Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Preseason Friendly

On March 28, the Timbers will play a friendly against San Jose Earthquakes at the University of Portland's Clive Charles Soccer stadium. It's a friendly, intimate stadium and a good chance to see the boys in preseason form.

It will also be interesting to see who's on San Jose's squad, whether they've signed a Designated Player, or a currently overseas U.S. Internation (paging Mr. Feilhaber). Always good to see Joe Cannon between the pipes- a great goalkeeper and interesting interview.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Gregor & Knowles re-sign; Wicks in Hawaii

The Portland Timbers announced today that midfielder Andrew Gregor and defender Cameron Knowles have signed one-year contract extensions through the 2009 season. Both players originally signed two-year contracts prior to the 2007 season.
Last season, both Gregor and Knowles were named to the USL First Division All-League first team and helped guide the Timbers to the club’s first appearance in the USL First Division semifinals.

http://www.soccer365.com/united_soccer_leagues/story_21208163024.php


Also, Josh Wicks made an appearance for LA Galaxy last night in the Pan-Pacific Championship, on ESPN Classic. He might make another appearance for the "Stars" (insert sarcasm here) on Saturday. Last night, he put in a solid effort and did not give up any goals, though he was not called upon to do anything spectacular. He certainly appeared more confident than the starting goalkeeper Steve Cronin.

I also had a small gripe with the ESPN Classic broadcast commentator, who referred to Hawaii as "the Sunshine State." Call me a geography snob, and you wouldn't be the first, but Hawaii is the "Aloha State" and Florida (ugh) is the Sunshine State. This useless information takes up brain cells that could be better used in finding women.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Who's House? Wicks' House

The Portland Timbers announced today that goalkeeper Josh Wicks will return for the 2008 season – his second with the club. After a breakout performance with the Timbers last season, Wicks was named the 2007 USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year.

I was impressed with Wicks this past year, despite missing the admirable Josh Saunders between the pipes. Wicks won the "goalkeeper of the year" award, which is a good sign that he is at least an above-average USL keeper. However, I always had the sneaking suspicion that the defense in front of Wicks was such a significant contributor that Wicks' statistics flattered him in the end.

Well, we've got another year to look him over and I'm happy that another cornerstone of last year's team is back in place. One thing the Timbers have missed over the years is continuity in the roster. I firmly believe in new blood to stoke the competitive fires for roster spots, but it will certainly be nice to know the general layout of the team before April begins.

I can't wait for the never-ending offseason to end.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

THIS is My Country


2 songs I wish were sung at US National Team Games
1) Chorus from "Born in the U.S.A."
2) America, the Beautiful. Think of that refrain "America, America..."