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JULY 2, 2009

Trialist Kevin Forrest celebrates his early goal
Mystery man delivers
Trialist Kevin Forrest scores as Timbers down Bayern Munich II by 2-0 score
Coming off an epic night on Wednesday, the Timbers hosted German side Bayern Munich II on Thursday night, starting an almost entirely different lineup than the previous night. Only defender Stephen Keel and midfielder Keith Saage started both matches. The Timbers would get an early goal on a header by trialist Kevin Forrest, and then would secure the win with a second half goal on a breakaway by Antou Jallow. Goalkeeper Brian Visser got his first start in goal and recorded the shutout.

Because of the two big matches in two days, I am posting the photos and videos first, and will catch up with the match reports this weekend.

Postgame:
JULY 1, 2009

George Josten's header is just over the bar
An epic night!
Timbers fall 2-1 to Seattle in front of 16,382 at PGE Park
Technically, this was the first time these two teams have played. But the rivalry between these two teams goes back nearly 35 years, and is a true "derby" unlike any that exist in any league in the US, there were lots of familiar faces on the field who knew each other all too well.

The match was sold out, with only standing room tickets available just before the match before they too sold out, and Seattle would score early to put the Timbers on their heels, then again to go up 2-0. But the Timbers pulled one back before the half to make it 2-1. But though the Timbers dominated much of the second half, they could never find the net again and the Timbers would be eliminated from the Open Cup in the 3rd round.

The atmosphere was electric as the Timbers supporters packed the stadium, and the Timbers Army even produced an animated Tifo before the match of Timber Jim cutting down the Space Needle (see link below). Only a photo gallery tonight, along with the video. Since there is another match tomorrow (vs. Bayern Munich II), a full match report may have to wait until Friday.

Postgame:

Pregame:
The match is sold out, but 400 walk-up standing room only tickets will be available starting at 5:00pm.

JUNE 30, 2009
Mandjou Keita is USL First Division Player of the Week
With a two-goal brace against Montreal on Sunday, and nearly getting a third that a Montreal defender knocked into their own net instead, Mandjou Keita has been honored as the USL First Divisio Player of the Week. Keita was also Player of the Week on May 27 and has been on the Team of the Week two other times. George Josten also gets a spot on the Team of the Week for his two assists against Montreal, which is the third time this month that he has done so. Congratulations to both!
JUNE 28, 2009
Keita time!
Two Keita goals lead way in 4-0 drubbing of Montreal
The Timbers were riding an 11-game unbeaten league streak going into Sunday's game with Montreal, as well as a 14-game unbeaten streak of you include two US Open Cup Games and an exhibition against the Club America Reserves. The Montreal Impact were also riding a three-game winning streak in league play, and had won five of their past six league games, their only loss being a 1-0 loss in Portland on June 4. Well the Timbers wouldn't wait 89 minutes and 58 seconds to score this time, as Mandjou Keita scored nine minutes in, and the Timbers added three more for the 4-0 win over the Impact. Keita would also score early in the second half, and Brian Farber would add a goal, and a Montreal own goal would be the final goal of the night.

The Timbers U23's also had a victory today, a 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency on a late goal by Collen Warner.

Postgame:

Pregame:
JUNE 23, 2009
Josten and Hayes named to USL First Division Team of the Week
After George Josten and David Hayes both recorded a goal and an assist in the Timbers' 5-1 win over Minnesota on Friday, Josten and Hayes have been named to the USL First Division Team of the Week. This is the second time for Josten and the first time this season for Hayes. Congratulations to both!
JUNE 19, 2009
Timbers roll Thunder 5-1
Timbers extend league unbeaten streak to 11 with 5-1 win over Thunder
Coming off an important 3-0 win in Santa Rosa California over the Sonoma County Sol that set up a big date with Seattle for July 1, the Portland Timbers returned to league action on Friday night as they hosted the Minnesota Thunder in an 8pm match that air nationwide on Fox Soccer Channel. The Timbers wasted no time in putting the Thunder on their heels with a fourth minute goal by George Josten, and Takayuki Suzuki, David Hayes, Mandjou Keita, and Scot Thompson would all score before the evening was over as the Timbers would roll to a 5-1 victory, the first time they had scored at least five goals in a game since late 2006.

This win was also the Timbers’ annual Teddy Bear Toss to benefit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, with thousands of teddy bears coming out of the stands less than five minutes into the match after Josten's goal.

Postgame:

Pregame:
JUNE 16, 2009
3-0, 3-0
Timbers get two late to secure match with Seattle in next round
Riding a 12 game unbeaten streak in all matches, and two road draws against the top two teams in the league, the Timbers should have had a great deal of confidence as they played their second round US Open Cup match in California against the Sonoma County Sol, who play in the National Premier Soccer League. The Timbers also could have been fatigued after a coast to coast road trip with 4 games in 8 days, but the Timbers produced another 3-0 Open Cup win as George Josten scored early, and Mandjou Keita scored twice late for a 3-0 victory over the Sonoma County Sol to advance to the 3rd round of the US Open Cup.

With the win, the Timbers will now host Seattle from MLS on July 1 at PGE Park at 7pm.

Postgame:

Pregame:
JUNE 13, 2009
Refuse to lose
Timbers score late in Charleston for 1-1 draw, unbeaten in ten
Coming off a 0-0 draw in Carolina, which pushed the Railhawks into a tie for the league lead with Charleston, the Timbers moved to to Charelston to take on the Battery for the first time in 2009. Unbeaten in 2009 and tied for first with Carolina, the Battery took a lead midway through the second half, but the Timbers rallied with a late goal on a header by Mandjou Keita off a cross from Scot Thompson. Both teams had good chances to steal the win at the end, but the result would be 1-1 and the Timbers tied their own record of 10 straight unbeaten matches without a loss in a single season. The Timbers did have 16 unbeaten regular season matches over two seasons from mid 2004 to mid 2005.

Earlier this week, after taking care of business in Bremerton with a 3-0 US Open Cup win, the Timbers were off to Carolina to take on the Railhawks tonight in Cary, North Carolina. The Timbers dominated early play, and were unlucky not to have a goal or two in the first half. But after going up a man early in the second half on a Carolina red card, the Timbers went flat and even gave Carolina a few good chances to steal a win. But in the end, it was a 0-0 draw as neither team could find the net. The Timbers have finished their season series with Carolina with one win and three shutouts.

On Tuesday, June 16, the Timbers complete their four game road trip with another US Open Cup match, this time in Santa Rosa, California against the Sonoma County Sol. If the Timbers win in California, they will host Seattle in the next US Open Cup round.

Postgame (Charleston):

Pregame (Charleston):
Postgame (Carolina):
Pregame (Carolina):
JUNE 9, 2009
A Cup of Revenge
Timbers 3-0 win means a trip to Santa Rosa next week
The Timbers were in Bremerton, Washington tonight to take on the Kitsap Pumas of the Premier Development League in the first round of the 2009 US Open Cup. After a scoreless first half, Portland took the lead early in the second half on a goal by Brian Farber, then sewed up the win with goals late by Jason McLaughlin, and a penalty by David Hayes for the 3-0 win.

The Timbers win is a bit of redeption, having lost last year to an amateur Hollywood United club 3-2 at PGE Park, and also a bit of revenge for the U23 1-0 loss at Kitsap this past weekend. The Timbers now travel to California next Tuesday to take on the Sonoma County Sol, who won 5-2 today over the Orange County Blue Star

If the Timbers win next week, it will set up a 3rd round matchup with an MLS club at a site to be determined.

Postgame:

Pregame:
JUNE 9, 2009
Knowles on USL First Division Team of the Week
After getting an assist on the game winning goal against Montreal, and help leading the Timbers defense to another shutout, Cameron Knowles was names to the USL First Division Team of the Week. Congratualtions to Cameron!
JUNE 4, 2009
A Savage win
Timbers score one second from stoppage time for 1-0 win over Montreal
Entering the match unbeaten in their past seven matches, the Timbers hosted Montreal on Thursday night at PGE Park. After the storms had passed through, and the signage which had been blown all around the stadium was put in place, the Timbers found Montreal looking to slow down control the match, apparently looking for a 0-0 draw, and for 89 minutes and 59 seconds of the 90 minutes of regulation, the Impact were able to keep the Timbers off the board, but it wasn't enough as off a David Hayes free kick as the match was about to go into stoppage, Cameron Knowles headed across to the goal mouth and amazingly found a wide-open Keith Savage who only needed to finish into an open net from a yard out for the late goal and the 1-0 win. The Timbers outshot Montreal 19-2 on the match and Steve Cronin only needed to make two saves for the shutout.

This is also the start of four matches in the next nine days for the Timbers.

Postgame:

Pregame:
JUNE 2, 2009
Three on USL First Division Team of the Week
After a big win over Vancouver on Saturday, three Timbers earned league honors this week. George Josten had his first professional goal, and defender Scot Thompson and goalkeeper Steve Cronin led the team to the shutout putting all three on the league Team of the Week. Congratualtions to all three!
MAY 31, 2009
A perfect weekend
Timbers reserves overwhelm Club America reserves 4-1
The Timbers played their second match in as many days on Sunday as they took on the Club America Reserves, with the Timbers also starting a lineup of players who had seen little if no action this year. The Timbers were on the board in less than a minute when Mamadou Danso scored on Sunday for the second straight week, a header off a corner kick by Takayuki Suzuki for the early lead. Hugo Garcia leveled for the Mexican side with a strike to the upper corner past reserve goalkeeper Brian Visser later in the half, but the Timbers would strike three times in the last fifteen minutes of the match to break it wide open, with goals by Takayuki Suzuki, Ryan Pore, and Jason McLaughlin pulling the Timbers away for a 4-1 win. A photo gallery has been posted below, a full match report and videos of the second half goals will be posted Monday

Earlier this weekend, The Portland Timbers had always struggled against their traditional rivals from Vancouver, with only 6 wins in 16 previous matches at PGE Park, but the Timbers would put on a dominating performance on Saturday night, as an early Ryan Pore penalty kick, and a late first half goal from George Josten were more than enough with Steve Cronin getting a shutout for the 2-0 win. It was the first win over the Whitecaps since knocking them out of the 2007 playoffs, and the Timbers are now unbeaten in seven matches since losing to the Whitecaps 1-0 on opening day.

It was a full day of action as the Timbers U23's won earlier in the day vs. the Cascade Surge by a 4-2 score in Vancouver, Washington. And remember on Sunday, the Timbers will host the Club America Reserves in a 5pm start also at PGE Park. This is the first of three international exhibitions at PGE Park this year, and the Timbers have had good results in most of these exhibitions, and have always draw a good crowd when a Mexican team is visiting.

3/31 Postgame:

3/30 Postgame:
3/30 Pregame:
The Timbers have also announced their first round US Open Cup opponent, which will be the PDL's Kitsap Pumas in a match to be played on June 9 in Bremerton, Washington. The winner of that match will face the winner of the match between two California teams, the Orange County Blue Star of the PDL in Irvine and the Sonoma County Sol who are in Santa Rosa.
MAY 26, 2009
Premiership returns to Portland
Timbers to host Burnley FC on July 25
The Portland Timbers announced today that they will be hosting Burnley FC, recently promoted to the English Premier League, in an exhibition at PGE Park on July 25. Burnley, known as the Clarets, beat Sheffield United 1-0 recently to be promoted to the top level of soccer in England for the first time in 33 years..

In 2005, the Timbers hosted Sunderland, who had also just recently been promoted to the Premiership, and drew them 0-0 in front of over 15,000 at PGE Park. Burnley defender and captain Steven Caldwall played for Sunderland in that match back in 2005.
MAY 25, 2009
Mandjou Keita is USL First Division Player of the Week!
For scoring his first two goals of the season this weekend in a draw and a win in Puerto Rico, Mandjou Keita has been named First Division Player of the Week. Brian Farber also gets a nod for the Team of the Week, his third award this season, for assisting on both goals in the Sunday win. Congratualtions to both!
MAY 24, 2009
A breakthrough win
Timbers win in Puerto Rico for the first time, 2-1 over the Islanders
After a 1-1 draw on Friday night, the Timbers had a day to rest for a second Puerto Rico match on Sunday, and it seemed to help as the Timbers were able to defeat the Islanders on the road for the first time in six tries, with Mandjou Keita scoring his second goal in two matches to give the Timbers a 1-0 lead, and Mamadou Danso getting his first Timbers goal late in the first half for the 2-1 win. This win is the 100th regular season win for the Timbers in their USL era.

On Friday night, after coming close countless time in the first five Timbers matches this year, forward Mandjou Keita finally found the back of the net in Puerto Rico, bringing the Timbers back to a 1-1 draw after Sean Fraser had put the Islanders up 1-0 in the first half. The 1-1 result is the second time the Timbers have rallied for a point in Bayamon after coming back from a 2-0 deficit for a 2-2 draw last year.

5/24 Postgame:

5/22 Postgame:
5/22 Pregame:
MAY 19, 2009
Brian Farber on Team of the Week
For his spectacular goal against Rochester last week, midfielder Brian Farber has earned his second USL First Division Team of the Week selection. Congratulations to Brian!
MAY 14, 2009

Ryan Pore puts in the penalty kick for the game winner
One for Howie
Timbers get late PK to save 2-1 win over Rhinos
On a day that began with the sad news of the passing of a great Timbers fan, the Timbers would put together a pretty dominating performance against the Rochester Rhinos, outshooting them 25-10, and a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. But after Brian Farber slid in to put home the first goal, the Timbers would lose their lead when the Rhinos took advantage of one of their few good scoring chances when Darren Kenton headed home the tying goal in the second half.

With the Timbers unleasing a late seige to the Rhinos goal, the match appeared headed for another diappointing draw when Kenton the goalscorer, on a play away from the ball, unbelievably gave a two-hand shove to Timbers midfielder Stephen Keel right in front of the center referee, who must have felt he had no choice to award a rare late stoppage time penalty, and Ryan Pore easily slotted in the game winner just before the final whistle.

Postgame:

Pregame:
Other Timbers news
MAY 13, 2009
Cameron Knowles on Team of the Week
For helping lead the Timbers backline to their third straight shutout, Cameron Knowles was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week. Congratulations to Cameron!
MAY 9, 2009
A shocking draw
Timbers dominate start to finish, but never find net in 0-0 draw in Cleveland
The Timbers played their most dominating match in several years in Cleveland tonight, controlling the ball and just about every goal scoring chance for all 90 minutes, but every shot was either saved, or just side, and despite the domination, had to settle for a 0-0 draw. The Timbers have now posted three straight shutouts, their longest streak since four straight shutouts in 2007.

Also, a reminder that the U23's open their inaugural season tonight at 7pm at Tualatin Hills Recreational Center at 158th and Walker in Beaverton.

Postgame:

Pregame:
MAY 5, 2009
Farber, Pore, Seitz on Team of the Week
After a draw and a win this past week, three Timbers players make this week's USL First Division Team of the Week. Goalkeeper Chris Seitz earns the honor with two shutouts, while Ryan Pore (a goal and an assist) and Brian Farber (goal) also earn the honors this week. Congratulations to all three!
MAY 1, 2009
Finally
Timbers score early and late for 2-0 win
The Timbers earned their first win of the 2009 season when a 5th minute goal by Brian Farber held until Ryan Pore scored an insurance goal in the 83rd, and after a 2-0 victory are now 1-1-1 on the season, with two goals scored, and one goal allowed. Chris Seitz earned his second shutout in two attempts in a fill-in role for the injured Steve Cronin.

On Thursday night, the Timbers and RailHawks opened the Timbers 2009 home schedule with a 0-0 draw.

Postgame 5/2:

Pregame 5/2:
Postgame 4/30:
Pregame 4/30:
APRIL 25, 2009
Timbers drop opener
Lots of chances for both teams, but Whitecaps get only goal
In over 8 years in the USL, the Timbers only have one win in Vancouver, and though the Timbers produced more scoring chances than normal, their only trip to Vancouver this year resulted in a 1-0 loss as Martin Nash's goal for the Whitecaps in the second half would stand.

Postgame:
Pregame:
More Timbers preseason news:
APRIL 22, 2009
3 days to season opener
Timbers sign Danso, release Vua
The Timbers announced today that they have signed defender Mamadou Danso, and reached a mutual agreement with defender Dieumerci Vua on his release. Danso is a native of Serrekunda, Gambia and was a two-time All-Southern States Athletic Conference selection at Southern Polytechnic State University, and also played for the Cary Clarets of the Premier Development League.

The Timbers now have 23 players signed, only six of them returning from last year's team.

More Timbers preseason news:
APRIL 13, 2009
Timbers to face Club Am�rica reserves on May 31
The Portland Timbers announced today that they will play the Club Am�rica reserves international exhibition match on Sunday, May 31, at PGE Park at 5 p.m. This will be the fourth exhibition against Mexican competition the Timbers have played at PGE Park over the past two years, with victories over Necaxa and U.A.N.L. Tigres, and a loss to Morelia.

More Timbers preseason news:
APRIL 8, 2009
Timbers top Oregon State 1-0 in preseason action
The Timbers got their first win of the preseason in Corvallis on Wednesday as a 75th minute goal from Takayuki Suzuki would be the only goal of the match. Mandjou Keita got the assist on the lone goal, and Brian Visser picked up the shutout in his second start of the preseason.

The Timbers are 1-1-3 in the preseason, having scored only twice, but also only giving up two goals and posting three shutouts.

More Timbers preseason news:
APRIL 3, 2009
Timbers draw 1-1 with defending Champion Whitecaps
The Timbers finally got their first goal of the preseason after being shut out three times, and would get a good 1-1 result in Vancouver against the defending champion Whitecaps. After the Whitecaps took the lead in the 70th minute on a goal by defender Wesley Charles, the Timbers would level the score 10 minutes later on a header by Midfielder Johan Claesson, with the assist going to recently signed Takuro Nishimua.
APRIL 3, 2009
Timbers sign Japanese defender Takuro Nishimura
The Timbers finally signed defender Takuro Nishimua, whom Timbers fans had been watching all preseason and had been one of the best performers on the pitch. Nishimura played the previous seven seasons in Japan�s J-League with the Urawa Red Diamonds (2001-2004) and Omiya Ardija (2004-2008).
MARCH 27, 2009
Drawing another blank
Timbers draw 0-0 with Pilots
A week after the historic announcement that Portland will have a Major League Soccer team in 2011, the current Timbers team returned to the University of Portland for another preseason match, and got another 0-0 draw, this time against the host University of Portland at at Merlo Field. The Timbers also debuted their new black alternate kits, as seen to the right on forward George Josten.

The Timbers drew the New York Red Bulls 0-0 last week at Merlo Field, and have now played two matches against MLS opponents with a 1-0 loss in San Jose the week before in addition to tonight's match against the Pilots, and though they have not yet scored, they have also only allowed one goal in three matches, and even that goal only barely snuck over the line in San Jose.

Signed players defender David Hayes and forward Mandjou Keita have joined camp this week, and also announced this week was trialist Kyle Schmid, a defender. The Timbers also announced the signing of goalkeeper Brian Visser, and midfielder Mutanda Kwesele for the U23 squad as their first player signed.

More details on ticket policy were released this week in anticipation of the 2011 Portland Timbers MLS expansion team:
MARCH 20, 2009
It's official! MLS to PDX in 2011
What had long been the dream of Timbers fans became reality today, as MLS President Don Garber announced Portland as the 18th team in Major League Soccer, to being play in 2011. The announcement comes two days after Vancouver was announced as the 17th team on Wednesday, and a day after Seattle became the first MLS team in the northwest as their expansion team debuted on Thursday night.

Timbers 2011 jerseys were presented to Timbers president Merritt Paulson, who had negotiated the mayor Sam Adams and City Councilman Randy Leonard, who also received jerseys. One was also presented to the Timbers Army, and accepted by Jeremy Wright, who had been on the point of much of the fan involvement in the MLS expansion. Councilman Dan Saltzman, who cast the critical swing vote in the City Council meeting last week that approved the MLS plan for Portland, was unable to attend because of flu.

The Timbers finished the day with an exhibition match at Merlo Field at the University of Portland against MLS's New York Red Bulls. In a light rain, both teams would have good chances, but neither would find the net in a 0-0 draw.
MARCH 20, 2009
Portland to be announced as MLS's 18th team on Friday
History will be made today as Portland will be announced as the 18th Major League Soccer franchise, with the announcement to be made at the downtown Portland Hilton at 10:00am. Vancouver was announced as the 17th franchise on Wednesday. See links below this announcement for some of the recent news, and of course keep up with the news on the TalkTimbers.com message board.

The Timbers will complete this memorable day with an exhibition against MLS's New York Red Bulls tonight at 7:00 at University of Portland's Merlo Field.

What: Rally and Press Conference Announcement
When: 9:30 a.m., Friday March 20

Where: Portland Hilton
921 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland Oregon

What we need to do: We need to take what we did with the MLS to PDX rally and be even louder, prouder, more drums, and even more noise. It looks like this is going to be the CELEBRATION we have all been waiting for! Our goal is 300 people for this event wearing your green and white plus as many scarves as we can muster. Arrive early to claim your flag, banner, drum etc. As always the Timbers Army and Timbers fans will play a prominent part in any announcement. Do whatever it takes to join us.

Be a part of history.
See you all there,

Jeremy Wright

Adidas has also let us know that they will be giving away free Portland MLS T-Shirts and 50% off passes to their employee store at the Bitter End Friday starting at 11:30am. Timber offseason reports
MARCH 14, 2009
Timbers hold their own in 1-0 loss in San Jose
After just one week in camp, the Timbers faced a formidable opponent when they travelled to California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes, who are just a week away from the start of their regular season. But despite the Quakes controlling most of the run of play, the Timbers nearly snuck out with a draw until a Quakes header by Quincy Amarikwa just snuck over the goal line in the 78th minute for the 1-0 Earthquakes win. Eight of the Eleven starters for the Timbers were new players or trialists.

The Timbers open in front of the home fans this Friday as they host the New York Red Bulls at the University of Portland.

Timber offseason reports
MARCH 12, 2009
City Council votes 3-2 to approve MLS to Portland, but drops $15M in URD funding
The chances for Major League Soccer coming to Portland are much greater today after the City Council approved the plan 3-2 after a full day of debate that at times was very contentious. Commissioners Fritz and Fish proclaimed themselves lovers of the beautiful game, and Fritz even put on several soccer scarves before voting now. But Commissioner Saltzman surprised many by voting yes once the Urban Renewal District funding had been removed, and Leonard and Adams were always a definite yes and the plan passed 3-2.

That leaves a $15 Million dollar gap that must be addressed, but indications are that this won't be a deal stopper and chances are very good that Portland will be granted an MLS expansion franchise for the 2011 season sometime in the next month.

Timber offseason reports
MARCH 9, 2009
MLS in Portland is very close, but not a done deal yet
Portland's Major League Soccer Task Force approved the MLS plan unanimously, but 3 of 5 yes votes from the City Council on Wednesday are necessary to make MLS in Portland a reality. As of today, there are two yes votes, from mayor Sam Adams and Councilman Randy Leonard. One more vote is needed to make this happen.

Way too much news to post here. Go to the TalkTimbers.com message board to follow all that's happening, and do everything you can to make sure the City Council knows that this will work and the fact that Merritt Paulson will invest in Portland with no risk to the taxpayers is an opportunity the city simply cannot pass up!

Timber offseason news as camp opened today
MARCH 4, 2009
Task Force unanimously MLS/Beavers stadium proposal
Portland's Major League Soccer Task Force today gave unanimous approval to a proposal to use city-backed money to renovate PGE Park for the Portland Timbers and build a new baseball stadium for the AAA Portland Beavers.

The major points of the Task Force recommendations on the proposal are:

  • There should be no risk to basic services.
  • The city should get a guarantee that if the team or the league fails, Paulson's company, Shortstop LLC, will be responsible for paying off the loans.
  • A funding gap, identified at $20 million to $40 million, should be paid with private money, not the public's.
  • The city should be protected from construction cost overruns.
  • Portland should not lose the baseball team to get the MLS franchise.
  • Public park space should not be diminished.
Most of these issues have been previously raised, and details on how the funding gap will be addressed are expected to be finalized before the City Council votes on the final proposal next week. MLS is expected to announce the two expansion teams for 2011 in about two weeks. Check out the thread below on the SoccerCityUSA.com message board on how to help: Timber offseason reports
FEBRUARY 28, 2009
MLS to Portland supporters march to City Hall
Supporters of Major League Soccer expansion to Portland organized a rally this Saturday, and marched from the waterfront to City Hall to show support for bringing Major League Soccer to Portland. Here are the photos from todays rally.
FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Merritt Paulson on 95.5 The Game
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson spoke tonight on 95.5 The Game on a show hosted by Timbers Army member John Strong, and here are the major points Merritt made:
  • The Paulson family will personally guarantee all the bonds for the PGE Park expansion and new Beavers baseball stadium
  • Merritt stated "If the stadium deal is worked out, we will get the (MLS) team. Mark my words"
  • He basically confirmed the Steve Cronin GK rumor
  • Takayuki Suzuki is coming back
  • The Timbers will be signing a left side midfielder who has played with the San Jose Earthquakes.
  • All road games, and a few home games, will be broadcast on 95.5 The Game with John Strong and Andy McNamara at the mic
FEBRUARY 24, 2009
Timbers supporters let the City Council know that Portland is ready for MLS
Supporters of Major League Soccer in Portland gathered today to let the City Council know that Portland deserves to be in the top tier of soccer in the US, and the Council heared many passionate supporters explain why soccer is very special to Portland, and why MLS would work here.

You can still send an email to City Council today letting them know you want Major League Soccer in Portland and urge them to vote to support the proposal. Click here to send an email to City Council.

FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Timbers sign 2007 Defender of the Year David Hayes
The Timbers helped their defense significantly today as they sign former Atlanta Silverbacks defender and 2007 League Defender of the Year David Hayes.

Hayes is 32 and the 10 year veteran joins the Timbers after four seasons with the Atlanta Silverbacks. During his time in Atlanta, Hayes received USL First Division All-League first-team honors in 2007 and 2008, and had 15 goals and 14 assists and leading the team to the USL First Division finals in 2007, having knocked out the Timbers on PK's in the Semifinals.

Also the Timbers have posted a Q&A session with Johan Claesson.

FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Pre-season match scheduled for Vancouver on April 3
The Vancouver Whitecaps have released their pre-season schedule, and they are going to host the Timbers on April 3. The match will be at 1:00pm at Burnaby Lakes West, Burnaby, British Columbia. Burnaby Lakes West is a city-owned facility located about three miles northeast of Vancouver's home pitch Swangard Stadium.

A match vs. the University of Portland Pilots at Merlo Field has been tentatively announced for March 27 but not yet confirmed.

FEBRUARY 20, 2009
Two more new signings, Little released
The Timbers added two more players to their 2009 roster today, with the addition of forward George Josten, and midfielder Josh Cameron. They also announced that midfielder Bryan Little has been released. Josten played at Gonzaga and was selected 20th in the MLS Draft in 2008, spending the 2008 season on the Columbus Crew reserve team where he had one goal and two assists. Cameron is a recent Oregon State graduate and had four goals and eleven assists over his career, and is a native of Gresham.
FEBRUARY 12, 2009
Two new players signed, Tom Poltl re-signs
The Timbers added a defender and a midfielder today, with defender Dieumerci Vua and midfielder Keith Savage announced as new signings, and midfielder Tommy Poltl returning for his fifth season.

Vua comes from Italian Serie A club Catania and is a member of the Democratic Republic of Congo National Team. Savage comes from Chivas USA after playing his college soccer at the University of West Florida, where he was an All-America selection in 2006.

Poltl has always been a fan favorite for his toughness in midfield, having joined the Timbers after impressing in the tryouts before the 2005 season.

FEBRUARY 6, 2009
Timbers to play exhibition in California on March 14
The Portland Timbers announced their first exhibition for the 2009 season, which will be against the San Jose Earthquakes on March 14 at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The Timbers have faced the Earthquakes four times in exhibition and US Open Cup play, defeating the Earthquakes 2-1 in 2001, but losing all three matches since, including a 2-1 preseason loss last year at the University of Portland.

FEBRUARY 4, 2009
Timbers assistant Rod Underwood takes over as Cleveland head coach
Timbers assistant coach Rod Underwood, who has been with the team for the past two seasons, will take over as head coach for the Cleveland City Stars. The City Stars, who won the USL Second Division title in 2008, have moved up to the First Division for the 2009 season, but lost their head coach Martin Rennie to Carolina just before the move up to the First Division was announced.

Underwood has previous head coaching experience and won the USISL D3 title (equivalent to the current USL Second Division) with the Albuquerque Geckos in 1997.

JANUARY 28, 2009
2009 U23 Schedule released

The 2009 Timbers U23 schedule has been released, and a separate U23 page will be posted on this site soon. The entire league schedule can be found here and the Timbers schedule is here. The official press releases are here and here. To see the divisional layout, look here.

Teams the Timbers U23's will play in their first PDL season:

  • Abbotsford Mariners (BC)
  • Cascade Surge (Salem, OR)
  • Kitsap Pumas (WA)
  • Seattle Wolves (Tukwila, WA)
  • Spokane Spiders (WA)
  • Tacoma Tides (WA)
  • Yakima Reds (WA)
  • Vancouver Whitecaps Residency (BC)
  • Victoria Highlanders (BC)
The Timbers U23 will face each time home and away, except for Abbotsford (home only) and Seattle (away only).
JANUARY 24, 2009

Photo gallery from the January 24 invitational tryouts

JANUARY 23, 2009
2009 Schedule released

The 2009 schedule was finally released today, and has been updated on the right side of this page. The entire league schedule can be found here and the Timbers schedule is here. The official team press release is here.

Teams the Timbers will play once away and twice at home:

  • Carolina
  • Cleveland
  • Montreal
  • Rochester
  • Vancouver
Teams the Timbers will play twice away and once at home:
  • Austin
  • Charleston
  • Miami
  • Minnesota
  • Puerto Rico
JANUARY 17, 2009

Photo gallery from the January 18 open tryouts

Photo gallery from the January 17 open tryouts

JANUARY 16, 2009
Timbers re-sign Dunn, sign six new players for 2009

The Timbers today made their first announcement of new players for the 2009 season, with two players coming over from the on-hiatus Atlanta Silverbacks, one from the Minnesota Thunder, two from Sweden and an African stiker:
  • Johan Claesson (M), Gefle IF (Sweden)
  • Brian Farber (M), Minnesota Thunder
  • Antouman Jallow (F), Sirius IK (Sweden)
  • Mandjou Keita (F), Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota (Brunei)
  • Jason McLaughlin (F), Atlanta Silverbacks
  • Tony McManus (M), Atlanta Silverbacks
Also announced was the re-signing of defender Cameron Dunn.
Timbers Updates:
From PortlandTimbers.com
Timbers U23 Updates:
Portland Rain join Women's Professional Soccer League:
MLS to Portland:
League Player of the Week
May 27 - Mandjou Keita
June 30 - Mandjou Keita
League Team of the Week
May 5 - Brian Farber, Ryan Pore, Chris Seitz
May 13 - Cameron Knowles
May 19 - Brian Farber
May 26 - Mandjou Keita, Brian Farber
June 2 - George Josten, Scot Thompson, Steve Cronin
June 9 - Cameron Knowles
June 23 - George Josten, David Hayes
June 30 - George Josten, Mandjou Keita
USL Goal of the Week
Week 8 - George Josten
Click here to read about the Timbers Army journey to the UK in 2006
Click here to go to an archive of older news stories
 Portland is "Soccer City USA"

Portland was known as "Soccer City USA" during the heyday of the Timbers in the 1970's, and has maintained that reputation, even without a professional team calling the city home for several years. After a US National Team 1-0 victory over Costa Rica at Civic Stadium in 1997, the players described the fans as the best the US National Team had ever seen. That excitement returned to Portland in 2001 as the newest member of the A-League, the Portland Timbers, had the 2nd highest attendance in the league, had two crowds over 11,000, and advanced to the second round of the playoffs in their first year.

  
About the Timber Mill Fan Site
This page is a fan page and is in no way affiliated with the Portland Timbers or United Soccer Leagues. The Portland Timbers logo is the property of Portland Timbers and is used with permission. The author of this site has previously done a website for the now-defunct Willamette Valley Firebirds, complete with match reports and game photos, and also made contributions to the Minnesota Thunder website (during the 1995-1996 and 2002 seasons), USLsoccer.com, MatchNight.com, TopDrawerSoccer.com, and is a co-Webmaster of USLFans.com.
This page is maintained by Allison Andrews. You can contact me at
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2009 Timbers Schedule
Sat25at Vancouver #*+L 0-1
Thu30Carolina *+D 0-0
Sat2Carolina #*+W 2-0
Sat9at Cleveland *+D 0-0
Thu14Rochester  W 2-1
Fri22at Puerto Rico *D 1-1
Sun24at Puerto Rico *W 2-1
Sat30Vancouver *+W 2-0
Sun31Club America ReservesW 4-1
Thu4Montreal #*+W 1-0
Tue9at Kitsap Pumas %W 3-0
Thu11at Carolina *D 0-0
Sat13at Charleston *+D 1-1
Tue16at Sonoma County Sol %W 3-0
Fri19Minnesota  W 5-1
Sun28Montreal #*W 4-0
Wed1Seattle (MLS) *#+%L 1-2
Thu2Bayern Munich IIW 2-0
Sat4at Minnesota *+5:05
Sat11at Austin *+5:30
Fri17at Miami *5:00
Sun19at Miami *+3:00
Thu23Puerto Rico #*7:00
Sat25Burnley FC7:00
Sat1at Minnesota *+5:05
Thu6Vancouver *+7:00
Sat8Charleston *7:00
Wed12at Montreal *4:45
Sat15at Rochester *+4:35
Sat22Miami #*7:00
Fri28at Charleston  5:00
Thu3Rochester *+7:00
Mon7at Austin *+4:00
Fri11Austin *7:00
Sun13Cleveland *7:00
Thu17Cleveland #*7:00
Home games are shown in green
Non-league games are shown in yellow
% US Open Cup match
  Match broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel
# Match broadcast on Fox Sports Northwest
* Video webcast on USLLive.com
+ Audio webcast on 95.5 The Game
All matches broadcast on PortlandTimbers.com
All home games at PGE Park
All times are Pacific Time