Timbers Win in US Open Cup: Utah 1 - 2 Portland
The Timbers travelled to Utah and got the result they wanted, a win against the Blitzz setting up a July 14th game against the MLS San Jose Earthquakes at PGE Park in the US Open Cup.
First half goals from Byron Alvarez on 33' and Alex Bengard on 41' sent the Timbers through against a tough Utah team. Former Timber Fadi Afash got a goal back on 65', but a final minute red card for the Blitzz' Goodfellow (for decking Wilkinson...that man just attracts trouble ;))summed up the game for Utah.
posted by the timberlog at 8:18 PMFirst half goals from Byron Alvarez on 33' and Alex Bengard on 41' sent the Timbers through against a tough Utah team. Former Timber Fadi Afash got a goal back on 65', but a final minute red card for the Blitzz' Goodfellow (for decking Wilkinson...that man just attracts trouble ;))summed up the game for Utah.
Heinzen's Woes
Oregonian this morning on Aaron Heinzen's (and the Timbers) woes.
Coach Bobby Howe stood by the defender and the team is now set for their important cup game tonight in SLC.
Heinzen will also have a crucial role to play in the Timbers next home game on Friday against Vancouver with both Gavin Wilkinson and Lee Morrison suspended.
[more on tonight's game from our friends over the water in the Columbian
posted by the timberlog at 9:58 AM"I told him, if he felt I wasn't getting the job done, give me a rest or sit me down and I'll work my way back," Heinzen said
Coach Bobby Howe stood by the defender and the team is now set for their important cup game tonight in SLC.
"As I said to Aaron, 'Everybody goes through a bad time in your career. It's how you deal with it that makes you or breaks you as a soccer player."
Heinzen will also have a crucial role to play in the Timbers next home game on Friday against Vancouver with both Gavin Wilkinson and Lee Morrison suspended.
[more on tonight's game from our friends over the water in the Columbian
"They're playing at home, and they're going to be excited to play," Howe said. "But I can't see any reason why we won't be excited to play, either."
"We can't look beyond this match or we'll be in trouble," Howe said. "But if we match their work rate and effort, we should win."
"We can't look beyond this match or we'll be in trouble," Howe said. "But if we match their work rate and effort, we should win."
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
The Man from the Land of the Long Ball Forward from the Back
Tribune article about the Timbers lone Kiwi, lone redhead, Gavin Wilkinson.
...and time to revisit this oldie but goodie from the Timbers opening A-League game in 2001 from the wweek - Chin Music
posted by the timberlog at 9:20 AMHe’s the guy with the red hair, the lumps and the bruises. He’s in the center of the last line of defense. And he’s usually the first guy to go front and center as an enforcer when an opponent gets too rough, and the first to jump into a debate with a referee whose call has gone against the Portland Timbers.
...and time to revisit this oldie but goodie from the Timbers opening A-League game in 2001 from the wweek - Chin Music
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Blitzz Ease into Big Open Cup Game
The Utah Blitzz eased into the final 4 days before their US Open Cup match with the Timbers with a 5-0 win against the California Gold.
Coach Chris Agnello played all 5 subs in the game, resting first-team players or taking them out of the game early.
The Timbers travel to Utah on Wednesday to try and achieve a major goal of this season, a match up with the San Jose Earthquakes at PGE Park on July 14th.
posted by the timberlog at 10:22 AMCoach Chris Agnello played all 5 subs in the game, resting first-team players or taking them out of the game early.
The Timbers travel to Utah on Wednesday to try and achieve a major goal of this season, a match up with the San Jose Earthquakes at PGE Park on July 14th.
Friday, June 25, 2004
PDX + MLS = ???
Portland has been mentioned yet again as a potential site for future MLS expansion, this time in a Sports Illustrated article by Grant Wahl. The man who appears to have the latest on the upcoming round of expansion (July 8th announcement on Chivas USA to play in LA, SLC edging Seattle for 2005 expansion, Seattle given more time to plan and allow the team to debut in 2006 with Pacific Northwest native Kasey Keller (!).
According to Wahl:
Of course if you ask anyone in Portland why the Rose City's name keeps cropping up you get a big shrug of the shoulders. Maybe it's time to ask around again!
posted by the timberlog at 8:12 AMAccording to Wahl:
"The top candidates to become the 14th MLS team in 2006 include San Antonio, Houston, Philadelphia, Rochester, Toronto and Portland."
Of course if you ask anyone in Portland why the Rose City's name keeps cropping up you get a big shrug of the shoulders. Maybe it's time to ask around again!
Afash - A Man Divided
As the Portland Timbers prepare for their US Open Cup game in SLC on Wednesday Fadi Afash is dividing his loyalties.
Currently playing for the Utah Blitzz, Afash still lives in Portland, helps Bobby Howe coach at the Lake Oswego Soccer Club and commutes to Salt Lake for Blitzz games.
But come Wednesday he'll be looking to put one past Timbers keeper Josh Saunders to help defeat his old team.
The Tribune article also mentions the hope that Afash could be back in a Timbers shirt, maybe as early as July 18th when Utah have a 1-month break in their season.
The article also presents Bobby Howe's views on A-League refereeing.
Nice!
posted by the timberlog at 8:00 AMCurrently playing for the Utah Blitzz, Afash still lives in Portland, helps Bobby Howe coach at the Lake Oswego Soccer Club and commutes to Salt Lake for Blitzz games.
But come Wednesday he'll be looking to put one past Timbers keeper Josh Saunders to help defeat his old team.
"These are my friends; we all hang out together. But it’s time to take care of business"
The Tribune article also mentions the hope that Afash could be back in a Timbers shirt, maybe as early as July 18th when Utah have a 1-month break in their season.
The article also presents Bobby Howe's views on A-League refereeing.
"The refereeing is atrocious. I don’t know where they drag these guys up from. The guy was totally incompetent. Milwaukee got two goals on set plays that were indirectly the result of inconsistent calls. Gavin got his second yellow card on an innocuous challenge that wasn’t a foul, then Lee got in the referee’s face and swore at him, but people had been swearing at him all night and he’d done nothing."
Nice!
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Clown!
posted by the timberlog at 11:38 AM
A Game to Forget: Milwaukee 2 - 1 Portland
A game to erase from the memory as the Timbers ended up splitting their Midwest road trip with a bad-tempered 2-1 loss in Milwaukee.
Despite taking an early lead on 17' with Byron Alvarez' 6th goal of the season the Timbers ended up losing to the Wave United (who previously had won just 1 of 9) and losing 2 players late on to red cards. Gavin Wilkinson and Lee Morrison will now miss the next Timbers A-League game (at home to Vancouver on July 2nd).
Milwaukee equalized on 38' through Chad Dombrowski and the game winner came on 61' as Johnny Torres scored from a perfect free-kick past Bayard Elfvin.
In the final 10 minutes of the game things got heated (over the radio it appeared due to some frustration at Milwaukee diving) and first Wilkinson, then Morrison and finally the Wave United's Marcantonio got their marching orders as the game disintegrated.
The Timbers now have just under a week to prepare for their US Open Cup game in Utah on June 30th against the Blitzz.
In other news the indoor rights to Timbers' Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar have been transferred from Philadelphia (where he was yet to play a game) to the Chicago Storm in the MISL Expansion draft.
[Press]
O - Timbers loss costlier after two red cards
posted by the timberlog at 9:17 AMDespite taking an early lead on 17' with Byron Alvarez' 6th goal of the season the Timbers ended up losing to the Wave United (who previously had won just 1 of 9) and losing 2 players late on to red cards. Gavin Wilkinson and Lee Morrison will now miss the next Timbers A-League game (at home to Vancouver on July 2nd).
Milwaukee equalized on 38' through Chad Dombrowski and the game winner came on 61' as Johnny Torres scored from a perfect free-kick past Bayard Elfvin.
In the final 10 minutes of the game things got heated (over the radio it appeared due to some frustration at Milwaukee diving) and first Wilkinson, then Morrison and finally the Wave United's Marcantonio got their marching orders as the game disintegrated.
The Timbers now have just under a week to prepare for their US Open Cup game in Utah on June 30th against the Blitzz.
In other news the indoor rights to Timbers' Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar have been transferred from Philadelphia (where he was yet to play a game) to the Chicago Storm in the MISL Expansion draft.
[Press]
O - Timbers loss costlier after two red cards
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Timbers Back On Track: Minnesota 0 - 1 Portland
The Portland Timbers (8-3-0) got back on the rails tonight with a win in Minnesota after a 31st minute Alan Gordon goal (his league-leading 11th of the year) and another impressive performance by Josh Saunders in goal.
Bobby Howe played a 3-6-1 formation on the narrow James Griffin Stadium pitch in St Paul starting Andrew Gregor and Edwin Miranda for their first starts of the year and playing Jake Sagare just behind lone forward Gordon.
The Timbers win takes them 3 points clear at the top of the Western Conference and sent the Thunder their first home defeat this year.
The Timbers move on to Milwaukee tomorrow night for a game against the Wave United.
[Press]
O - Timbers Tweak Lineup, silence Thunder
posted by the timberlog at 8:36 PMBobby Howe played a 3-6-1 formation on the narrow James Griffin Stadium pitch in St Paul starting Andrew Gregor and Edwin Miranda for their first starts of the year and playing Jake Sagare just behind lone forward Gordon.
The Timbers win takes them 3 points clear at the top of the Western Conference and sent the Thunder their first home defeat this year.
The Timbers move on to Milwaukee tomorrow night for a game against the Wave United.
[Press]
O - Timbers Tweak Lineup, silence Thunder
Ebbs and Flows
Timbers GM Jim Taylor in today's Trib:
Taylor also says that defender Edwin Miranda is just about healthy enough to play and central midfielder Memo Arzate "definitely can be a player for us."
posted by the timberlog at 8:48 AM"We’ve certainly had a couple of lapses in back, but I look at it from another perspective: that we’re not scoring like we were, either," Taylor says. "The season is going to be like that, with ebbs and flows."
Taylor also says that defender Edwin Miranda is just about healthy enough to play and central midfielder Memo Arzate "definitely can be a player for us."
"You’ll probably see some different looks on the field in the next two games, but Bobby (Howe) is a loyal coach, loyal to the guys who got us there," Taylor says.
Monday, June 21, 2004
US Open Cup Matchups Announced
The US Open Cup pairings were announced today and a win against the Utah Blitzz on June 30th would see the MLS San Jose Earthquakes play the Portland Timbers at PGE Park on July 14th in the 4th round.
The Timbers played San Jose in a friendly at PGE Park in 2001, defeating the eventual MLS champions 2-1.
posted by the timberlog at 8:25 PMThe Timbers played San Jose in a friendly at PGE Park in 2001, defeating the eventual MLS champions 2-1.
Minnesota v Portland Preview
This week sees the Portland Timbers travel to the midwest to play the Minnesota Thunder tomorrow night and the Milwaukee Wave United on Wednesday.
First up, the Thunder (21pts 6-1-3) who have started the 2004 season well, are unbeaten in their new St. Paul home and are neck-and-neck with the Timbers (21pts 7-3-0) at the top of the Western Conference.
The Thunder team shows some changes this year with the addition of 3 players from MLS squads (Chris Brunt and Kevin Friedland from the Kansas City Wizards and Jeff Mateo from the Columbus Crew) and Freddy Juarez from the old El Paso Patriots.
The players returning include perennial Amos Magee, this years top scorer for the Thunder Melvin Tarley (4 goals), Liberian Johnny Menyongar and Turkish winger Zafar Kilickan.
The Timbers are looking to prove that their start to the season was not a flash-in-the-pan by putting their 3 recent losses behind them, but the Thunder (always very smartly coached by Buzz Lagos) will not be the ideal team to face if a morale booster is needed. Portland might need to wait till Wednesday and the bottom team in the West, Milwaukee for that.
The latest on Josh Saunders is that he is looking unlikely to play this week after falling heavily on his hip in the game against Rochester and rookie Bayard Elfvin may get another chance to increase his stock.
The games this week will be aired live on KZNY AM-1010 with Andy McNamara calling the play-by-play. Arnulfo Alvarez will call the games in Spanish on KRMZ AM-1150. Both broadcasts can be heard on the Internet on OregonLive.com.
Fans can talk about the games, dissect Bobby Howe's coaching decisions and talk up the Timbers next game at PGE Park (Fri July 2nd against Vancouver) at talktimbers.com
posted by the timberlog at 2:51 PMFirst up, the Thunder (21pts 6-1-3) who have started the 2004 season well, are unbeaten in their new St. Paul home and are neck-and-neck with the Timbers (21pts 7-3-0) at the top of the Western Conference.
The Thunder team shows some changes this year with the addition of 3 players from MLS squads (Chris Brunt and Kevin Friedland from the Kansas City Wizards and Jeff Mateo from the Columbus Crew) and Freddy Juarez from the old El Paso Patriots.
The players returning include perennial Amos Magee, this years top scorer for the Thunder Melvin Tarley (4 goals), Liberian Johnny Menyongar and Turkish winger Zafar Kilickan.
The Timbers are looking to prove that their start to the season was not a flash-in-the-pan by putting their 3 recent losses behind them, but the Thunder (always very smartly coached by Buzz Lagos) will not be the ideal team to face if a morale booster is needed. Portland might need to wait till Wednesday and the bottom team in the West, Milwaukee for that.
The latest on Josh Saunders is that he is looking unlikely to play this week after falling heavily on his hip in the game against Rochester and rookie Bayard Elfvin may get another chance to increase his stock.
The games this week will be aired live on KZNY AM-1010 with Andy McNamara calling the play-by-play. Arnulfo Alvarez will call the games in Spanish on KRMZ AM-1150. Both broadcasts can be heard on the Internet on OregonLive.com.
Fans can talk about the games, dissect Bobby Howe's coaching decisions and talk up the Timbers next game at PGE Park (Fri July 2nd against Vancouver) at talktimbers.com
Friday, June 18, 2004
All Tired Out: Timbers 1 Rochester 2
The Rochester Raging Rhinos came, saw and conquered last night at PGE Park, throwing the 2004 Timbers season so far into some sort of perspective.
Portland found that pushing into the rarefied heights of the top few teams in the A-League is still going to be hard even with their new-improved 2004 version coming off a 6 game winning start. The Timbers have now lost 3 out of their last 4 and looked like a team stunned by the Rhinos energy level, organization and strength.
At the end of the game the Timbers looked tired and with no help coming off Bobby Howe's bench (the inference must be that he was playing for extra time, however for the tired team playing 7 minutes of injury time, de facto extra time had already started!!)
In fact the Timbers hardly played last night before the 60th minute when keeper Josh Saunders left the field on a stretcher after falling on his hip (Saunders is being X-Rayed today and the initial prognosis is Josh could be out anywhere from a week to two months.
[UPDATE: The X-Ray turned up negative for a fracture and josh will be able to go on the Timbers road-trip with the hip padded.]
But rewind to just after 7pm and it was almost all Rhinos as the busy-bee like Carrieri and the proud Woolfolk took it to the Timbers defence.
And defending was what this game was all about and the Timbers did a poor job, not just in the back third, but all over the field. Pressured by the Rhinos who worked hard everywhere, Portland were pressured into playing around at the back, messing around in midfield and losing the ball wide.
The Timbers did have chances. Benedetti hooking over from Alcaraz-Cuellar's ball into the box on 20' and Bengard's free kick on 23' seemingly slicing through the box (maybe getting a touch?) and coming off the post on 23', but it was mostly Rochester capitalizing on errors.
Carrieri missed a volley from 8yds on 9' and Saunders saved point-blank from Woolfolk a minute later.
The Rhinos took the lead on 38' when the Timbers lost the ball on their right side, with the ball loose Heinzen tried and failed to make the covering sliding tackle and Woolfolk was in. His cross was met by Carrieri, but Saunders could only parry his shot into the path of Kirk Wilson to make it 0-1 Rochester.
The half ended with Saunders having to make another save from Carrieri's 25yd shot and the Timbers must have gone in at the half feeling lucky to only be a single goal down.
The second half saw Henning replace the reportedly sick Wilkinson and he added some steel and control into the Timbers defence looking like a player who should be in the starting line-up.
The Rhinos continued their attacking play however with Saunders having to save well from Carrieri from 18yds on 46' and Woolfolk hitting the post, but the Rhinos being called for offside.
On 51' Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar got a cross into the box, one of very few on the night, but it was too close to Rochester keeper Zagar.
The Timbers did step up the pressure in this period and on 52' Alan Gordon got in on goal, but his cross across the Rochester goal towards Alcaraz-Cuellar was cleared.
On 54' Wilson hit the Timbers post after Carrieri's shot had hit Saunders, the Timbers keeper going down heavily on his hip. Josh was down for about 5 minutes and was eventually stretchered off to be replaced by Bayard Elfvin for his first game in a Timbers jersey.
All credit to Elfvin and Timbers goalkeeping coach Jim Brazeau. Sitting on the bench week after week, with little prospect of getting into the first team must be hard, but Elfvin was superb.
Immediately the Timbers woke up, 65 minutes too late.
65' Alcaraz-Gordon-Alvarez, but Byron couldn't turn and get a shot off cleanly.
67' Benedetti to Sagare, finally getting to the goal-line, and his cross again left Alvarez with his back to goal, but his shot on the turn was just over.
The Timbers and the crowd were energized. 73' and Bengard's free kick aimed at the far post was met by Henning, but his header was wide.
Then on 74' the Timbers were awarded a penalty after Carlos Mendes was called for handball when Alcarez-Cuellar's ball into Byron Alvarez bobbled up.
Bengard's penalty was spot-on perfect into the left corner. Scores level at 1 - 1.
In the final minutes Benedetti's volley was saved by Zagar, Sagare beat Demmin to get the ball into Gordon in the box, but the ball was again scrambled clear.
Elfvin made 2 great saves late, on 88' from sub Miller (on for Carrieri) and in injury time from a long range blast from Sedgewick.
With the 7 minutes of injury time running out and the Timbers tiring it was again a defensive lapse (wide on the Timbers left by Heinzen) that let Kirk Wilson draw Elfin out and set up Miller for the last gasp winner.
The Timbers now need to regroup for next weeks midwest road-trip with back-to-back games against Minnesota and Milwaukee.
[Press]
O - Mistakes Prompt Threat from Coach
Democrat and Chronicle - Miller's Late Goal Lifts Rhinos to Victory
posted by the timberlog at 8:45 AMPortland found that pushing into the rarefied heights of the top few teams in the A-League is still going to be hard even with their new-improved 2004 version coming off a 6 game winning start. The Timbers have now lost 3 out of their last 4 and looked like a team stunned by the Rhinos energy level, organization and strength.
At the end of the game the Timbers looked tired and with no help coming off Bobby Howe's bench (the inference must be that he was playing for extra time, however for the tired team playing 7 minutes of injury time, de facto extra time had already started!!)
In fact the Timbers hardly played last night before the 60th minute when keeper Josh Saunders left the field on a stretcher after falling on his hip (Saunders is being X-Rayed today and the initial prognosis is Josh could be out anywhere from a week to two months.
[UPDATE: The X-Ray turned up negative for a fracture and josh will be able to go on the Timbers road-trip with the hip padded.]
But rewind to just after 7pm and it was almost all Rhinos as the busy-bee like Carrieri and the proud Woolfolk took it to the Timbers defence.
And defending was what this game was all about and the Timbers did a poor job, not just in the back third, but all over the field. Pressured by the Rhinos who worked hard everywhere, Portland were pressured into playing around at the back, messing around in midfield and losing the ball wide.
The Timbers did have chances. Benedetti hooking over from Alcaraz-Cuellar's ball into the box on 20' and Bengard's free kick on 23' seemingly slicing through the box (maybe getting a touch?) and coming off the post on 23', but it was mostly Rochester capitalizing on errors.
Carrieri missed a volley from 8yds on 9' and Saunders saved point-blank from Woolfolk a minute later.
The Rhinos took the lead on 38' when the Timbers lost the ball on their right side, with the ball loose Heinzen tried and failed to make the covering sliding tackle and Woolfolk was in. His cross was met by Carrieri, but Saunders could only parry his shot into the path of Kirk Wilson to make it 0-1 Rochester.
The half ended with Saunders having to make another save from Carrieri's 25yd shot and the Timbers must have gone in at the half feeling lucky to only be a single goal down.
The second half saw Henning replace the reportedly sick Wilkinson and he added some steel and control into the Timbers defence looking like a player who should be in the starting line-up.
The Rhinos continued their attacking play however with Saunders having to save well from Carrieri from 18yds on 46' and Woolfolk hitting the post, but the Rhinos being called for offside.
On 51' Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar got a cross into the box, one of very few on the night, but it was too close to Rochester keeper Zagar.
The Timbers did step up the pressure in this period and on 52' Alan Gordon got in on goal, but his cross across the Rochester goal towards Alcaraz-Cuellar was cleared.
On 54' Wilson hit the Timbers post after Carrieri's shot had hit Saunders, the Timbers keeper going down heavily on his hip. Josh was down for about 5 minutes and was eventually stretchered off to be replaced by Bayard Elfvin for his first game in a Timbers jersey.
All credit to Elfvin and Timbers goalkeeping coach Jim Brazeau. Sitting on the bench week after week, with little prospect of getting into the first team must be hard, but Elfvin was superb.
Immediately the Timbers woke up, 65 minutes too late.
65' Alcaraz-Gordon-Alvarez, but Byron couldn't turn and get a shot off cleanly.
67' Benedetti to Sagare, finally getting to the goal-line, and his cross again left Alvarez with his back to goal, but his shot on the turn was just over.
The Timbers and the crowd were energized. 73' and Bengard's free kick aimed at the far post was met by Henning, but his header was wide.
Then on 74' the Timbers were awarded a penalty after Carlos Mendes was called for handball when Alcarez-Cuellar's ball into Byron Alvarez bobbled up.
Bengard's penalty was spot-on perfect into the left corner. Scores level at 1 - 1.
In the final minutes Benedetti's volley was saved by Zagar, Sagare beat Demmin to get the ball into Gordon in the box, but the ball was again scrambled clear.
Elfvin made 2 great saves late, on 88' from sub Miller (on for Carrieri) and in injury time from a long range blast from Sedgewick.
With the 7 minutes of injury time running out and the Timbers tiring it was again a defensive lapse (wide on the Timbers left by Heinzen) that let Kirk Wilson draw Elfin out and set up Miller for the last gasp winner.
The Timbers now need to regroup for next weeks midwest road-trip with back-to-back games against Minnesota and Milwaukee.
[Press]
O - Mistakes Prompt Threat from Coach
Democrat and Chronicle - Miller's Late Goal Lifts Rhinos to Victory
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Portland v Rochester Match Preview
posted by the timberlog at 9:55 AMWednesday, June 16, 2004
Battle of the Rochesters
Tomorrow night at PGE Park (KO 7pm) it's the "Battle of the Rochesters" as the Timbers (trailed by the WWeek as the "Rochester of the West(?)" 3 years ago) take on the Rochester Raging Rhinos.
Sobered by their 0-1 loss to Vancouver last weekend the Timbers again have a strong test of their 2004 model team against one of the A-League's top teams. Timbers' league leader Alan Gordon (points and goals) goes up against Corey Woolfolk (7 goals so far) and former Colorado Rapids forward Chris Carrieri (leader in assists) for the Rhinos.
team sheet here
Go and watch as PGE Park slowly lists towards Burnside as the numbers in the Woodshed continue to rise!
[Update: Former Timber Noah Delgado is out of the Rochester side with an injury. For the Timbers Shaun Saunders and Memo Azarte will both miss the game and Hugo Alcaraz is a last minute decision due to tendonitis (!?)]
The game tonight is being broadcast live on Comcast Cable Channel 14.
posted by the timberlog at 3:54 PMSobered by their 0-1 loss to Vancouver last weekend the Timbers again have a strong test of their 2004 model team against one of the A-League's top teams. Timbers' league leader Alan Gordon (points and goals) goes up against Corey Woolfolk (7 goals so far) and former Colorado Rapids forward Chris Carrieri (leader in assists) for the Rhinos.
team sheet here
Go and watch as PGE Park slowly lists towards Burnside as the numbers in the Woodshed continue to rise!
[Update: Former Timber Noah Delgado is out of the Rochester side with an injury. For the Timbers Shaun Saunders and Memo Azarte will both miss the game and Hugo Alcaraz is a last minute decision due to tendonitis (!?)]
The game tonight is being broadcast live on Comcast Cable Channel 14.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Timbers Face Utah in US Open Cup
The Portland Timbers will face the Utah Blitzz in the third round of the US Open Cup after the Blitzz beat the Sacramento Knights 3-0 tonight.
The Timbers will travel to Salt Lake for the June 30th match which will be played in Rice-Eccles Stadium.
In other news Timbers forward Byron Alvarez today was named the A-League Player of the Week for Week Nine by United Soccer Leagues. Alvarez scored three-goals in an eight-point performance in Portland's resounding 6-0 victory over the Edmonton Aviators.
[SLTribune report including details of Fadi Afash's bicycle kick goal!
posted by the timberlog at 9:40 PMThe Timbers will travel to Salt Lake for the June 30th match which will be played in Rice-Eccles Stadium.
In other news Timbers forward Byron Alvarez today was named the A-League Player of the Week for Week Nine by United Soccer Leagues. Alvarez scored three-goals in an eight-point performance in Portland's resounding 6-0 victory over the Edmonton Aviators.
[SLTribune report including details of Fadi Afash's bicycle kick goal!
Snack Attack, I Want my Money Back!
Tribune-Timbers have multiple axes they can grind: Story about the proposed Heinzen, Sagare, Elfvin, Benedetti 80's rock band "Snack Attack"!
Notes include the somewhat unusual public utterance on Timbers midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar by coach Bobby Howe
SLTrib-Salt Lake MLS Bid Moves Closer: Former Utah Jazz and New York Knicks president Dave Checketts confirmed Monday that he is interested in bringing a Major League Soccer expansion team to Utah. Now working with Utah Blitzz...which brings us to tonight's game between the Blitzz and the Sacramento Knights which will determine who the Timbers play in the next round of the US Open Cup.
Thursday's game at PGE Park may see the return to Portland of former Timber Noah Delgado who now plays for Rochester.
posted by the timberlog at 9:15 AMNotes include the somewhat unusual public utterance on Timbers midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar by coach Bobby Howe
"In the last three games, I’ve asked him to do certain things, and he hasn’t, and it’s been detrimental to the team," Howe says. "If he won’t play to instruction, he won’t play."
SLTrib-Salt Lake MLS Bid Moves Closer: Former Utah Jazz and New York Knicks president Dave Checketts confirmed Monday that he is interested in bringing a Major League Soccer expansion team to Utah. Now working with Utah Blitzz...which brings us to tonight's game between the Blitzz and the Sacramento Knights which will determine who the Timbers play in the next round of the US Open Cup.
Thursday's game at PGE Park may see the return to Portland of former Timber Noah Delgado who now plays for Rochester.
Monday, June 14, 2004
OSU Proud of Gordon
Former OSU forward Alan Gordon is getting recognition from his old school after racking up a league leading 21 points and 10 goals after just nine games with the Portland Timbers.
posted by the timberlog at 9:41 PMSunday, June 13, 2004
Catch Up Time
Catch up time.
The Portland Timbers are now 7-0-2 after falling to their first home defeat of the season last night 0-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps at PGE Park.
The Whitecaps goal came in overtime when former Timbers' player Jeff Clarke stole the ball and set up Winston Griffiths, who slid a shot past Josh Saunders.
The Timbers had previously beaten a demoralized Edmonton Aviators on Thursday night 6-0 with goals from Alvarez (3), Alcaraz-Cuellar and Gordon.
New signing Andrew Gregor came on as a sub in both games.
The Timbers still lead the Western Conference with 21 points with Minnesota a close second.
The Timbers next game is this Thursday when they take on A-League "powerhouse" the Rochester Raging Rhinos. KO 7pm at PGE Park.
posted by the timberlog at 1:37 PMThe Portland Timbers are now 7-0-2 after falling to their first home defeat of the season last night 0-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps at PGE Park.
The Whitecaps goal came in overtime when former Timbers' player Jeff Clarke stole the ball and set up Winston Griffiths, who slid a shot past Josh Saunders.
The Timbers had previously beaten a demoralized Edmonton Aviators on Thursday night 6-0 with goals from Alvarez (3), Alcaraz-Cuellar and Gordon.
New signing Andrew Gregor came on as a sub in both games.
The Timbers still lead the Western Conference with 21 points with Minnesota a close second.
The Timbers next game is this Thursday when they take on A-League "powerhouse" the Rochester Raging Rhinos. KO 7pm at PGE Park.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
The Passionate Fans of Section 107
Oregonian article this morning from "embedded reporter" Inara Verzemnieks who spent time in section 107 and wrote this giddy report from the trenches.
posted by the timberlog at 6:25 AMFor four years now, perfectly normal men and women -- techies and writers and artists and lobbyists and political fund-raisers -- had entered Section 107 to watch a Timbers game, and emerged raving lunatics. There, in the shadow of the north goal, they had discovered an enclave of people just like themselves -- people who shared the same lonely obsession: They were soccer fans, living in the United States.
Timbers v Edmonton
Tonight the Portland Timbers return to PGE Park to face the Edmonton Aviators (KO 7pm).
With defenders David Henning, back after injury, and Edwin Miranda ready to play coach Bobby Howe says the Timbers defence is in good shape and the need to draft in a loaner from an MLS side is "discounted".
posted by the timberlog at 6:15 AMWith defenders David Henning, back after injury, and Edwin Miranda ready to play coach Bobby Howe says the Timbers defence is in good shape and the need to draft in a loaner from an MLS side is "discounted".
Monday, June 07, 2004
Timbers split weekend road-trip
The Portland Timbers great start to the 2004 A-League season continued over the weekend despite losing their 100% record on Saturday, losing 4-3 to Atlanta.
The trip started well with a win against current A-League champions Charleston on Friday night. Alan Gordon got his 7th of the year on 29' while Paul Conway equalized just before half-time.
Byron Alvarez got handed a red card on 62' and, despite heavy pressure handily dealt with by Josh Saunders in the Portland goal, the Timbers held on for Alex Bengard to score a penalty on 90' after Gordon was deemed to have been held in the box.
The Timbers headed onto Atlanta the next night, without Byron Alvarez who was serving his automatic 1-game suspension, and almost pulled off another amazing result.
The Timbers led 3 times in the game but ended up 4-3 losers. Gordon got his 8th of the year early on and De Lima equilized on 34' from the spot after a Heinzen foul.
On 60' Gordon pounced on the rebound (for his league leading 9th goal of the year) after Antoniuk's shot to make it 1-2. Atlanta leveled it again on 67' through Cozier and then Antoniuk put the Timbers ahead again on 70' and again Cozier was there to make it 3-3 on 71'.
With Erik Cronkrite missing a laate chance it was left to Woods to win it on 83'.
The Timbers are now 6-1-0 with 18 points and face the Edmonton Aviators on Thursday at PGE Park, KO 7pm.
posted by the timberlog at 6:36 PMThe trip started well with a win against current A-League champions Charleston on Friday night. Alan Gordon got his 7th of the year on 29' while Paul Conway equalized just before half-time.
Byron Alvarez got handed a red card on 62' and, despite heavy pressure handily dealt with by Josh Saunders in the Portland goal, the Timbers held on for Alex Bengard to score a penalty on 90' after Gordon was deemed to have been held in the box.
The Timbers headed onto Atlanta the next night, without Byron Alvarez who was serving his automatic 1-game suspension, and almost pulled off another amazing result.
The Timbers led 3 times in the game but ended up 4-3 losers. Gordon got his 8th of the year early on and De Lima equilized on 34' from the spot after a Heinzen foul.
On 60' Gordon pounced on the rebound (for his league leading 9th goal of the year) after Antoniuk's shot to make it 1-2. Atlanta leveled it again on 67' through Cozier and then Antoniuk put the Timbers ahead again on 70' and again Cozier was there to make it 3-3 on 71'.
With Erik Cronkrite missing a laate chance it was left to Woods to win it on 83'.
The Timbers are now 6-1-0 with 18 points and face the Edmonton Aviators on Thursday at PGE Park, KO 7pm.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Charleston v Portland
Tonight the Portland Timbers face the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium.
Charleston, last season's A-League Champions, have had an uncharacteristic 2-3-3 start to the year and in their last home game lost to Atlanta 4-2 a defeat that Battery coach Chris Ramsey described as a "complete and total debacle".
The Battery have injury problems with midfielder Ted Chronopoulos, former Timber Nick Downing and Chris Goos all out, but have top forward (and son of Timbers assistant coach) Paul Conway back in the squad.
[Update] According to Timbers radio man Andy Macnamara (who posts occasionally over at the soccercityusa board) the Battery have sold 3800 tickets for tonight's match (5,100 capacity) and the Battery will also be without newly signed Ezra Hendrickson.
The Timbers go into this weekend's road-trip knowing that they are the team everyone is trying to knock down from their perch at the top of the Western Conference. With another game tomorrow in Atlanta it may be time for the Timbers' bench to come into their own to support the core of the team that has given us a 5-0-0 start to the year.
Alcaraz-Cuellar keeps on giving
O article on Timbers wing-man extrodinaire Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar who still yearns for a chance in either MLS or the Mexican First Division, but until that chance comes, lights up the right side for the Timbers week in-week out.
Today's Tribune
The Timbers are still waiting for international clearance for their signing of Andrew Gregor, but he will definitely be able to play when the July 5th transfer window opens.
Memo Arzate has not travelled with the team (knee sprain).
Defender Edwin Miranda, a native of El Salvador, received clearance this week and is now eligible to play for Portland.
Timbers GM on the smoke bombs at the last home game:
posted by the timberlog at 10:07 AMCharleston, last season's A-League Champions, have had an uncharacteristic 2-3-3 start to the year and in their last home game lost to Atlanta 4-2 a defeat that Battery coach Chris Ramsey described as a "complete and total debacle".
The Battery have injury problems with midfielder Ted Chronopoulos, former Timber Nick Downing and Chris Goos all out, but have top forward (and son of Timbers assistant coach) Paul Conway back in the squad.
[Update] According to Timbers radio man Andy Macnamara (who posts occasionally over at the soccercityusa board) the Battery have sold 3800 tickets for tonight's match (5,100 capacity) and the Battery will also be without newly signed Ezra Hendrickson.
The Timbers go into this weekend's road-trip knowing that they are the team everyone is trying to knock down from their perch at the top of the Western Conference. With another game tomorrow in Atlanta it may be time for the Timbers' bench to come into their own to support the core of the team that has given us a 5-0-0 start to the year.
Alcaraz-Cuellar keeps on giving
O article on Timbers wing-man extrodinaire Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar who still yearns for a chance in either MLS or the Mexican First Division, but until that chance comes, lights up the right side for the Timbers week in-week out.
"We know (losing) is going to come, but, honestly, I don't want to lose a single game."
Today's Tribune
"I would settle for two ties, playing on the road," Portland coach Bobby Howe says. "One win would be great, two would be fantastic."
The Timbers are still waiting for international clearance for their signing of Andrew Gregor, but he will definitely be able to play when the July 5th transfer window opens.
Memo Arzate has not travelled with the team (knee sprain).
Defender Edwin Miranda, a native of El Salvador, received clearance this week and is now eligible to play for Portland.
Timbers GM on the smoke bombs at the last home game:
"The fans see games all around the world, like in Italy, where there are flares in the stands, smoke bombs, rolls of toilet paper on the field, and all sorts of crazy things," Taylor says, "but smoke bombs just don’t go over here. The army is a very responsive group, though, and I don’t foresee any future problems."
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Timbers Live on Fox Sports World this Friday
Watch the Timbers at Charleston live on TV this Friday on Fox Sports World. KO 5pm PT.
The Timbers will be holding a viewing partyat McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon at 107 N.W. Couch, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. In-house discounts will be offered to Timbers fans throughout the match and Timbers mascot Timber Jim will be raffling off Timbers gear at halftime.
Fox Sports World is available locally on Comcast Digital Cable channel 401. Fox Sports World can also be seen via satellite on DirecTV.
[Note: Contrary to the press release the 2 teams have met before, back in 2001 when the Timbers beat the Battery 2-0 at PGE Park]
posted by the timberlog at 4:22 PMThe Timbers will be holding a viewing partyat McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon at 107 N.W. Couch, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. In-house discounts will be offered to Timbers fans throughout the match and Timbers mascot Timber Jim will be raffling off Timbers gear at halftime.
Fox Sports World is available locally on Comcast Digital Cable channel 401. Fox Sports World can also be seen via satellite on DirecTV.
[Note: Contrary to the press release the 2 teams have met before, back in 2001 when the Timbers beat the Battery 2-0 at PGE Park]
Soccer Chants Across the Anabaptist divide
via boingboing comes this insight into what happens when local Indiana rivals, Mennonite Goshen College and Quaker Earlham meet on the soccer field.
The chants on display as opposing fans try to one-up each other on theological grounds leads to great lines like:
and after a close call a Goshen fan shouts:
Getting to a Goshen/Earlham game is now on my list of life-goals.
posted by the timberlog at 10:07 AMThe chants on display as opposing fans try to one-up each other on theological grounds leads to great lines like:
"Fight, fight, inner light, Kill, Quakers, kill! Knock 'em down, beat 'em senseless, Do it till we reach consensus!"
and after a close call a Goshen fan shouts:
"What?! You only score when the spirit leads you?"
Getting to a Goshen/Earlham game is now on my list of life-goals.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
posted by the timberlog at 2:11 PM
Timbers make it 5 out of 5: Portland 3 - 2 Milwaukee
The Portland Timbers continued their stellar start to the 2004 season on Saturday night at PGE Park, coming from behind to beat the Milwaukee Wave 3-2 in overtime.
Alan Gordon was again the forward with the magic touch scoring a hat-trick and surely assuring himself* of another player of the week award.
On 50 minutes Milwaukee were 2 up after goals from Dusosky and Torres, but on 65' Gordon started the Timbers fight-back heading home Saunders cross.
Gordon got the equilizer on 85', another header this time from Sagare's cross.
Alex Bengard's penalty went off the crossbar late on and then in overtime Gordon took Scott Benedetti's pass and beat Larkin in the Milwaukee goal for the third and final time for the sudden-death winner.
The Timbers are now 5 for 5 and "perfect", the team's performances and results matching the passion of the local fans and the club as a whole setting the A-League on fire.
* And sure enough...
[Press]
Oregonian-Winning Timbers Override Family Ties Robert Kellett's apology to his parents when the Timbers are more important than a trip home.
Oregonian-Gordon's Goals Rally Timbers
Haste of the Carribean - Sunday Herald article about former Timber Brent Sancho
posted by the timberlog at 9:33 AMAlan Gordon was again the forward with the magic touch scoring a hat-trick and surely assuring himself* of another player of the week award.
On 50 minutes Milwaukee were 2 up after goals from Dusosky and Torres, but on 65' Gordon started the Timbers fight-back heading home Saunders cross.
Gordon got the equilizer on 85', another header this time from Sagare's cross.
Alex Bengard's penalty went off the crossbar late on and then in overtime Gordon took Scott Benedetti's pass and beat Larkin in the Milwaukee goal for the third and final time for the sudden-death winner.
The Timbers are now 5 for 5 and "perfect", the team's performances and results matching the passion of the local fans and the club as a whole setting the A-League on fire.
* And sure enough...
[Press]
Oregonian-Winning Timbers Override Family Ties Robert Kellett's apology to his parents when the Timbers are more important than a trip home.
Oregonian-Gordon's Goals Rally Timbers
Haste of the Carribean - Sunday Herald article about former Timber Brent Sancho