Timbers

Oh my word....

2010-06-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Halfway Done

2010-06-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Mississippi Records tape series made it to it's half-century...50 more to go!

#getbackonmylawn

2010-05-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

...of course then you watch this:and this...[which is supposed to be some kind of unofficial SA anthem]and there seems like hope.[which reminds me the "Next Stop Soweto..." series are highly recommended...amazing mbaqanga, soul and jazz from SA]

Ghosting Footballer in the Machine

2010-05-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

Kind of grumpy after finally reading this and then seeing this [am I the only one who feels a heavy heart after seeing stuff like this...do I even want to link to it??] and then reading this [although it's great obviously and an expected delight from (half) of the Mordant Music crew...I mean....music, design/architecture and footy analysis...what more could a...etc. etc.]I know that Inverting the

Things I Learned Today

2009-12-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

[...well in the past few weeks]Thanks to the NYTimes: there is such a thing as a "Cult" Butcher's Shop?? "Hip", certainly. "Trendy", maybe, but "Cult". The mind boggles and there is certainly a comedy sketch in that, but maybe another time.Thanks to the New Yorker's annual (tongue ever so slightly in cheek) gift giving guide: you can purchase, yes for actual money, a 2-foot long USB Endoscope

String of Pearls

2009-08-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

I’ve been really enjoying the new compilation of old recordings: String of Pearls – Jewels of the 78rpm Era 1918-1951.One of the criticisms of compilations like this is that they can easily be no more than random or loosely grouped recordings with little or no context or accompanying notes. Although I agree somewhat with that (there is still the thrill of hearing sounds that amaze and delight

Pre-Game Show Ideas

2009-08-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Personally speaking, I would like to see this recreated as pre-game, half-time, post-game...hell, while the game is going on, entertainment...but that's just me.

Tag-Line Ideas

2009-07-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Current candidates for the timberlog tag-line (to replace "the timberlog - The Portland Timbers' Emotional Needs Goat") are:the timberlog - an alpenhorn blast of post-Gutenbergian revalorization1the timberlog - food cart to Portland's soccer unreliable news famishment21 ruthlessly stolen from this wonderful Nicholson Baker article about the ridiculous Kindle2 Yes, like any right minded person I

The Sanna Nyassi Memorial Teddy Bear Toss (or what Tony did on his holiday)

2009-07-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

"Ello, ello, what goin' on 'ere" and a black hand grabs my shoulder. "Tony!" I exasperate as I swivel "I've been trying you on your cellular telephone all afternoon!""Don't work 'ere...Orange innit"."Don't give me that shit, there is no way in god's hell-on that you wouldn't make sure your moby worked while you were on vacation. You've been in a bar or a bad part of town...or a bed, come on mate

SANCHO! and Timbers v Vancouver Tonight!

2006-06-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Former portland Timber Brent Sancho and the SocaWarriors earned an impressive point against Sweden today despite playing most of the second half with 10-men after defender Avery John recieved the first red card of the tournament.As the NYT report notes full respect to Sancho and keeper Shaka Hislop who both played key roles in keeping Sweden's attack blunted.Watch more live soccer in person

Hugo "Engine-Room" Alcaraz-Cuellar

2006-06-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

John Nolan in the O on Hugo's new role in the Agnello-era Timbers.

Scifo-ed

2006-06-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

With the World Cup literally minutes away I want to bring you a phenomena that hits me every 4 years. Right up to the bell (and sometimes way into the tournament) there is always one team that I think made it through qualifying, but actually didn't. Sometimes a major European powerhouse, occasionally a South American bridesmaid or an African side sliding after a good Nations Cup performance.This

2006-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

In the mean time another solid gold classic from ILX - Things that WILL be said during the World Cup....and if you told me 25 years ago that I'd be reading this in the Guardian I would have laughed long and hard.

World Cup Viewing

2006-05-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

Another place to watch World Cup 2006 live - Redwing Coffee and Baking 1700 S.E. Sixth Ave.

Scot Thompson Diary

2006-05-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Official Timbers site has set up, what is sure to be an interesting feature, Scot Thompson's diary.Entry #1

Call me an Ambulance

2006-05-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

I could talk about the brilliant 107Reports all day, but listening to the last 2 again, one thing really shocked me and that was the fact that Scot Thompson had to be driven to the hospital in Miami after his concussion since there was no ambulance on site.Taking a look at the USL handbook today it's clear that the people in charge there were pretty negligent, as the handbook states:Hopefully the

Sancho!

2006-05-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

(Hopefully) Brent will be sending me a couple of updates from his World Cup experience. Here's the first. He also sends his greetings to all his fans in Portland.Brent Sancho - It's been amazing thus far and I can't wait on the first whistle. The team first met in Trinidad for the friendly against Peru. On our arrival in Trinidad we were greeted with the kind of fanfare only given to the likes of

Timbers 2-1-4

2006-05-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Timbers split this weekend's games at Piggy Park, losing 1-0 to Rochester thanks to a Matthew Delicate goal and then getting back on the right track with a 2-1 win over Toronto thanks to goals from Luke Kreamalmeyer and Oral Bullen.Oral Bullen was named to the USL Div 1 team of the week for his goal and assist and the Timbers are now 2-1-4 (W-D-L) for the year.Next up: Timbers at Minnesota on

Seitz Watch!!!

2006-05-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

No Seitz for you!Again the USL disappoints the fans at PGE Park by appointing a Mr. Tim Weyland for tonight's game against Rochester. Weyland (pictured 4th in from the right in this pic from the California North Referee's Association website) has never refereed at PGE Park before so we can't blame him for anything just yet. Note: he is 7 degrees of separation away from Brian Hall in that photo so

Eleven Devils

2006-05-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

As has been pointed out elsewhere, the esteemed Zach Dundas (former WWeek music and sports beat writer - you probably remember the Go! Fight! Win! columns) has started Eleven Devils where he'll be writing about the Timbers and the world beyond SCUSA. Welcome (back) Zach.

Timbers v Rhinos and Lynx

2006-05-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

After the Timbers first 5 games I don't really know what to expect from this weekend's 2 games at PGE Park. First up the Rochester of the East plays the Rochester of the W.....OK, I won't go there.Rochester have a 4 win start to the year (after last night's 2-1 win in Seattle) and Toronto have 3 losses to start their season so it's Ebony and Ivory, chalk and cheese etc etc.The Rochester game is

Timbers v PR Highlights

2006-05-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

The highlights from the Timbers v PRI game can now be viewed in all their Gooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaallllllllllll-ness glory (or "Gol"-ness when Byron scores) thanks to the USL match highlights of the week service.

2006-05-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Coach Agnello's publicly dissects this weekend's 2 losses on the road, the 3-2 loss in Miami and the 3-1 loss in Puerto Rico on Sunday.With Scot Thompson likely out with the aftereffects of his concussion in Miami, Agnello is looking to bolster his defense."...we'll see if we can't pull in a player or two from the MLS to help shore up the defense."There's a whole lot of Burpo on the Timbers

2006-05-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

Spanish League side Deportivo Alaves to operate a USL Div1 team in Northern Cali in 2007..and an article about Alaves's owner Dimitry Piterman (seen signing the agreement with USL President Francisco Marcos on the USL website)Once in a Lifetime- How comes I hadn't heard about this doc about the New York Cosmos until today! [trailer]

Timbers Sunk in Miami by Romario

2006-05-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Timbers went down 3-2 in Miami last night, in part due to 2 goals by Romario including an 89th minute game winner.The Timbers lost Scot Thompson in the very first minute with an injury that required a trip to hospital and stitches and the Timbers debutant Mamba Chisoni scored for the Timbers in the 7th minute and also drew the foul that led to an 86th minute Hugo Alcaraz penalty.[Timbers

2006-05-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Tribune - New Timber Captian Ready to Lead. A nice article about Scot Thompson.Tribune - Timbers Notes. Another keeper? Martin Hutton of FC Dallas has been training with the team and may be a loaner. Chisoni can't play in Puerto Rico due to visa issues. Byron Carmichael, is playing for the South Jersey Barons, Timbers will know by June what his ststus with the Timbers will be.

2006-05-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

Other random stuffsoccer jersey fontshow organic IS your "organic milk"? - a report from the Cornucopia InstituteEntire Juve board resign over "ref choosing" scandal - can we do that with Seitz please?

Timbers On the Road

2006-05-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Timbers are on the road this weekend and the official press release gives the juicy details.No injuries and, at this early stage of the season, no suspensions so Chris Agnello has a full squad to choose from for the games in Miami (Friday 4.30pm pacific KO) and Puerto Rico (Sunday 2pm pacific KO)...and that includes Mamba Chisoni, but not Salim Bullen who according to the release will not be

2006-05-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Grant McLennan RIP

So you're at the Airport...

2006-05-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

So you're at the airport and you sit down at the gate opposite someone in a Timbers T-Shirt reading the Timbers Review and you strike up a conversation:"How did you like this weekend's games?"Then you find out that the man in the T-Shirt is Cory Kreamalmeyer, father of Luke, heading back to St. Louis after a weekend watching his son.So I had a very nice chat with Cory, Luke's mother Gayla and

Timbers 2-1 Thunder

2006-05-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Timbers made it a 4-point weekend last night at PGE Park, beating the Minnesota Thunder 2-1.It was an effective Drew McAthy-Chad Bartlomé partnership that started up front and from the uptempo start Portland controlled most of the possession - so much so that Chris Agnello made a switch from a defensive midfield including Tom Poltl to a more attacking minded one with Alejandro Gutierrez after

Timbers 1-1 Whitecaps

2006-05-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

A strange game last night at PGE Park, difficult to get my head around, but the Portland Timbers got their first point in the 2006 USL Div 1 season with a 1-1 draw with Vancouver.In a somewhat surprising turn of events coach Chris Agnello started Chad Bartlomé upfront (Chad having been signed earlier that afternoon) alongside Byron Alvarez. Midfield featured Gutierrez, Kreamalmeyer,

Match Day

2006-05-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Andy McNamara says YES!At the very least all Timbers home games will be broadcast on the interweb through Sportsjuice.com with the possibility of away games TBA.A good compromise. Radio was probably an expense that could to be cut and hopefully every USL team will provide home broadcasts at some level.Oregonian - Timbers try to find offense in home openerTribune - Timbers take to their home

Preview

2006-05-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Portland Timbers v Vancouver WhitecapsPortland Timbers v Minnesota ThunderWhere: PGE ParkWhen: Friday May 5th, KO 7pm and Saturday May 6th, KO 7pmTimbers game notes avaliable here, from portlandtimbers.com [PDF]Tickets: Tickets start at $10 general admission and can be purchased on game day or in advance at the PGE Park box offices or from ticketmaster.--------------------------------------------

What we talk about when we talk about soccer

2006-05-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Tribune's Steve Brandon is still striving for the Raymond Carver-esque spare style which is his goal (Hmmm...there's an idea for a match report this year).Today he reports that:Agnello thinks Byron Alvarez was "fantastic" against Oregon State.Mubarike Chisoni arrives Saturday.Alejandro Gutierrez's style is suited to the PGE Park turf.Chad Bartlomé played on Sat and could be a signing....at

2006 USL All-Star Game

2006-05-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

The 2006 USL Div 1 All-Star Game has been announced and as rumored it will be taking place at SAS Stadium in Cary, NC (the USL's 2007 expansion team) on July 19th and the opponents are Sheffield Wednesday.

Timbers 2-0 Oregon State

2006-04-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Expert coverage as always here and here and here.The tl didn't make to the game, but in response to a couple of comments:Sergio Iñiguez hobbled off the field close to the end of Wednesday's practice session at PGE Park so it's a probability that he was still injured for this scrimmage.Talking to Tom Poltl on Wednesday, he certainly saw his role as being more on the defensive side and noted

Particle Physicals

2006-04-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

In today's Tribune (and this week I learned that this kind of small, almost-not-there-at-all piece that the Trib likes to run on the Timbers is known as a "particle" in the biz) the team's current injuries are duly noted. Josh Brown (who sat (stood) out the practice that I watched on Wednesday) has a knee injury and is doubtful for next weekend's games. On Byron Alvarez (who did play, but had his

Timbers Announce Coventry City Exhibition

2006-04-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

The official word from the Portland Timbers announcing the Sat July 8th game against Coventry City came today.from the press release:"Coventry is a tremendous test for our squad," said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. "They have a great history in this game, a great coach in Mick Adams, and I look forward to hosting them in July."

More Soccer on YouTube

2006-04-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for more great goals (like the Romario one I posted down there), classic own-goals and crippling fouls then this'll be your thread.

2006-04-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Timbers fan, Finnegan's tale of attending the Arsenal v Spurs derby.

Timbers Media Day

2006-04-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Today was Timbers media day at PGE Park (followed by a meet-and-greet at the Bitter End Pub tonight at 7pm-NW20th and Burnside) giving the local reporters a chance to stick a microphone and camera in the Timbers players and coaches faces...or get buttonholed by yours truly and have to endure mindless questions.I caught the end of the morning scrimmage. Byron Alvarez was playing, new arrival

2006-04-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

A nice pic of Michael Nsien on the blog of the local photographer who takes a lot of the Timbers media pictures.

Dear Sir/madam, When Romario does get his visa...

2006-04-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

...and does actually play a game for Miami, can we please see more of this.Romario: PSV v Steauathanks,the timberlog

Timbers Announce More Coaching Staff

2006-04-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Timbers have formally announced the remaining coaching staff for the 2006 season, Cony Konstin and John Galas.[press release]

"The Sickness"

2006-04-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

You'll have to wait until next Christmas, but if this kind of thing gets you excited (like it does me) then you know you have "the sickness".

Not Ibiza

2006-04-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Coventry boss Micky Adams is looking forward to a "stern test" in his team's 2 game summer tour (Portland on July 8th, BYU on July 12th). "I have spoken to Mick McCarthy who took Sunderland over there last season and he said they are fit and organised so you had better be ready for them. It is not Ibiza, so I am pleased about that because I was a nervous wreck out there." I wonder what the

The Agnello Era Begins

2006-04-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

The Agnello era began tonight with a familiar result, a 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, on this occasion thanks to a 17' Joey Gjertsen goal. The focus now moves back to PGE Park for 2 more weeks of preparation before a pair of games, Vancouver on Friday May 5th and Minnesota on May 6th.Coach Agnello seemed pleased overall with his team's performance, being quoted in the official press

The Meaning of Tingo

2006-04-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

A quite superb book which the timberlog is reading at the moment is The Meaning of Tingo by Adam Jacot de Boinod. The book is a collection of words and phrases from around the world, in every conceivable language, which mean extraordinary things.Of course it has a small section devoted to the beautiful game and it's my aim to include each one at least once in this years coverage of the

Vancouver Whitecaps v Portland Timbers

2006-04-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

It will be the clash of the new-look teams on Saturday when the Timbers travel north to Vancouver B.C. to open the 2006 USL Div 1 season. Both teams have made substantial changes to their rosters over the winter; the Whitecaps bringing in 12 new players in what has been described as the largest overhaul of players in the club's history and the Timbers exceeding that number in an expanded

2006-04-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Exhibition Opponents Announced

2006-04-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

News from the Coventry Observer that Coventry City of the English Championship will play the Portland Timbers on Saturday July 8th. The Sky Blues will then travel onto Utah to play BYU on July 12th.Coventry currently boast former Wimbledon midfielder Dennis Wise (a player the timberlog has seen more times than he cares to mention!) on their squad along with former MLS-er and current T&T national

Timbers Sign Marcum and Sergio

2006-04-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Timbers have announced the signing of Garrett Marcum and Sergio Iñiguez, both to 1-year contracts.Marcum returns for a 3rd season with the Timbers and Sergio comes to Portland from Atlanta Silverbacks via Farapai Community College and Glendale Community College.Iñiguez also had trials with French clubs Lille and Auxerre as well as the Argentinean team Boca Juniors before signing with Atlanta.

Market News

2006-04-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

The share price of the Portland Timbers (TIMB) has continued to drift upwards in recent weeks with most investors awaiting early season results. Spikes in the price seen over the past 3 months have not translated into major improvements in the price although trading volume has increased.Investor optimism has improved due to a number of factors including initial player performance, an increase in

2006-04-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

As has been pointed out by many, the Timbers pre-season means nothing going into the league opener in Vancouver on Saturday.The Timbers record is not good playing in Vancouver ( a 1-1-10 W-D-L record over the last 5 seasons by my admittedly poor calculations) and it looks like the team will be without both Byron Alvarez and Mamba Chisoni up front.The saving grace is that the Timbers defence looks

...and the main points again...

2006-04-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today's Tribune - Timbers still negotiating with forward Byron Carmichael (former Wilmington Hammerheads, SJ Barons, Utah Blitzz). Mubarike Chisoni joins the team on May 7th (a similar start to the Timbers other college signing Salim Bullen)Troy Ready - 85% fit after mononeucleosisByron Alvarez - recovering from knee injury, might be fit for home opener

Timbers v Westside Metros

2006-04-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's second pre-season game was less succesful than the game at Merlo. Reflections on the Timbers 2-1 loss from a talktimbers member.

Timbers at UofP

2006-04-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

Timbers 3-0 U of PortlandGoals from Kreamalmeyer just before half time, Miranda on 52' and McAthy on 90'.A bit more later, but those are the bare bones.Coach Agnello started today's pre-season game at Merlo Field with a 4-4-2 formation. Drew McAthy and Oral Bullen were given the forward duties with a midfield of Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, Tommy Poltl, Edwin Miranda and Luke Kreamalmeyer. Defence:

Byron Returns

2006-04-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

The re-signing of Byron Alvarez was made official yesterday and to celebrate here's a blast from the past in the form of a tlog interview with Byron from 2003.

2006-04-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

...in the same week that former Timber Brent Sancho gets the World Cup call-up, he helps Gillingham to their 5th win in 5 games since returning to the team. Quite a week.[maybe I'll see if Brent will have time to send a couple of diary entries from Germany during the competition?]

Timbers at Oregon State

2006-04-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Pictures from yesterday's pre-season game against Oregon State can be seen courtesy of timbersfanpage.com.From the report posted on talktimbers.com the Timbers came out on top 2-1 with goals from Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar and a last gasp winner from Luke Kreamalmeyer.The Timbers continue their 2006 preparation with a game against the U of Portland at Merlo Field on Saturday, KO 2pm.

Timbers Sign Gutierrez

2006-04-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Following on from this week's Tribune story, the Timbers have announced today that they have signed midfielder Alejandro Gutierrez, pending an international work clearance.According to the press release:"Guti" has been training and playing in amateur leagues in the Salt Lake City area since the Blitzz folded to make way for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer in 2004.The Timbers roster now

Former Timber (almost) on his way to World Cup

2006-04-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

After his on-again, off-again relationship with Gillingham former Timbers defender Brent Sancho must have breathed a sigh of relief today as he was named in T&T coach LeoBeenhakker's squad for their forthcoming friendly against Peru. One player from the 24-man squad will not make the trip onto the World Cup, but for Brent the major hurdle is over.Of course you can keep up with all your World Cup

2006-04-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

Tribune - Agnello to sign former Blitzz midfielder Alejandro Gutierrez.[tlog match report from the game Agnello mentions. Way, way back in 2001][Talktimbers.com discussion]

Michael Nsien Q&A

2006-04-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

Michael Nsien is one of the new faces in the Timbers side this season. Coming to Portland via the LA Galaxy and the University of Dayton, the assured and speedy defender/midfielder impressed at the recent scrimmages at the UofP. Michael was kind enough to answer a few questions about himself and his views on the Timbers so far. 1 You've played a couple of games and had about a week of practices

Timbers Expand Coaching Staff

2006-04-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Tribune - Timbers expand coaching staff, bringing in John Galas, a former assistant at the University of Oregon and Florida State as a goalkeeping coach and Cony Konstin, head coach of the Westside Metros in Beaverton.Also mentioned, Byron Alvarez is expected to join the team's practices subject to approval from the Chicago Storm.

Timbers Re-Sign Miranda

2006-04-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

Another huge signing this afternoon as the Timbers announce the return of Edwin Miranda for the 2006 season.Miranda made 29 appearances for the team in 2005 (only Josh Saunders played more games) and ended the year with 4 goals and 4 assists.[press release]

2006-04-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Chevy Welton

Timbers Sign Mubarike Chisoni

2006-04-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

The Timbers kept the excitement simmering away today with the signing of forward Mubarike "Mamba" Chisoni to a 2 year contract.Chisoni was on the LA Galaxy roster in 2005 making 11 appearances (1 start) for the 1st team. Chisoni was drafted by the Galaxy from Coastal Carolina University and was born in Zimbabwe.[Press Release]...and in honor of Mubarike's signing, here is some music from another

Scrimmage!

2006-04-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday's scrimmage was a perfect trailer for the coming season. Just enough excitement, hints at the plot to be drawn by Chris Agnello, but with enough held back to keep the excitement simmering.Thanks to the wisdom of crowds there are already some fantastic pictures, an almost complete list of trialists and in depth analysis of Saturday's affairs, but here's my tuppence.Scrimmages by their

Timbers Sign 4 More

2006-03-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

Ahead of Saturday's scrimmages at the UofP and the start of the 2006 training camp, the Timbers have signed four more players today.The four are defender Josh Brown, midfielders Troy Ready and Mike Randolph and goalkeeper Devin ("The Dude"?) Zimmerman.In addition keeper Sam Reynolds has been let go after being asked to be released from his contract. Good luck Sam.[press release]

Miami FC sign "Romario"

2006-03-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

A coup for the USL in terms of the publicity this is generating for the league and for new USL Div1 side Miami FC, with today's confirmation that the Brazilian Romario De Souza Faria has officially been signed.The Timbers play Miami on July 2nd with a chance that fans will also see Romario's 1994 World Cup teammate Zinho (Crizam Cesar de Oliveira Filho) and former Jamaican international Onandi

Hugo Q&A

2006-03-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

Not only is Hugo a fan favorite, but he's also always gracious in interacting with fans and answering questions. I asked Hugo about the end of the 2005 season, the winter break and the coming year. Here is what he had to say:1 You had a really successful season last year personally, what was your feeling at the end of last season with Bobby Howe and Jim Taylor leaving the clubWhen both Bobby and

Graphic of the Day

2006-03-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

Antoniuk to Montreal (via Vancouver)

2006-03-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

Graphic of the Day

2006-03-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

* of course now that his signing seems to be more than a rumor we can count down the seconds 'till we all love Welton - 10, 9, 8, 7, ...

Question of the Day

2006-03-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

Who is this and why is someone searching the timberlog for him?

Timbers Partner with OYSA

2006-03-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Timbers have announced a new partnership with the Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA).When the timberlog asked Chris about youth soccer in Oregon back in January, he had this to say:...the market in Portland is much more mature in development than Utah. This presents new challenges that I will look at. I will carefully assess where we can step in and develop the local market. As the

Timbers sign Luke Kreamalmeyer

2006-03-22T15:15:00.000-08:00

Luke Kreamalmeyer spent 2005 playing for Real Salt Lake where he played in 6 games (2 starts). Prior to that he played for the Chicago Fire Reserves and the St. Louis Strikers of the Premier Development League and played alongside Salim Bullen at Bradley U.Salim Bullen said of his former Bradley teammate:"...very good skillful player and a good finisher. He would be a great commodity to the team.

Q and A with Drew McAthy

2006-03-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to do a short Q and A with the Timbers recent signing Drew McAthy.Drew played college soccer for UCSB and has played in the PDL and last year in the USL with the Puerto Rico Islanders.1 How did the signing by the Timbers come about? In a recent interview with former Timbers GM Jim Taylor he said that the Timbers wanted to sign you before. Were you close to coming to Portland in

2006-03-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Back to other stuff...Brent Sancho scores on his return to the Gills side as they beat Brentford 3-2 to boost their League 1 survival hopes.SocaWarriors may get "official" WC anthem courtesy of 2 Leeds-based musiciansSocawarriors partner with eBay for WC2006[and continuing on a T&T run the rumor has it that Terry Fenwick (current coach of T&T club Joe Public) will be the new national team coach

2006-03-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Agnello (38 years of age on March 28) in the Tribune:On Kenny Bertz - "I don't need him. We've got too many good players in the back"On rebuilding from the back - "It's an entirely different game when you're down 1-0. When you go down early you're in trouble, you have to play a different way than you want to, you have to go forward and with as many numbers as you can push up, and that leaves

2006-03-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

Do they give out comp tickets to an anti-war rally?

Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar Returns

2006-03-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

The return of Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar (announced today) is big news for the Timbers.Going on the stats alone, detailed in the Timbers press release*, - career leader in assists (39), 12 last season alone, along with 1 goal, Hugo's return is a major coup for Chris Agnello. Add to that the fact that he is arguably the Timbers most entertaining player to watch, and an ambassador for the Timbers in the

2006-03-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

Posted over at talktimbers.com the Timbers pre-season schedule.Seattle University Sat April 1st 11:10 AM U of PUniversity of Washington Sat April 1st 12:20 PM U of P Oregon State University Wed April 12th 3:00 PM OSU stadium University of Portland Sat April 15th 2:00 PM U of POregon State University

PDX Sports Beat

2006-03-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Not sure who "Malcolm Woody" is, but his blog PDX Sports Beat featured a piece about the Timbers recently that points to at the very least being a fairly well informed fan. A few interesting views about Miranda, Alcaraz-Cuellar and Alvarez; last year's team and current contract negotiations and then he posits this potential nightmare scenario:It's probably also worth noting that Hugo spends his

Umbro up share in USL

2006-03-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

USLSoccer.com reports that UK-based sportsware company Umbro have upped their shareholding in the USL from 64 to 94% (the remaining 6% of shares being held by USL founder and President Francisco Marcos.

2006-03-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Tribune - Look for the Timbers to schedule an English Premier League team for a match at PGE Park this season.

Timbers Roster Stretches to 10

2006-03-13T15:35:00.000-08:00

The Timbers have officially announced the signing of former LA Galaxy reserve Michael Nsien and the re-signing of Lee Morrison and Tom Poltl.[from the press release]"Nsien is a strong, steady player, and his signing definitely makes us quicker in the back," said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. "Morrison brings strength and experience to the squad, and I'm very

2006-03-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

Part II of the 107Report timberscast concluded the interview with former Timbers GM Jim Taylor (won't bother saying essential listening again as it's superfluous)Jim (who is back in the Trailblazers org) spoke emotionally of Bobby Howe and had tons of interesting things to say, but one thing to highlight was his mention of bringing in MLS players. Jim said that the difficulty he had was

107Report

2006-03-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Another outstanding 107Report is online with part I of a II part interview with former Timbers GM Jim Taylor. Interesting not only for Timbers fans, but those interested in the USL, sports management, the Civic Stadium/PGE Park transition and soccer in the US in general...plus it's a reminder of how lucky we were to have Jim as a GM in his time with the club.

Predictions

2006-03-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

People (OK, just the ones in my head) are always asking me..."timberlog, what are your predictions for the coming year?". After careful consideration I predict that...1 Some clever person will make their own Timbers TV commercial (or TA commercial) and stick it on youtube, vimeo etc.2 Someone somewhere will complain about "...too many substitutions"!3 Chants, banners etc. based on a certain

Tribune - Team News

2006-03-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

Typical Portland Tribune. Hardly a mention of the Timbers in months then a single article almost doubling our current knowledge!Those highlights in full:Lee Morrison - backTom Poltl - backleft back Michael Nsien - signed from LAAnthony Noreiga - possibleAlan Gordon - possibilityByron Alvarez, Hugo AC - "very, very good offers"Byron Carmichael former Blizz forward - likelyTroy Ready - "could

Wilkinson Officially Named Assistant Coach

2006-03-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

Gavin Wilkinson was officially named Timbers assistant coach today.[from the press release]"Gavin creates a nice link between last year's squad and what we are doing this year," said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. "His ambition, energy and passion for the game will be a valuable asset to the Timbers and to the soccer community."

2006-03-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

File in the "not-Timbers-related" pile, but two people who gave more than they took have passed away in recent days.Ivor Cutler - Jan 15 1923 - Mar 3 2006Ali Farka ToureNOT FROM HENSA bunch of hens were kicking a ball desultorily aroundthe yard. We've got a game this Saturday, clucked alarge white, offhandedly, as though she played footballsix days a week. Hens know better than to play on

Revolution

2006-03-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Not content with just attending trials over the winter months, Timbers' Scot Thompson has been putting pen to paper once more. Hold Tight Poetry Lovers!THE REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISIED Television the median For exposing the media To the masses of this time, Work molded before my time Moving like molasses Created by an alternative mind

New 107Report

2006-03-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

Another excellent 107 Report, which is quickly becoming an invaluable resource for Timbers fans, including a revealing interview with Coach Agnello.The interesting thing here is that the new players signed (and the other 2 mentioned by name-Troy Ready who Agnello enthused over and Arni Ingi Pjetursson) are regarded by Agnello as back-ups and players who will be playing to make their way into a

Timbers Sign Four

2006-03-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

...and of course after the previous post comes this:Timbers Sign Four:Drew McAthy - UC-Santa Barbara, Cape Cod Crusaders and Orange County Blue StarSalim BullenOral BullenJacobi Goodfellow - Barry University, Hampton Roads Mariners, Wilmington Hammerheads, Utah Blitzz

How to Sign a Player in 5 Easy Steps

2006-03-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

A few questions have been raised about why player announcements by a club might be a long time coming, so I talked to Steven Thompson, Director of Professional League Operations at the USL and asked him to outline in general terms the process between a club offering a player a contract and the official announcement.The basic steps are these:1 After a team has negotiated with a player and a

"Look at me Coach Agnello, look at me!"

2006-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

As Bob points out, this Saturday is the Timbers Open Try-Out at PGE Park where basically anyone can try and catch the eye of Coach Agnello.Two things that pop into my mind are:1 The "heartwarming" story of former Timbers defender Keith Costigan who back in 2001 was "...discovered in open try-outs, chucked his worldly possessions in a U-Haul and drove up from college digs in