Exhibition match reports here:
PortlandTimbers.com
RowdiesPDX.org
DroppingTimber
TheOffside
OregonLive
SoccerCityUSA
PortlandMercury
Next game we have is against Carolina on June 6th. You can bet'cher ass we're gonna ride!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Gotta love Nimo
Just in case ya'll haven't seen it yet: Alex Nimo tries to drag Matthew Mbuta off the pitch. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Ides of May; Impact at Timbers 5.22.10
Its been a rough stretch of games at home. After going 3-0-1 at the beginning of the season, the Timbers had almost two weeks off before their next game. They haven't come back from that vacation yet. Last night's game against Montreal was the last of three home games that haven't gone well for the Timbers.
Montreal is a tough team at home or on the road, and proved that by holding the Timbers to a 1-1 draw the first time these two teams met back in April. They came to PGE Park with the same intensity. Unfortunately, the Timbers did not. Decent play on the left side between Cameron, Pore, and Obatola could not make up for our deficiencies on the right side of the field. It is readily apparent that the team is missing the presence of Scot Thompson, last year's right back. Quavas Kirk, having taken Scot's place this year, has proved to be the weak link in the Timber's back line, and it seems that other teams have noted this and are taking advantage. In the 31', Montreal's Donatelli found himself with the ball at his feet and the goal wide open in front of him courtesy of his teammate Sebrango having outplayed the inexperienced Kirk, and in the process, pulled the equally inexperienced Purdy out of position to assist. The quick pass to Donatelli and subsequent goal were almost a foregone conclusion once the back line had been rearranged to the Impact's satisfaction.
Despite some creative substitutions at the half (were the boys playing a 2-3-1-4 for the last half an hour?) and some frenetic work on behalf of the roused squad (outshooting the Impact 17-4 during the game), the Timbers were unable to make up the one point deficit by full time. The refereeing was typically USL atrocious, the Mercury's new Timbers blogger, Brian Costello, putting it most succinctly:
“6,573 people witnessed a clear handball in the 68' that was somehow blindly ignored by the referee.”
But poor officiating is absolutely no excuse for what we've seen on the pitch the last three games, and despite the paragraphs above, this is not the fault of any one player. I'd wager the lack of cohesion and anticipation we have seen on the pitch in the last week has also worried Gavin, currently off on a scouting trip in Ghana, and I do not envy the boys the inevitable tongue-lashing upon his return.
Despite this three game mid-May walk of shame, I have not yet given up hope. Its early in the season, the Timbers are playing with energy and heart (despite seeming to locate it after the half) and are putting up impressive shooting statistics. Some tweaking of the line-up and our schedule over the next few weeks should fall before us like a 2-beers-deep Sounders "fan". I continue to be impressed with Pore's play, we have some rising stars in Danso and Obatola, hopefully Ian Joy will be back on his feet soon, and I harbor dreams of seeing Cameron Knowles back out on the pitch at some point this season. *giggles like a schoolgirl* Ahem.
The Brigade was impressive for a day with such inclement weather! Thanks to everyone who rode – it was great to see some new faces and to ride with some old veterans. My match is no longer complete if I don't hear Cowbell's lounge version of Portland Belongs to Me echoing off of downtown office buildings. If I don't see you all at Beulah for our coming away matches, I'll see you at the next ride!
Better and more perceptive match reviews can be found at the following:
Match highlights and archive can be found over at portlandtimbers.com.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Timbers play the Impact; Skate Decks; Oral Surgery
After a devastating loss to Crystal Palace Baltimore on Thursday and squandering two points in a tie with AC St. Louis on Saturday, not all is well in Timbers-land. Despite dramatically out-shooting both opponents (16-5 over Crystal Palace and 14-3 over AC St. Louis) the boys dropped 5 points to two of the lowest ranked teams in the league2. Sometimes the Timbers have an unfortunate tendency to play down to the level of their opponent, but Ryan Pore has seemingly lost the spark that he showed in the first four games of the season and players like Johan Claesson and Quavas Kirk simply phoned in lackluster performances. The consensus amongst the Army seems to be that the best thing about Saturday was the promotional giveaway of skateboard decks.
This seeming malaise is worrisome coming into tomorrow's match against the unbeaten Montreal Impact (2-0-2). In the third game of the season, the Impact held the Timbers to a 1-1 draw and, despite the added difficulty of playing at PGE Park, will be looking to add to their point total. Given that Timbers have had difficulties in the past with bottom-of-the-table teams, I doubt that Montreal are expecting an easy time of it, but I fervently hope that the last two games have awakened the boys after two weeks off. There's unfinished business between our two sides.
We'll be at the usual meetup at The Standard starting at about 4 pm. Come join us (but don't forget your jacket)!
On another note, some disorganization and injuries (as mentioned in the post title) prevented my showing for Sunday Parkways, but it was good to hear that some people made it out to enjoy the glorious weather. Some antibiotics, a little tooth removal, and I'll be right back out there riding with y'all!
Smarter and better match previews can be found at:
portlandtimbers.com
montrealimpact.com
daveknows:portland
Dropping Timber
The Offside
RowdiesPDX
Pre-match discussion is over on SCUSA.
This seeming malaise is worrisome coming into tomorrow's match against the unbeaten Montreal Impact (2-0-2). In the third game of the season, the Impact held the Timbers to a 1-1 draw and, despite the added difficulty of playing at PGE Park, will be looking to add to their point total. Given that Timbers have had difficulties in the past with bottom-of-the-table teams, I doubt that Montreal are expecting an easy time of it, but I fervently hope that the last two games have awakened the boys after two weeks off. There's unfinished business between our two sides.
We'll be at the usual meetup at The Standard starting at about 4 pm. Come join us (but don't forget your jacket)!
On another note, some disorganization and injuries (as mentioned in the post title) prevented my showing for Sunday Parkways, but it was good to hear that some people made it out to enjoy the glorious weather. Some antibiotics, a little tooth removal, and I'll be right back out there riding with y'all!
Smarter and better match previews can be found at:
portlandtimbers.com
montrealimpact.com
daveknows:portland
Dropping Timber
The Offside
RowdiesPDX
Pre-match discussion is over on SCUSA.
Friday, May 14, 2010
True class (with spoilers).
Despite a brilliant ride on a gorgeous summer's day, the Army in full effect, and playing, literally, the worst team in the league, the Timbers lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace Baltimore tonight. Shortly after leaving the park, a few twitteratti'ed TA received the following from Ian Joy, the Timber's Captain:
That's what I call class. I feel so sorry for AC St. Louis on Saturday as I think the boys are going to be looking for a little payback. See ya'll at the Standard for the pre-funk with, hopefully, some Gartner's short ribs!
For some post-match notes, cruise on over to the Timber's website, and to check in on the TA's post match analysis head over yonder.
Might try my hand at a full on match report tomorrow. I'd definitely tune in for that!
That's what I call class. I feel so sorry for AC St. Louis on Saturday as I think the boys are going to be looking for a little payback. See ya'll at the Standard for the pre-funk with, hopefully, some Gartner's short ribs!
For some post-match notes, cruise on over to the Timber's website, and to check in on the TA's post match analysis head over yonder.
Might try my hand at a full on match report tomorrow. I'd definitely tune in for that!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wool gathering on the news cycle...
Timbers released a new tv spot on Monday. For your viewing pleasure!
Let's ride!
After an unbelieveably long break, we ride for the match against Crystal Palace Baltimore tomorrow at 5:30 (latest)!!! Stop by the Standard after four for a brew and some company, and then join us for what promises to be a beautiful evening.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Offside Rules FINALLY gets it.
SF over at theoffsiderules finally sees the light with regard to our 'neighbors' to the north. Well worth checking out: "Band Nerds Take Seattle, Theater Dorks Lay In Wait"
Urban Assault Ride
From BikePortland.org, an event that sounds like its right up the TABB's alley:
New Belgium Brewing's Urban Assault Ride
Benefitting: Northwest Trail Alliance
Packet Pick Up:*** (Saturday 5/22 11-2pm)
Plan B Bar: 1305 S.E. 8th Ave
VENUE: (Sunday 5/23 9am)
Pioneer Court House Square 701 SW Sixth Avenue
Price: $45-$60/person - registration required.
What is it? From urbanassaultride.com:
"The Urban Assault Ride is a truly unique cycling event...and quickly becoming one of the biggest in country! Here's how it works: You and your teammate will set out on a city-wide quest for 'checkpoints' on your favorite two-wheeled steeds. At each checkpoint, you'll drop your bikes and complete a funky/adventurous obstacle course, then remount your bikes and hit the streets for more.
The goal is to complete all the checkpoints in the shortest amount of time. You choose your own route and checkpoint order. This means that the most clever are often the victors. Of course, it may also help if you can pull a mean big-wheel powerslide and fly across an inflatable slip-n-slide ;)
After your pedal-powered adventure, your team will cross the finish line and enter a massive celebration of bikes and beer. The after party is just as much fun as the ride itself, thanks to the craziest raffle prize contest you'll ever experience.
Pick a partner and we'll see you there!"
Complete info including prizes and sign up form: urbanassaultride.com
Massive celebration of bikes and beer? Who's in?
New Belgium Brewing's Urban Assault Ride
Benefitting: Northwest Trail Alliance
Packet Pick Up:*** (Saturday 5/22 11-2pm)
Plan B Bar: 1305 S.E. 8th Ave
VENUE: (Sunday 5/23 9am)
Pioneer Court House Square 701 SW Sixth Avenue
Price: $45-$60/person - registration required.
What is it? From urbanassaultride.com:
"The Urban Assault Ride is a truly unique cycling event...and quickly becoming one of the biggest in country! Here's how it works: You and your teammate will set out on a city-wide quest for 'checkpoints' on your favorite two-wheeled steeds. At each checkpoint, you'll drop your bikes and complete a funky/adventurous obstacle course, then remount your bikes and hit the streets for more.
The goal is to complete all the checkpoints in the shortest amount of time. You choose your own route and checkpoint order. This means that the most clever are often the victors. Of course, it may also help if you can pull a mean big-wheel powerslide and fly across an inflatable slip-n-slide ;)
After your pedal-powered adventure, your team will cross the finish line and enter a massive celebration of bikes and beer. The after party is just as much fun as the ride itself, thanks to the craziest raffle prize contest you'll ever experience.
Pick a partner and we'll see you there!"
Complete info including prizes and sign up form: urbanassaultride.com
Massive celebration of bikes and beer? Who's in?
We got noticed!
Thanks to DaveKnows:Portland for the shoutout. He's got a great wrapup of last weekend's Timbers match against Costa Rica's Puntarenas and some Timbers news here.
It's National Bike Month!
After a bit of a mental health break, we're back in action, and it's National Bike Month! There's so much going on that it would be a little bit rediculous to try to mention it all, so we've pulled out some of our favorites for you. (You can find the whole schedule over at PBOT's website.)
Bike to Work Breakfast
Tuesday, May 11th from 7:30-9:00 am. at Pioneer Courthouse Square
PBOT will be serving free bagels, fruit, donuts, coffee and tea in honor of National Bike Month and to say 'Thanks for riding'!
Learn all about it over at PBOT.
Ride of Silence
Wednesday, May 19th, 7:00 pm at either 305 NE Wygant, meet up at the Bike Farm, or at the NW corner of SW 5th & Hall Blvd, on the Beaverton library lawn.
Please come and help us honor those injured or killed while biking. General information on this event is available at rideofsilence.org.
Sunday Parkways
Sunday, May 16th, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, various locations.
Sunday Parkways is "a 2-way route of city streets open to walk, bike, roll, run, jump, and skip - without having to watch out for cars! The 5.8-mile Northeast Portland Sunday Parkways route will have two loops, connecting Woodlawn, Alberta, Fernhill, and Wilshire Parks. Food, music, and activities are located in the parks and along the route." More information on events, locations, and opportunities for volunteering at portlandonline.com.
Also, the TABB has volunteered to spread the Timbers love by riding the Sunday Parkways route and doing our thing! Come ride with us! I'll post meetup times and details in this space shortly.
It's going to be a long few weeks off until the next Timber's game. I'll try to keep everyone entertained in the meantime. Now forget about the weather - get out there and ride!
Bike to Work Breakfast
Tuesday, May 11th from 7:30-9:00 am. at Pioneer Courthouse Square
PBOT will be serving free bagels, fruit, donuts, coffee and tea in honor of National Bike Month and to say 'Thanks for riding'!
Learn all about it over at PBOT.
Ride of Silence
Wednesday, May 19th, 7:00 pm at either 305 NE Wygant, meet up at the Bike Farm, or at the NW corner of SW 5th & Hall Blvd, on the Beaverton library lawn.
Please come and help us honor those injured or killed while biking. General information on this event is available at rideofsilence.org.
Sunday Parkways
Sunday, May 16th, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, various locations.
Sunday Parkways is "a 2-way route of city streets open to walk, bike, roll, run, jump, and skip - without having to watch out for cars! The 5.8-mile Northeast Portland Sunday Parkways route will have two loops, connecting Woodlawn, Alberta, Fernhill, and Wilshire Parks. Food, music, and activities are located in the parks and along the route." More information on events, locations, and opportunities for volunteering at portlandonline.com.
Also, the TABB has volunteered to spread the Timbers love by riding the Sunday Parkways route and doing our thing! Come ride with us! I'll post meetup times and details in this space shortly.
It's going to be a long few weeks off until the next Timber's game. I'll try to keep everyone entertained in the meantime. Now forget about the weather - get out there and ride!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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