pre-season. Also reported that Brent Sancho (after all the rumours of his return getting stronger and stronger seem to be right) will play on the right side and be given a "green light to attack"
Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Sancho Update!
According to the Timbers, [quote] Jim Taylor's talks with Brent Sancho's agent have been very positive and he's hopeful of the defender's return to the club in time for the Oregonian/A-League vs. MLS exhibition match. [unquote]
posted by the timberlog at 8:22 PMAccording to the Timbers, [quote] Jim Taylor's talks with Brent Sancho's agent have been very positive and he's hopeful of the defender's return to the club in time for the Oregonian/A-League vs. MLS exhibition match. [unquote]
The Royal Tennysons
Oh my giddy aunt! I get home to find out that the Timbers are about to announce the signing of the timberlog's favorite Tennyson...McKinley Jnr. that is.
And it will be "Cannons to the left of them, Cannons to the right" when Chugger, Fadi and McKinners come charging at the poor A-League defenses led into PGE Park for the slaughter this year! McKinley (6' 2", 200 lb)is a former UCLA, LA Galaxy striker and Timbers fans are already salivating at the prospect.
Tennyson, 23, joins the Timbers from the Los Angeles Galaxy, which acquired his rights from the Columbus Crew last year. Tennyson played college soccer at UCLA, and was selected by the Crew in the fourth round (39th overall) in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. He also spent part of last year playing in the Swedish First Division for GIF Sundsvall.
One of the most prolific scorers in UCLA history, the 6-2, 194-pound Tennyson finished his career as the ninth leading scorer in Bruins history with 102 points and second in multiple-goal games with eight. He finished fourth in voting for the Missouri Athletic Club's (MAC) Player of the Year in addition to being a candidate for the Hermann Trophy.
Tennyson helped lead UCLA to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including a national championship in 1997 and another trip to the College Cup Semifinals in 1999.
posted by the timberlog at 1:34 PM
Left: Alfred Lord. Right: McKinley Jr.
Oh my giddy aunt! I get home to find out that the Timbers are about to announce the signing of the timberlog's favorite Tennyson...McKinley Jnr. that is.
And it will be "Cannons to the left of them, Cannons to the right" when Chugger, Fadi and McKinners come charging at the poor A-League defenses led into PGE Park for the slaughter this year! McKinley (6' 2", 200 lb)is a former UCLA, LA Galaxy striker and Timbers fans are already salivating at the prospect.
Tennyson, 23, joins the Timbers from the Los Angeles Galaxy, which acquired his rights from the Columbus Crew last year. Tennyson played college soccer at UCLA, and was selected by the Crew in the fourth round (39th overall) in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. He also spent part of last year playing in the Swedish First Division for GIF Sundsvall.
"McKinley is a powerful player and will help us to create a dimension in attack that we did not have last season," said Bobby Howe, Timbers head coach. "His height and strength will pose an aerial threat. Not only will he help to provide more options for service into the opponents' penalty area in free play, but also, we should be much more dangerous at set plays."
One of the most prolific scorers in UCLA history, the 6-2, 194-pound Tennyson finished his career as the ninth leading scorer in Bruins history with 102 points and second in multiple-goal games with eight. He finished fourth in voting for the Missouri Athletic Club's (MAC) Player of the Year in addition to being a candidate for the Hermann Trophy.
"We've had our eye on Kei for quite sometime now," said Jim Taylor, Timbers general manager. "He really helps solidify our roster. We felt size and speed were among the most important things that we could improve on this off-season. I feel we've made some significant progress in those areas. We'll see what that translates to on the pitch, but I'm extremely positive on the potential this club has for success this season."
Tennyson helped lead UCLA to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments, including a national championship in 1997 and another trip to the College Cup Semifinals in 1999.
"This is going to be a great new experience for me," said Tennyson. "Portland has a great reputation around the A-League, and I'm really excited about playing at PGE Park."
Saturday, March 23, 2002
Timbers Re-sign Benedetti, Costigan, release Ochoa
The Timbers have re-signed Scott Benedetti (great news after Scott's performances last year)...
...and Keith Costigan (even better news as Keith was the Timbers best young player last year)
The Timbers also came to terms with midfielders Ben Somoza and Jake Sagare, who were both selected by the club in the A-League draft in February.
Alas the Timbers also granted defender Jesus Ochoa his release at the request of Major League Soccer. Ochoa has been working out with the Los Angeles Galaxy where he is expected to be signed to a developmental contract. Although Portland did not see the best of Jesus last year we wish him all the best playing in LA.
posted by the timberlog at 7:35 AMThe Timbers have re-signed Scott Benedetti (great news after Scott's performances last year)...
"Scott had a wonderful season last year," said Howe. "Our team benefited from
his vast experience and versatility. We are delighted that he has re-signed with
the club."
his vast experience and versatility. We are delighted that he has re-signed with
the club."
...and Keith Costigan (even better news as Keith was the Timbers best young player last year)
"Keith improved his performance and grew in confidence as last season
progressed," Howe added. "This year, we are looking for him to take his game to
an even higher level."
progressed," Howe added. "This year, we are looking for him to take his game to
an even higher level."
The Timbers also came to terms with midfielders Ben Somoza and Jake Sagare, who were both selected by the club in the A-League draft in February.
Alas the Timbers also granted defender Jesus Ochoa his release at the request of Major League Soccer. Ochoa has been working out with the Los Angeles Galaxy where he is expected to be signed to a developmental contract. Although Portland did not see the best of Jesus last year we wish him all the best playing in LA.
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Happy Birthday Timber!
In a new feature, the timberlog wishes a Timbers player Happy Birthday.
Today: Brent Sancho...Happy Birthday!!
[note: the only reason the timberlog remembers this is because today is the timberlog's birthday too!!]
posted by the timberlog at 1:36 PMIn a new feature, the timberlog wishes a Timbers player Happy Birthday.
Today: Brent Sancho...Happy Birthday!!
[note: the only reason the timberlog remembers this is because today is the timberlog's birthday too!!]
Sunday, March 10, 2002
The timberlog is...
The timberlog is away for a couple of weeks in the "Sceptred Isle". Updates will be sporadic at best. Many apologies in advance.
I suppose I should leave you with some juicy gossip like the fact that....well, if I told you I'd have to kill you...or more likely someone would kill me so...
posted by the timberlog at 7:26 PM
The timberlog is away for a couple of weeks in the "Sceptred Isle". Updates will be sporadic at best. Many apologies in advance.
I suppose I should leave you with some juicy gossip like the fact that....well, if I told you I'd have to kill you...or more likely someone would kill me so...
Saturday, March 09, 2002
posted by the timberlog at 3:14 PM
Form the Vancouver Sun
The Whitecaps wasted little time snapping up Clarke when the Timbers, due to budget cuts of their own, failed to offer him the *required 10 per cent raise necessary to retain his rights. "I've been close to signing here the past couple of seasons," explained Clarke, a former SFU standout. "Portland made me a good offer, but it was low enough that it gave me the leverage to return here."
[*required by whom?]
posted by the timberlog at 2:27 PMThe Whitecaps wasted little time snapping up Clarke when the Timbers, due to budget cuts of their own, failed to offer him the *required 10 per cent raise necessary to retain his rights. "I've been close to signing here the past couple of seasons," explained Clarke, a former SFU standout. "Portland made me a good offer, but it was low enough that it gave me the leverage to return here."
[*required by whom?]
Thursday, March 07, 2002
posted by the timberlog at 12:27 PM
Wednesday, March 06, 2002
posted by the timberlog at 7:25 PM
Expect Jeff Clarke to sign for Vancouver...
[from BCSoccerweb]
posted by the timberlog at 5:29 PMAccording to CKWX Radio AM1130 the Vancouver Whitecaps are to put pen to paper on several more players this week including Paul Dailly, Oliver Heald and Jeff Clarke.
[from BCSoccerweb]
Tuesday, March 05, 2002
Timbers Pre-Season
The Seattle Sounders announced their pre-season schedule today and included is a game against the Timbers on April 28 in Bellevue, WA.
posted by the timberlog at 2:50 PMThe Seattle Sounders announced their pre-season schedule today and included is a game against the Timbers on April 28 in Bellevue, WA.
From a short USLSoccer article on the Timbers...
On the field, the signing of Adair and other soon-to-be-announced player moves signal an attempt by Coach Bobby Howe to trying something new for 2002.
“We have a much better sense on what it takes to compete in this league,” said Taylor. “Until you go through and experience it, you don’t know exactly what you want. Last year, we had a lot of talented players, but in the end, the chemistry just wasn’t what was needed.”
posted by the timberlog at 1:54 PMOn the field, the signing of Adair and other soon-to-be-announced player moves signal an attempt by Coach Bobby Howe to trying something new for 2002.
“We have a much better sense on what it takes to compete in this league,” said Taylor. “Until you go through and experience it, you don’t know exactly what you want. Last year, we had a lot of talented players, but in the end, the chemistry just wasn’t what was needed.”
Brian Winters Signed to Multi-Year Deal
Hot on the heels of yesterday's news that Brian Winters will travel to England with a joint USL/USASA team, the Timbers announced today that the Timbers midfielder has been signed to a new multi-year deal.
"As the captain of last year's team, Brian led through example and work rate," said Bobby Howe, head coach of the Timbers. "He is an enforcer in midfield, which is a quality that all teams must have in order to compete for championships."
Winters, 24, has previously represented his country as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team from 1998-2000, playing in 15 matches, and was selected as an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Qualifying Team for the 2000 Sydney Games.
Monday, March 04, 2002
Brian Winters called up to USL/USASA Team
Timbers midfield dynamo Brian Winters has been included in the USL/USASA roster to travel to England to play in the inaugural international match against the England National Game XI. The 17-man American squad consists of 13 USL players and four representatives from the USASA, which is the amateur arm of the US Soccer Federation that oversees the operation of all amateur competitions and leagues, including the Premier Development League and W-League. The U.S. team, which will don the official United States uniforms, will be coached by Richmond Kickers boss Leigh Cowlishaw and U.S. National Amateur Team and University of Tampa head coach Keith Fulk.
The England National Game XI is made up of players from the English Football Conference and is managed by John Owens, who won the FA Trophy (1978) and two Alliance Premier Championships (1980, 1981) with Moss Lane. Owens was also recently appointed Assistant Academy Director at Liverpool FC.
posted by the timberlog at 1:09 PMTimbers midfield dynamo Brian Winters has been included in the USL/USASA roster to travel to England to play in the inaugural international match against the England National Game XI. The 17-man American squad consists of 13 USL players and four representatives from the USASA, which is the amateur arm of the US Soccer Federation that oversees the operation of all amateur competitions and leagues, including the Premier Development League and W-League. The U.S. team, which will don the official United States uniforms, will be coached by Richmond Kickers boss Leigh Cowlishaw and U.S. National Amateur Team and University of Tampa head coach Keith Fulk.
The England National Game XI is made up of players from the English Football Conference and is managed by John Owens, who won the FA Trophy (1978) and two Alliance Premier Championships (1980, 1981) with Moss Lane. Owens was also recently appointed Assistant Academy Director at Liverpool FC.
Timbers sign 3 - Release 2
In what can only be described as a flurry of news, the Timbers announced today the signing of Chugger Adair, Sean McAuley and Erik Ozimek and the release of Greg Howes and Jeff Clarke.
Adair was top scorer for the San Diego Flash last year (10 with 5 assists) and his 6' 5" frame will give the Timbers added height up front...and at corners...where he doesn't even need to jump!
"Chugger is a player we've had interest in for quite some time now, so to finally have signed him is both exciting and a relief - a relief in the sense that he won't be playing for the opposition this year." said Jim Taylor.
"Putting some size up front was among our top priorities for off-season acquisitions," Taylor added. "To land a player of Chugger's size and scoring ability is huge. He has a wealth of experience and is a first-class guy. We're very happy that he's joined the club."
Charles "Chugger" Adair is a former Hilltop High, USD (All -American) player and has played with the WISL San Diego Sockers, the Carolina Dynamos, Seattle Sounders, Minnesota Thunder and the Flash. He is hardworking , gracious and energetic...is says so in this Hilltop High Hall of Fame video!!
Sean McAuley, 30 and born in Sheffield England, plays for English Third Division Rochdale. He started his career at Manchester United (1990-92) and has had spells at St Johnstone (1992-95), Chesterfield (1994), Hartlepool (1995-97), Scunthorpe (1997-2000) and Scarborough (1999). Sean, a 6', 163lb left-footed defender, has had injury problems in recent years which have meant that first-team play at Rochdale has been hard to come by, but this season he has made 23 league and 6 cup appearances.
"Sean is a natural leader," said Bobby Howe. "He will bring vast experience to our team. As he is equally comfortable at playing at the back or in the midfield, he will provide excellent options for our systems of play."
McAuley holds Europe's highest coaching degree, the UEFA "A" license. According to Howe, "Sean will be a wonderful resource for the youth soccer community."
McAuley holds Europe's highest coaching degree, the UEFA "A" license. According to Howe, "Sean will be a wonderful resource for the youth soccer community."
Erik Ozimek, (5' 9" 175lb) from Columbia, S.C., was a fourth-round draft pick of the San Diego Earthquakes and a former college player at Davidson College in N. Carolina. Erik is a midfielder with leadership potential and majored in psychology...could be useful!
With the Wildcats, Ozimek, 21, was named to the All-South Region's third team. He was named All-South for the second season becoming just the third Davidson player ever to capture that distinction twice.
This past season, Ozimek was second on the team in points with 18. His eight assists tied for the team lead in 2001 while his five goals put him second on the team in that category. Although he played just two seasons at Davidson, he ranks in the top 10 in career assists and was also named all-conference in both seasons.
"I am extremely excited to join the Portland Timbers and help them to an A-League championship," said Ozimek. "The Timbers are a first-class organization, and I look forward to playing for coach Bobby Howe."
Howe first took notice of Ozimek's skills at this year's Umbro Select College Showcase in Florida.
"I was very impressed with his midfield play," said Howe. "He has good awareness and passing ability. He plays the game with simple efficiency and is always involved in the action."
Friday, March 01, 2002
posted by the timberlog at 8:57 PM
