Offseason Wish List

1) A new Forward
Keita did the business this year, but he isn't the Real Deal- yet. Maybe I should be patient, and give the kid some time. But I want another dangerous forward that defenses are afraid of.

While watching the Northwest Derby, it was clear that Fredy Montero, and even Nate Jaqua, are a class above Keita. If we could add another forward, of Keita's quality or above, I think the Timbers will be playoff favorites next season.

2) Re-sign the Stars
In no particular order, Gavin Wilkinson needs to lock up next year's contracts for:
-Stephen Keel
-David Hayes
-Ryan Pore (who's already locked for 2010, if I'm not mistaken)
-Scot Thompson: After the first couple games, Scot re-entered the lineup, and the Timbers defense was the better for it. He's still the face of the Club.

3) Cameron Knowles, heal thyself!
-We need you for all of next year. It's clear that part of the drop-off at the end of 2009 was because the defense missed you. Be patient, and come back next year healthier and stronger.

4) Arrange solid friendlies
-Liked the Burnley friendly this year, but how about this:
-1st Division Mexican club (who bring their starters)
-European 1st team, with an American on their Roster. I'm thinking... Rennes (Carlos Bocanegra) or Hannover 96 (Steve Cherundolo- a Northwest native, no?)

-Celtic, just a personal favorite

5) Work out the USL vs. Team Owners Association fight, so that I can stop being worried about whether the 2010 season is going to happen at all!

Top 5 Moments from 2009

1) Northwest Derby, U.S. Open Cup vs. Seattle
This match was absolutely electric in the stands. You could feel the energy as you walked up to PGE Park. A packed house. The Boys played their hearts out. And the crowd was riveted. Despite losing, I was enormously proud of the team for never giving up.

This was also the match that Steve Cronin won me over. I was suspicious of him from his LA Galaxy days. But in the 2nd half, you could see how much he wanted to win this game. I will never forget him giving Sanna Nyassi an earful, while the Seattle player feigned injury on the ground towards the end of the game. Cronin's a competitor, and just couldn't stand seeing a player trying to cheat his way into winning.

2) 0-0 Draw at Cleveland City early in the season
It was a 0-0 draw, but this game showed how different the 2009 version of the Timbers would be. Portland was rampaging down both sidelines all game long, searching for a victory. This was the game where I could tell that I would like this team.

3) The Streak
Is there anything more to be said about the Streak? That's a statement of what this Club is capable of achieving.

4) The Newcomers
Hayes is a cultured left back that added a significant attacking dimension to this year's team.
Pore seems like a model professional, who quietly goes out onto the field to win and run his legs off. And what speedy legs they are.
Keel: my favorite new player this season. Here's a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. At the end of the season, after we had locked up a playoff spot and probably the division, Stephen Keel was pushing his teammates, getting into scraps, and fighting through every minute of the remaining home games. His performance against Austin made me realize he is the new Captain of this team. A definite Leader.

5) Gavin's Redemption
I was seriously questioning Gavin Wilkinson's credibility as the Manager of this club. A very solid 2007 season merely papered over the cracks in his personnel and tactics. 2008 showed him what a few unlucky bounces of the ball could do for his team in the standings. But credit to Merrit Paulson, who stuck with Coach. Wilkinson took the criticism, and went out and got the players he needed to change the style of this soccer team. After 5 games, we were an attacking, athletic, and agressive team, especially down the spine, and other teams took notice. I'm grateful for Paulson's patience. And for Wilkinson's fortitude.

You guys have any memorable moments from this year you'd like to share?

Won the Division, but Lost the Cup

Congratulations to the Timbers on winning the Division. YESSSSS!!! I wanted to win it. Losing in the playoffs is disappointing, but the 1st place finish and the Streak made this a Timbers season to remember. Not to mention the record-breaking attendance figures for the year.

My Awards:

MVP: Stephen Keel
Newcomer: Ryan Pore
Defender of the Year: Hayes

Gavin Wilkinson deserves tremendous credit for turning around this year's team from the 2008 version. He got most of the personnel spot-on. And put together a tough, winning team that the city can be proud of. Gav-in Wilk-in-son, (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap) (clap)