Season Tickets are in!!!

Season Tickets are in. I'm so, so ready for Opening Night kickoff!!!

Package includes:
-Season tickets
-All Day bus passes for game days
-Discount card for food & drinks
-1 voucher for a friend

Best part is the all-day bus passes. That save some serious cash over the course of a season. Of course, the food & beverage discount is great- so long as it covers beer ($8? Really?!?).

Portland Timbers, Here we go!
Portland Timbers, Here-We-Go!

Cut for the Weekend

Heading out to watch the Boys play an exhibition at University of Portland.

7pm- see you there.

I know I'll be listening to this song on the way out there.

2 of my favorite artists: The Black Keys & Mos Def

Enjoy

Top 5 EPL Transfers of 2009-2010

1) Thomas Vermaillen- Arsenal FC, 10 million pounds
What a steal at 10M. He's solidified the Arsenal defense, providing a strong basis for an extended title challenge. In addition to transferring the captaincy to Fabregas, Vermaillen's presence settled Gallas and the two have formed an impressive partnership. Not to mention the 10M signing has popped up for a few clutch goals on set-pieces, normally a weak point in Arsenal's side the past few seasons.

2) Carlos Tevez- Manchester City, 25 million pounds
He gives a defined personality to a disparate squad. With so many newcomers, it is difficult to give Man City's squad a personality. Tevez's competitiveness, will to win, and backing of his teammates (see, his confrontation with John Terry in defense of Wayne Bridge), gives City and identity. This may not save a top 4 finish this season, but will help shape this squad into a possible contender next season. (Not to mention a goal return of 16, so far).

3) Niko Kranjear- Tottenham Hotspur, 5 million pounds
A steal. Clutch goals (see the game-winner against Stoke this past weekend). And in the Fall, when Modric went down injured and Defoe had that lengthy suspension, Kranjear (spelling?) helped carry this team by providing verve and creativity in the midfield. The Tottenham midfield will be stacked next year with Sandro coming from Internacional and Jamie O'Hara returning from his Portsmouth loan.

4) Darren Bent- Sunderland AFC, 14 million pounds
Helped keep Sunderland from the relegation zone. Bags of goals & a constant threat on the field. He provides Sunderland a reliable goalscorer and speed to cause every defense problems. Seems to have adapted well to the Northeast of England. Sunderland lack a reliable partner for Mr. Bent. I'm convinced that Kenwyne Jones simply isn't the answer as Bent's partner. Bent provides Sunderland confidence that a mid-table finish is always possible because he will contribute between 15-25 goals per season. Bent also seems to be thriving, given the reliable confidence Steve Bruce places in the lad.

5) Landon Donovan- Everton FC, Loan
Over the course of 2 months, Donovan won over the Everton faithful. He provided a reliable spark that helped push Everton from below mid-table to challenging for a Europa League spot. Donovan's personality blended perfectly with a squad that is built on a team-first mentality, which requires commitment & pace. Donovan grew in stature over the course of the loan. And his powerful goal in his Everton home finale was the icing on the cake. You could see Donovan's impact on the team in scoring a goal and setting up another, but also the devotion he inspired in some of England's most demanding fans. An unqualified success.

Cut of the Day

Death Cab for Cutie. "Talking Bird" - Live.

Easy to drift off to this one, from one of the Pacific Northwest's finest.

Cut of the Day

Elbow: Grounds for Divorce

Great car song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzGIjOJoLUg

Even more new Timbers

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3968716

Timbers add 3 new players. I like 1, but the jury's out on the other 2.

GK: Matt Pyzdrowski, a recent graduate of Marquette U.

Mid: Derek Gaudet, a Canadian U-23 and recent National Team camp callup.

Fwd: Doug DeMartin, 2008 KC Wizards draftee

I think Gaudet is a very promising signing. He's still developing and his international experience is a big plus. The jury's out on the other 2.

*3rd GK? Adding Pyzdrowski means the Timbers have 3 'keepers: Cronin, Adin Brown, and Pyzdrowski. Why 3 GK? That's a lot of payroll for a position that requires 2 people, at best- when you can find a loanee from an MLS team, in a pinch.

Does this mean Visser is out of the picture? Are the Timbers covering all their bases, in case an MLS team comes in for Cronin (who had a nice loan spell with DC United at the end of last season) or Brown doesn't come back to full fitness?

My prediction: I don't think that all 3 keepers will be on the roster by the end of the season. Either Brown won't come back to full fitness from his injury or Cronin will move on to greener pastures. I hope Cronin stays because he really grew on me last season, beginning with his passion on display during the Northwest Derby.

More Roster Additions

The Timbers added 2 more to the 2010 Roster:

GK: Adin Brown
Def: Scot Thompson

*Adin Brown: Last I saw him, with the 'Nats, he seemed big, but slow. He's also coming off a knee injury. I'm skeptical of this addition to the roster and would still like to see Brian Visser offered a spot on the roster to continue his development.

*Scot Thompson: excellent. Still a good defender & team leader. S-C-O-T, Scot with 1 "T"!

**I saw Daniel Woolard was released by the Chicago Fire. He's a left-sided defender with speed and foot skills. He started the Fire's 2 playoff games last year and looked good doing it. I think he'd be tremendous competition for Ian Joy, and a possible addition for the 2011 MLS roster.

Pick Him Up, Gav!

Still in need of at least 1 additional forward. Waiting to see who gets unexpectedly dropped from MLS rosters.

C'mon 2010!

How the Roster Shakes Out: Part 1

It's almost the beginning of March and the Timbers have most of their roster figured out.

Let's take a look at what the team currently possesses, and needs, as the preseason progresses.

-Part 2 will look at some intriguing loan and/or free agent signings whom I believe the Timbers front office should take a look at signing.

Here's the roster from the Team website:


Forwards
Josten, George
Keita, Mandjou
Suzuki, Takayuki

Midfielders
Cameron, Josh
Claesson, Johan
Farber, Brian
Lopez, Rodrigo
Marcelin, James
McManus, Tony
Pore, Ryan
Savage, Keith


Defenders
Danso, Mamadou
Joy, Ian
Keel, Stephen
Kirk, Quavas
Smth, Ross


Goalkeepers
Cronin, Steve

*Cameron Knowles is inactive, but I expect him to be on the roster.
*Keita remains a question mark because I thought he was on loan to an Indian league team?
*Where's Visser- the backup goalkeepr signed from the U-23 team from last year?

What's Missing
-Forwards: This team is clearly in need of 2 additional Forwards. Suzuki is no longer a dangerous forward at his age. I thought he was an incredibly crafty outside winger last year, either to start for 60 minutes, or to come off the bench at the same 60-70 minute mark.

-Midfielders: We are set. 8 (possibly 9) midfielders. And, importantly, Farber & Pore are coming back. Would like to see Nimo on loan again, but not sure if Real Salt Lake has him in their plans, especially after they picked a 2nd crafty Timbers U-23 winger in the recent MLS Draft.

-Defenders: We need an additional defender. Ian Joy is a solid pro and probably our starting left-back. But even assuming Knowles and S.C.O.T. Thompson (if re-signed?) make the Roster, that's only 7 defenders- and I'd feel more comfortable with a backup at each position.

*To solve the extra defender problem: I propose PTFC sign former Timber, Mike Randolph.
The kid has serious game- he played well for PTFC and the Galaxy, even earning a National Team Camp call-up. He'd probably adjust well being back with his former club. He's playing PDL right now in L.A., so he's a free agent. He's also a left-footer with speed to kill, who can also provide cover at left midfield. Is he on Gavin's radar? Who knows, but he should be.

-Goalkeeper: I'd like to see Visser officially on the Roster. Cronin's our guy right now. If something happens to one of my favorite Timbers of '09, then we can loan somebody from MLS in a pinch. But why waste salary space if it's not essential. One backup is plenty.

There you have it. Plenty of midfielders with pace and bite, solid goalkeeping, a sturdy base of defenders (KEEL!), but lacking much firepower up front.

I'm interested to see what Gavin chooses as the last pieces of his Roster puzzle.

You guys like the current roster? Ideas for people Gavin should give a look? Happy to see so many carryovers from last years Division-winning squad?

March 11 waits...

Timbers full of Joy, and others?

PTFC signed Ian Joy today, a fiesty veteran defender who spent time with Real Salt Lake and St. Pauli FC of Germany (what a club!).

I think it's a solid addition to the roster, especially with the absence of David Hayes.

In other news, the Timbers beat U of Portland 2-0 in an exhibition last night. The 2 goals were scored by a trialist whose name escapes me. The new Haitian midfielder made his first appearance for the Men-in-Green, earning an assist on 1 of the goals. Good work, young man!

*I noticed "Zaher" was listed in the starting lineup. If this is Mike Zaher, who played with San Jose and D.C. United?, then I am pleased. I remember watching him and thinking he had good technical skills, perhaps with time he could develop into a Bryan Namoff for a MLS team. He hits a pretty wicked cross, though he's still learning how to defend at the pro level. I hope there's room on the roster for the Timbers to take a flyer on this kid with potential to come with us to MLS in 2011.


Whose going to the Charity Shield match in Seattle on March 11? Ticket revenue goes to some great causes- Save the Children among them. And Portland's own Mercy Corps. So take the fan bus, regular bus, train, plane, or automobile up to our Northwest Neighbor to the North. It will help the neverending preseason go by that much faster... please?

Haiti

With the earthquake and human devastation in Haiti, I've been listening to a special version of Wyclef Jean's "Diablo."

I pray for relief in that devastated country. A friend, who's a registered nurse, is going down to Haiti for a couple months to help. I also pray for her safety, and peace.

Gavin Wilkinson the new GM

The Timbers announced that Gavin Wilkinson will be retained by the Timbers as the new Technical Director, which essentially includes all aspects of the playing field (and none of the business, sponsorship, etc.) He will be in charge of scouting, player contracts, the youth team, etc.

This is an excellent promotion for a dedicated servant to the club. Congratulations, Gav.

I will be especially interested to hear his thoughts on the youth model the Timbers will pursue. I'm happy the Timbers have a U-23 team, with Brian Visser the first graduate. What about Collen Warner? Did the Timbers attempt to offer him a contract? Because he just got drafted by Real Salt Lake in MLS, and soccerbyives.net is talking him up as a projected rookie standout.

But there are several different models for youth programs in MLS. Chicago has satellite teams and a Chicago Fire Academy, with plans for a residential program. Colorado, on the other hand, partnered with Colorado youth teams which will contribute members to the Rapids Academy, while being retained by their clubs. The Rapids offer coaching assistance. And I'm guessing the youth teams contribute to some ticket sales. The Red Bulls have an excellent scouting program, and one of the top youth teams in the country, while contributing several young pros, like Jozy Altidore, Dilly Duka, Matt Kassel (at Maryland), and the Red Bulls first youth signing, whose name escapes me but it sounds like Giorgios.

Gavin's personnel decisions improved dramatically last year. Ryan Pore, David Hayes, and Mo Keita were all great pickups. But the year before that? Let's not talk about that...

Good luck, Gav! You've got my support- for at least 3 years.

PGE Park Renovations + PICTURES

Hey guys,

I saw the Timbers posted some pictures and plans for the renovations of PGE Park.

http://www.portlandmls2011.com/stadium/pge-park-renovation/

What I like:

-Restaurant: While I enjoy an evening in 103, my Mom couldn't handle all the standing. So, the option of taking her to a game when she visits seems all that more enticing when you can take in the atmosphere from the comfort of a stadium restaurant. Here's hoping it features local beer and food, and doesn't try to replicate some English pub (though I LOVE Charleston's Three Lions Pub in Blackbaud Stadium- I've been there 3 times, and didn't make it out for the opening whistle on any of the visits).

-Sightlines to/from 18th Ave: I always liked seeing people watch the game from behind the fence. And catching a glimpse of the MAX gives the stadium a unique Portland feel.

-Family Areas: Designated family areas in the South and East ends is good for both families & hard-core fans. It's what most European teams do, and allows both groups to enjoy the game.

-Capacity: 20,000 is a solid number. BUT see below, for my main concern.


What I Don't Like:

-FieldTurf: Despite the new generation of fieldturf, I prefer grass - and always will. Even though we will still share the stadium with PSU's football team, I'd rather play on grass slightly torn up, than field turf all year round. I hate to see the ball just keep rolling and rolling across the end line.

-Capacity: only 20,000. It's a good number that provides an intimate atmosphere and sufficient capacity for fans. My main concern is price. Right now, I can easily afford $12 tickets to every game. Large numbers of cheap tickets allow fans like me to come to the stadium and contribute to the atmosphere. I hope that the Timbers emulate teams like Shalke FC (Germany), who ensure large numbers of cheap tickets for hardcore fans are available because they contribute to the atmosphere and are a major part of the club's heart and soul.

-Concert stage: Not sure how many concerts will happen at PGE. Could this be converted to temporary seating for big events (EPL teams, Sounders/Whitecaps games, playoffs)?


What do you guys think of the renderings and innovations?

John Spencer a candidate for Timbers Coach

The buzz seems to be that John Spencer, former Colorado Rapids hitman and current Houston Dynamo assistant coach, is in the running to become the Head Coach of the Portland Timbers beginning 2011.

The basis of the rumor is that Spencer turned down the opportunity to interview for the DC United coaching position because he wanted to keep his family in Houston.

I'm not sure how credible the information is, but it comes via Bernardo Fallas- a solid MLS reporter in the Houston area.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/soc/6777409.html

I personally like and respect Spencer from his days at Colorado. And he seems to be an integral part of a solid team and organization in Houston. The Dynamo are a tight, cohesive unit, whom, every time they step on the field, it seems like they expect to win. I'd like that sort of mentality to be adopted here in the Pacific Northwest. And, being Spencer's first head coaching position, I'm certain he'd relish the challenge, even if there would be rookie mistakes along the way.

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)

Northwest Derby

In an hour and a half, I board the bus to PGE Park to see the Boys take on Disney FC from our neighbors to the North.

I have looked forward to this game for a long time. The fact that we only get to play Seattle once a season (assuming US Open Cup qualification) makes this game even more important.

It's close to a sellout attendance-wise.

I really, really want this win.

I may be a bit different than other Timbers fans. I want to beat Seattle more than any other team in North America- hell, the world. Nothing is so satisfying.

But when Seattle plays anyone in MLS, I have a Pacific Northwest pride that hopes Seattle comes out on top. It helps not being in the same division as the Flounders. But I want people in the rest of the country to know that the Pacific Northwest is the place to be for soccer. (And beer.)

So I will cheer and sing tonight from the top of my lungs, and after beating them, I'll wish them well with the MLS season.

1 hour, 20 minutes and counting...