Tennyson Returns to PGE Park
Today the Timbers ended much speculation and anticipation by announcing the re-signing of McKinley Tennyson who was the talk of the A-League in 2002 with 18 goals and six assists. He will rejoin his 18 goal partner Fadi Afash to lead the Timbers' attack.
Tennyson led the 2002 A-League Scoring Championship and was the first to receive a newly created award given to the top A-League offensive player age 23 or younger.
"Re-signing McKinley was our top priority during the off-season, so we're thrilled that we were able to achieve that," said Jim Taylor, Timbers general manager. "He and Fadi Afash proved to be a lethal strike force for us last season; it will be great to have that threat up front again."
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
2003 Diary Update
...well obviously with the release of Keith Costigan yesterday the 2003 player diary idea is kind of dead in the water unfortunately...unless another player would like to step into Keith's place of course (hint-hint)! (email me: timberlogATqwestDOTnet)
Keith tells me that the reason he was released is to do with his work visa processing being delayed which could have possibly meant him missing early season games. Oh well...hopefully Keith, Ben and Erik move on to better things and maybe there will be a 2003 player diary for y'all to read.
posted by the timberlog at 8:57 PM...well obviously with the release of Keith Costigan yesterday the 2003 player diary idea is kind of dead in the water unfortunately...unless another player would like to step into Keith's place of course (hint-hint)! (email me: timberlogATqwestDOTnet)
Keith tells me that the reason he was released is to do with his work visa processing being delayed which could have possibly meant him missing early season games. Oh well...hopefully Keith, Ben and Erik move on to better things and maybe there will be a 2003 player diary for y'all to read.
Monday, April 14, 2003
Timbers Acquire Downing - Release Costigan, Ozimek and Somoza!
The Timbers have announced that they have acquired defender Nick Downing on a season-long loan from the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS).
"We're thrilled to be adding a player of Nick Downing's stature to our roster," said Jim Taylor, Timbers general manager. "Obviously, we've made some significant changes at the back, but felt it was necessary in order to improve the club. Right now, we're feeling very good about our team defensively."
The club also announced that they were releasing defender Keith Costigan and midfielders Ben Somoza and Erik Ozimek.
[Press Release]
[Update 4/18:] Ben Somoza training with Seattle {via Seattle Pitch}
Market News:
Trading was sluggish after the markets opened this morning with the overall A-League index stable. The Portland Timbers (TIMB) share price rose sharply from it's weekend price in mid-morning on increased investor confidence only to dip again prior to lunch, settling down 44 at 181. The late afternoon press release sent the share price lower and the markets closed with the Timbers at 150, 75 points down on the day.
The markets are expected to remain volatile ahead of league-wide final roster announcements and pre-season results.
[Media Watch]
UNLV Says Goodbye to Melendez
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Timbers "zeroing in" on Tennyson
John Nolen in today's Oregonian reports on the continuing efforts to re-sign McKinley Tennyson and also notes that the Timbers are on the verge of getting a season-long loan of defender Nick Downing from the New England Revolution.
Nick obviously chose Portland over a permanent move to Brazil!!
Sancho's Move to Scotland Close
from the Trinidad and Tobego Football Federation report:
Defenders Brent Sancho and Cyd Gray should be joining Scottish Premier League club Dundee within the next two months.
Word out of Scotland is that all paperwork is almost completed and the duo should be heading out to begin contracts after catching the eye of Dundee boss Jim Duffy during his recent visit to T&T through the efforts of Pro Sports Caribbean.
posted by the timberlog at 8:13 AMJohn Nolen in today's Oregonian reports on the continuing efforts to re-sign McKinley Tennyson and also notes that the Timbers are on the verge of getting a season-long loan of defender Nick Downing from the New England Revolution.
Nick obviously chose Portland over a permanent move to Brazil!!
Sancho's Move to Scotland Close
from the Trinidad and Tobego Football Federation report:
Defenders Brent Sancho and Cyd Gray should be joining Scottish Premier League club Dundee within the next two months.
Word out of Scotland is that all paperwork is almost completed and the duo should be heading out to begin contracts after catching the eye of Dundee boss Jim Duffy during his recent visit to T&T through the efforts of Pro Sports Caribbean.
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Dear Diary...
A new feature here on the timberlog for the upcoming 2003 season (and one which i'm pretty excited about) is a player diary.
Some insights from the player's perspective are sure to be interesting as this year plays out and i'm sure that the whole range of a soccer players life (ups and downs) will be covered.
The player who will be keeping this diary has been an ever-present member of the team from the inaugaral-season in 2001 (in fact he lead the team in minutes played last season). He is joint leader in assists with 11 in 2 years although he is yet to score a goal for the Timbers himself. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Keith Costigan will be updating his diary regularly and starts today with a few thoughts at the start of pre-season training...
[read the Timbers' Diary here]
posted by the timberlog at 4:02 PMA new feature here on the timberlog for the upcoming 2003 season (and one which i'm pretty excited about) is a player diary.
Some insights from the player's perspective are sure to be interesting as this year plays out and i'm sure that the whole range of a soccer players life (ups and downs) will be covered.
The player who will be keeping this diary has been an ever-present member of the team from the inaugaral-season in 2001 (in fact he lead the team in minutes played last season). He is joint leader in assists with 11 in 2 years although he is yet to score a goal for the Timbers himself. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Keith Costigan will be updating his diary regularly and starts today with a few thoughts at the start of pre-season training...
[read the Timbers' Diary here]
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
...from Spiteri to Smith...
Notes from Training Camp
The light rain fell steadily at PGE Park yesterday as Bobby Howe, Jimmy Conway and Jim Brazeau put the Timbers signees and hopefuls still in the 2003 training camp through their paces.
[A few notes]:
The Timbers are still waiting to hear from McKinley Tennyson. His trial with Chicago is over and everyone is waiting for (hopefully) good news.
Cole Burgman looked like a good keeper (as much as one can judge from a few 5-a-side games and an 11-a-side scrimmage). Sharp, good positioning. He, Spiteri and Smith were all in attendance although only 2 will remain on the Timbers' 2003 roster (and it's being reported today that Chris Smith has been released)
Tall, strong forward Dan Antoniuk was impressive. Good first touch, a powerful (accurate!) shot. Jason Melendez looked more impressive than in the Fire game and scored 2 in the 11-a-side scrimmage which ended the session.
It's looking unlikely that Jake Sagare will be back in the green and white stripes this year as Grimsby are looking to have him back in the summer. Not definite, but unlikely.
A few more names of players at the camp: Former Portland Pride player Jeff Betts was present as were defender Ryan Youngblood (U of Evansville), left-sided midfielder Kapono Lowe (Fresno State), Aaron Heinzen at left-back (and a likely signee i'm told!) and former Stanislaus Cruiser player Manuel Brasil.
[Update] Chris Smith and Kapono Lowe have both been released. Anyone with a free afternoon? Tomorrow the Timbers play a scrimmage at the U of P @ 3pm.
Friday, April 04, 2003
Prompted by this throwaway line in the Oregonian's article about Mayor Katz' State of the City Speech.
"The speech does not mention the prospect of casino gambling or ongoing uncertainty about PGE Park."
I asked Sam Adams (mayor's chief of staff ) about the current situation.
"The new PFE has not yet been able to secure financing to secure the deal. They are still working on it."
...and on the same topic this about M.S. partner Peter Stott from the Willamette Week.
Wednesday, April 02, 2003
Timbers Keeper Search Continues
The Timbers had 4 potential candidates on show for the first day of training.
Chris Smith (last years back-up), Cole Burgman, who last year played in 15 games for the Atlanta Silverbacks, and free agent rookies Brian Hill from Oregon State and Ben Meckle from the University of Puget Sound.
They will be joined by Curtis Spiteri, Ryan Wittstruck, a former Puget Sound goalkeeper, and Mike McCarthy of Gonzaga later in the week.
John Nolen's article also drops the bombshell that Vadim Tolstolutsky has retired from soccer at age 23 to take a job in Seattle with a Russian airline! The sounds of weeping from his hoards of female fans will be heard echoing around PGE Park this year. Look for "hottie" Brian Winters to take over as the fans fave pin-up!?
posted by the timberlog at 7:17 AMThe Timbers had 4 potential candidates on show for the first day of training.
Chris Smith (last years back-up), Cole Burgman, who last year played in 15 games for the Atlanta Silverbacks, and free agent rookies Brian Hill from Oregon State and Ben Meckle from the University of Puget Sound.
They will be joined by Curtis Spiteri, Ryan Wittstruck, a former Puget Sound goalkeeper, and Mike McCarthy of Gonzaga later in the week.
John Nolen's article also drops the bombshell that Vadim Tolstolutsky has retired from soccer at age 23 to take a job in Seattle with a Russian airline! The sounds of weeping from his hoards of female fans will be heard echoing around PGE Park this year. Look for "hottie" Brian Winters to take over as the fans fave pin-up!?
Timbers Sign Two More as Camp Opens
The Timbers announced the signing of 2 more players today, both defenders.
Jake Vaughn trained with the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS recently and with FC Metz (France - First Division), 2001-02. He also played at Cal Poly State University and the University of San Francisco prior to beginning his professional career.
Lee Morrison played at Stanford before turning pro, was a first-round selection (ninth overall) of the Dallas Burn in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft and appeared in three matches with the team during the 2002 season.
In addition it was confirmed that Gavin Wilkinson has re-signed and will be returning for the 2003 season.
posted by the timberlog at 7:06 AMThe Timbers announced the signing of 2 more players today, both defenders.
Jake Vaughn trained with the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS recently and with FC Metz (France - First Division), 2001-02. He also played at Cal Poly State University and the University of San Francisco prior to beginning his professional career.
Lee Morrison played at Stanford before turning pro, was a first-round selection (ninth overall) of the Dallas Burn in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft and appeared in three matches with the team during the 2002 season.
In addition it was confirmed that Gavin Wilkinson has re-signed and will be returning for the 2003 season.
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
Timbers Open Training Camp
The Timbers continue their preparations for the 2003 A-League season, which begins on May 1st, by opening their training camp today at PGE Park.
The Oregonian is reporting today that for McKinley Tennyson "Portland still is an option" even though he will not be present at camp while he continues to explore options with Chicago.
{update: According to the Chicago Fire site McKinley has "...left camp and will not join the team for its final two weeks of spring training in Chicago".}
[Update on the update!: I'm told that McKinley has left the camp due to a injured hamstring and at the time of writing the Fire still have not decided McKinley's fate!]
Other news in John Nolen's article:
Newly signed Curtis Spitieri will be present.
The Timbers have also signed Ben Somoza and three players from the Timbers' recent tryouts: forward Daniel Antoniuk (Wheaton College) and midfielders Adam Wilson (Hershey Wildcats, Boston Bulldogs) and Jason Melindez (UNLV).
Keith Costigan's work visa is on hold.
Jim Taylor confirmed that Greg Howes and Brent Sancho will not be returning for the Timbers this year.
[your humble correspondent will be reporting from the camp...but not this week...probably next...stay tuned!]
posted by the timberlog at 6:29 AMThe Timbers continue their preparations for the 2003 A-League season, which begins on May 1st, by opening their training camp today at PGE Park.
The Oregonian is reporting today that for McKinley Tennyson "Portland still is an option" even though he will not be present at camp while he continues to explore options with Chicago.
{update: According to the Chicago Fire site McKinley has "...left camp and will not join the team for its final two weeks of spring training in Chicago".}
[Update on the update!: I'm told that McKinley has left the camp due to a injured hamstring and at the time of writing the Fire still have not decided McKinley's fate!]
Other news in John Nolen's article:
Newly signed Curtis Spitieri will be present.
The Timbers have also signed Ben Somoza and three players from the Timbers' recent tryouts: forward Daniel Antoniuk (Wheaton College) and midfielders Adam Wilson (Hershey Wildcats, Boston Bulldogs) and Jason Melindez (UNLV).
Keith Costigan's work visa is on hold.
Jim Taylor confirmed that Greg Howes and Brent Sancho will not be returning for the Timbers this year.
[your humble correspondent will be reporting from the camp...but not this week...probably next...stay tuned!]