Yet another reason why I am proud to be a Timbers fan...

Here's a video shot by yours truly of the Timbers Army chanting the Tetris theme song during the exhibition match against Manchester City...awesome night!!
Okay, a bit long and exhausting, but this is just WOW!

2013 Current record: 4W-1L-6D (18pts) Full standings here--Download a chant sheet here!


9/14/12

Plant your flag, let the battle for Cascadia begin!



So here we are on the eve of the Cascadia match between the Timbers and the Sounders. All day long I've been buzzing...sometimes audibly. My wife may have me sleep elsewhere tonight, not sure. What's so amazing about all of this is the feeling of being plugged in or tuned in or on the same wavelength or whatever you want to call it with the other fellow fanatics out there. There is this growing anticipation stoked by lot's of mud slinging and rival banter that is sweeping all of us up and will eventually drop us scarf first in to the confines of Jeld-Wen for what will surely be another of the classic derby matches for the ages. This is a perfect moment as well to take stock and remember what we're all here for.

It's been a crazy season by anyone's account and recapping at length would not only be a lesson in futility but may drive a few to start drinking too early, and we don't want that. So what I've been wanting to say all day or all week or hell, all season is this: Forget the off season predictions and big name signings. Forget the crazy lineup shuffles and shortcomings. For the time being, disregard the hurt feelings and pointed tweets from all directions. Put aside for now the lamentations of players and coaches who have gone before us. The football gods will watch over them with great care. Forget the season record to date. Forget the post season that is out of our reach as the future does not exist. All that exists is this one moment Saturday afternoon, this one confluence of players, management and fanatics of all ranks. This is our hallowed ground, our home, our church. We are in this together! The sun will rise tomorrow on this magnificent town of ours and we will all start our journey to this battlefield. We all must bring everything we have! Take that bottled up frustration and turn it into goal scoring and net defending for our boys! Wave those flags of our clan proudly and with passion! Shout and sing with every ounce of breath you can muster! We are here to win back our cup! We are here to be the best team and supporters in the land and to honor the crest! I will be there and know this...I have your backs! I will stand with you until my legs give way...are you with me? Let's plant our flag and stand our ground!

Okay, so maybe I didn't need that 5th cup of coffee today, but this is how I have been feeling and why my veins run green and gold and I root like I do. I am blessed to have this experience and will never take it for granted...and I mean it when I say...'I've got your back'...

RCTID!!

8/28/12

Root First and Think Later

The sound whooshing through the tree tops and nearly knocking down a few loose trees in the Portland metro area Saturday night? That was actually a collective exhale by all the Portland Timbers supporters as the men in green put together one of their most energetic and complete games in quite some time and notched a 2-1 victory against Cascadia rival Vancouver. It's been a while since I've written about the Timbers as so much has been going on, from my first away match, Spencer's firing, player trades, an 8 game winless streak, a bubbling cauldron of intensity between the army and FO and...well...my need to play Skyrim. Mostly I was just trying to observe and to figure out what the hell was going on. The season was in free fall and there was alot of slinging on both sides. I've become more non-confrontational the older I get and after talking it through with some family and close friends, I was ready to bunker down and watch the story unfold. So now I finally feel that it's time to give my take on the past few months.

So I suppose it's an understatement to say tensions have been high on all facets of those who are connected to the Timbers. From fanatic to player (I would assume, as job security may not be so secure), to front office and ownership, tweets were flying and two sticks were waving. Names were called and motives were called out. We all learned that Merritt Paulson, our intrepid owner, probably could use a PR person, although I do like how he is directly communicating with us and should he start giving up the tweet, I would miss that. The firing of Spencer (too early IMHO) started the trip down this Tokyo drift roadway. Next came the out-of-nowhere-so-lets-pull-one-out-of-our-ass trade of Troy Perkins to Montreal for Donovan Ricketts. This was an emotional blow to so many as there was not a person I knew or talked to who didn't at least on occasion say "well, at least we have Perkins". In probably unrelated news, that same day Randy Travis was arrested driving drunk AND naked. The table was set and many in the Timbers Army became very vocal about their disdain (put mildly) for GM Gavin Wilkinson. Now if someone had asked me back when the Timbers were moving up to the MLS that we could have either Perkins or Ricketts, I would have said without hesitation, "Rickets, duh", but that's not who we got. Troy had become the leader in most eyes and his devotion to this town was more than evident and his work rate was beyond admirable. I have nothing against Donovan and I will be as vocal a supporter of him as I was for Troy. Saying he is an upgrade is moot and unnecessary, but that's been stated plenty, so now I choose to move on as I'm more concerned with who wants to date my daughter than what Gavin says.

So here I sit. I'm a bit more optomistic. We've come off a great Saturday win against Vancouver and I agree that the past few games leading up to that win showed some improvement and a game plan. Youth and energy seem to rule the pitch (which will be wider by 4 yards next season) with some aggressive play by Nagbe, Songo'o, Zizzo and Dike. The back line shows some confidence but still needs to stay focused every second until the whistle is blown. Stoppage time is still game time. It also appears there will be an announcement of a new head coach, which all indicators point to Caleb Porter who is the current coach of Akron where our own Darlington Nagbe went. AAAAND, to top it all off...season ticket prices will NOT increase for 2013!

Will the vocal dissent of the Timbers Army be drown out by the past few days of goodness coming forth? Doubtful. I applaud all who vocalize their opinion. We are a large contingent and all points of view are welcome and should be encouraged. That includes the FO and management in my opinion. Maybe this is another growth spurt as being in the big league can be a learning experience. I will say this...We all have the love of this team coursing through our veins. The players want to win to honor the crest. The FO wants to win to bring credibility to the organization and honor the crest. Us fanatics want to win to bring honor to our beloved town and hallowed crest. I believe we all want to celebrate what we have here, and when your veins run green and gold, you have no choice but to root first and think later. Rose City Till I Die never leaves you...ever. Just ask Ian Joy

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to talk about my first away trip ever. What I will say is that everyone needs to do this at least once. It really gives you a great perspective on what we have here, which is nothing short of brilliant and truly unique. We spent the weekend staying with our great friends David and Brittany Blanchard who are RSL fans. Imbibed nearly three gallons (four of us, not just me) of his 9% IPA our first night there. Went to the game together the next day and saw Spencer's last stand and was verbally confronted by some RSL fans. Had a great interaction at the end that balanced out the negative ones. Overall I was impressed with the stadium and the burgeoning supporters group. A sign of the future of MLS supporters. This whole experience was made amazing by the fact that I got to share it with my wife, kids, best friends and fellow traveling army friends. Go to an away game and you will not regret it.

Onward and upward....RCTID!



6/3/12

Optimism and The-match-that-shall-not-be-named

Well, I know it seems like everyone and their doppelganger have written, Facebooked, Tweeted, blogged, flared and probably even semaphored their feelings and thoughts and frustrations with and about the Timbers players, coaches and management since the match-that-shall-not-be-named took place last Wednesday. With a club like the Timbers and it's passionate fan base it's to be expected. We are not simply a sit back and drink the kool-aid kind of people. We are comprised of well versed world footballers and the recently addicted. We are people aware of obscure players from Kashmir as well as those who can't name half the players on our own squad. We all have an unexplainable love for our team that is not unlike what we feel for those closest to us. So it should come as no surprise to the volume and depth of analysis and finger pointing that has taken place. After absorbing as much as I could I'd like to offer you my take on not only the-match-that-shall-not-be-named but the state of the club as I see it....and I know you've all been waiting with baited breath...or maybe that's my breath and I should go brush and floss... First off, the afore mentioned game. Competitions such as the US Open Cup and the more publicized English FA Cup are one of the many things I love about soccer. It's a chance for clubs at all levels to compete and show off what they've got to offer. Most of the time it is predictable on a league level sense. Lower tier teams battle it out in the first few rounds and then when it comes time for the top tier clubs to enter, it's odds on favorites that usually prevail. It's not unusual, as in the case of the FA Cup, to see Championship league teams defeat Premier league teams but anything more shocking than that isn't the norm. One of the allure's though, is any given day, there can be an upset. 2003 saw such an event when Shrewsbury Town defeated Premier league Everton 2-1 aggregate. There were 80 places separating these two teams. The US Open cup has had its moments too and unfortunately, our boys in green have been on the bad side twice. This year alone saw eight MLS teams go down to lower division competition. I mention this not to placate anyone upset over our defeat but merely to point out we are not alone. So while I love the beauty of some unknown team making a statement, it sucks to be on the compost end of that stick.

Now I will admit that I tend toward optimism. The glass isn't necessarily half empty. Rather it's half full of hopefully a good IPA or perhaps a cask conditioned Porter. You're not emptying the beverage so much as taking it in and enjoying the subtle nuances and occasionally crinkling your nose up at an unexpected bitter hijacking of your taste buds. The pub atmosphere also plays in to the review as you sit with your friends, family and strangers yet to be friends. It all goes together to create a beautiful picture much bigger than its individual parts. I feel that while it is healthy for us fans to criticize our team and to vent frustration at what has been a disappointing first third of the season in regards to results, it's important to also remember that we the fanatic supporters, the players, coaches, management and ownership are all looking hungrily at the same goal and wishing our balls were iron and the opponents net was a magnet. We all want silverware and bragging rights. We want to root hard and play hard. We want to burn, destroy, wreck and kill. We want to build a bonfire...and anyone who doesn't, needs to pack it in and leave knowing that this is a special place that has had plenty of great moments and it is a mutual privilege to share those moments. I have decades of those moments and now my kids have plenty of those moments as well. Someday, their kids will have their own memories too (note-I am not ready to be a grandpa yet...just sayin...).

Up until that unmentionable match, we had some positive momentum. Our sagging defense had hardened and has started to look more cohesive. My main man Mosquera is showing passion, leadership and a never-give-up attitude as if he's been here for years. Troy Perkins...he's the real deal. A stronger back line yields other positives besides clean sheets. Perkins now is rolling and throwing the ball out on restarts more. This is a trend I hope to see continue. I'm also seeing more connected passing and more heads up vision. Still having trouble getting the ball to Boyd, but I have to believe that will come...hopefully soon. The lineup fielded against Vancouver was solid and energetic and imaginative. While I can't see into the heads of the players, I do feel that there is a lot of heart out there on the pitch. I haven't questioned the passion of them, just the execution...that final decision...that crisp pass...that well timed run. While we may not have a Scot Thompson or an Ian Joy or a Taka Suzuki, all modern era heroes, we do now have a Troy Perkins and a Hanyer Mosquera and an Eric Alexander to name just three. Someone like Scot is impossible to replace, but we had him, and before him we had other heroes.

As I stated earlier via Twitter, I am blessed to have a team I care passionately about and that I have the means to root for them. I am able to stand for three hours and still have a bit of voice at the end. I have a wife who supports my passion and a job that affords me that passion. I have an amazingly diverse group of friends that have sprung up and grown because of this team. The game last week may be that bitter ingredient, but I refuse to let it define our team and our season. We have a special club here with supporters that I would pit against the most ardent of the world any day. Our opinions are varied and diverse. At times we disagree but on one thing we will always agree. We are 'Rose City Till I die!' Sometimes there is just no real way to explain a loss, just like there is no real way to explain one's love of their team. It just is...



3/18/12

Two Weeks In...

Remember all the excitement leading up to the opening game of the 2012 MLS season? Remember the twisty fun feeling in your gut as Monday March 12th was days away? Remember the night before when you wrapped yourself in your army scarf and fell asleep with dreams of Kris Boyd goals, smoke bombs and the collective energy of more than 20,000 'close' friends? Remember?

2/13/12

Second Date

So, think back to a first date you once had...not the disastrous ones, although those have their place in our collective histories. No, I'm talking about the one that had you trying on different outfits hours before the date started to make sure you looked current but not hipster, interested but not stalker, hopeful but not sex-starved. Then you hop in your car to go meet your date at the restaurant. You have the advantage of knowing this person for quite some time, but now things are different. There's a spark, a new feeling...a special feeling.

A few hours into the date everything is going fantastic, better than you could have imagined. You've gotten past the first nerves and you're looking pretty good...she looks hot! The food is amazing and conversation flows effortlessly. You share stories of your past and you mutually respect what each other has gone through to get where you are, but realize there is more that you want out of life. The spark grows a bit and the date continues on.

Deciding to go for some dessert, you head out to your '79 VW Bus only to find that (surprise!) it won't start. You sit there turning the key repeatedly hoping the engine will turn over but all you get is a limp 'rrr...rrrrr...rrr' followed by deafening silence and a dim light on the dashboard. A bit embarrassed but not discouraged, you bust out your toolbox, roll up your sleeves, grab your 13mm wrench and flashlight and pop open the back hatch. You've been here before and know that you can get her started again. Maybe the battery cable came loose or perhaps the spark plug wires need to be checked. Sometimes a good rap on the solenoid with a screwdriver and hammer is all it takes. This time however, what's needed is a good old fashioned push start. If you were parked on a hill you could do this on your own, but alas, you're on flat ground and need a hand. Your date hops out of the passenger seat and without a word knows it'll take both of you to get this started. You both give her a push and at the right point you hop in, put her in gear and pop that clutch and low-and-behold the lovely 'chugga chugga' sound echoes through the night air and all is back on...

Dessert was amazing. Creme Brulee never tasted so good, and the coffee was like liquid sunshine. This was turning out to be one of the best first dates ever. So what would happen at the end of it. A hug, a kiss, a handshake and 'see ya later'? Dropping her off at her car, the tension was palpable. Saying good night, she leans over and gives you a very tender kiss that lasted well past her lips leaving yours.

"Call me?" she asks.

"Without a doubt!" you reply with the utmost sincerity

So here it is about a month from the second date. There's a few exhibition matches under our belt, some aggressive signing's (Kris Boyd, Hanyer Mosquera, Jose Adolfo Valencia), great draft picks (Andrew Jean-Baptiste) a big trade (Kenny Cooper to NYRB) and a few big injuries (Valencia's knee surgery, Eddie Johnson's concussion and Horstache's hip surgery). If I thought last years pre-season was exciting, this year's has been a roller coaster. I've found myself glued to my twitter on many occasions for the latest word from the intrepid Merritt Paulson. I've gleaned info on our signing's and briefed my kids and wife on my findings like I was some big time sports reporter. I even went down to Jeld-Wen on the first day of training and tried to giraffe my neck over the fence to catch a glimpse of the boys. While I may not be bursting at the seams during this lead-in, I am optimistic and supremely hopeful for what we have in place. I was a bit sad to see Kenny Cooper the person leave (talked to him once and liked the guy), but I am excited to see Spencer freed up to hopefully play around with lineups a bit more. We've got so much talent at our disposal that I can't help but feel that the just-about-ripe talent on our roster from last season will be ready for the pickin' this year and everyone will be better conditioned to go the full 90'+ which in my book was one of the big hurdles we needed to overcome.

Another advantage this year should be in the form of familiarity. Familiarity with the rest of the league and more importantly, with teammates. Conditioning played a big part in many late game let downs but the fact that most of our boys had never played together let alone knew each other before the season should not be taken lightly. I've said it before, what can make a good team great is intuition and knowing where your teammates are going to be. My Timbers Army family may give me shit for this, but look at RSL as a great example of a team who knows who and where they are. Yes they have lots of talent, but what sets them apart is no one tries to stand above the rest. They play as a team. So back to the boys in green...what really has my VW bus humming a sweet tune is just that. They know each other all the better this year. Perkins will have some connection to his back line, mid fielders should know where to expect the wings to be and forwards should know what to expect from Chara's accurate passing. I can see everyone playing with that special something that can't be bought or traded for or allocated... familiarity! So what happens when someone new shows up (Boyd, Mosquera)? With the majority already knowing each other, I feel that a few new faces will have an easier time jellin' because roles are known, leadership is in place and that breeds confidence which makes for a successful work place...games won! Last year I set my expectations realistically and I was rewarded with more than I hoped for...except no cheap beer nights. This year I think I'm not in the minority when it comes to a higher expectation. I expect no late game pooterin' out. I expect road wins. I expect goal scoring and a solid back line that will produce clean sheets. Playoff's? I'd never risk a jinx so I'm not going there. I expect to have a great time with my wife, kids, friends and friends yet to be. I expect to finally go to my first away game with my whole family. I'd like to expect cheap beer night so I'm just gonna float that one out there in case Merritt Paulson happens to read this...

The clock's tickin' and the second date is about to begin. Will the spark still be there? Will she still think I'm cute and funny? Will I get to second base? I expect yes. Happy second date my friends, it's gonna be alot of fun!



So, if you're interested in finding out about the Timbers and the Timbers Army, then Check out Talktimbers message board to hear feedback and a Timbers Army point of view on all things Timbers, plus alot of other fun stuff, and don't forget to visit the Portland Timbers official website. To see the 2008 season results, click here.
2009 season results, click here
2010 season results, click here
2011 season results, click here
2012 season results, click here

2013 Season!
PRESEASON MATCH EXHIBITION MATCH
US OPEN CUP LEAGUE MATCH
DATE
TIME
OPPONENT
RESULT
1/29
10am
Colorado (in tucson)
W 3:1
2/1
5pm
Sporting KC (in tucson)
L 0:1
2/5
9:30am
Seattle (in tucson)
W 1:0
2/8
10am
FC Tucson (in tucson)
W 3:0
2/17
5pm
San Jose
D 3:3
2/20
7:30pm
FC Dallas
L 0:1
2/23
5pm
AIK
D 1:1
3/3
4:30pm
New York
D 3:3
3/9
7:30pm
Montreal
L 1:2
3/16
5pm
@Seattle
D 1:1
3/30
3pm
@Colorado
D 2:2
4/6
7:30pm
Houston
W 2:0
4/14
7:30pm
San Jose
W 1:0
4/21
8pm
@San Jose
D 1:1
4/27
5:30pm
@Sporting KC
W 3:2
5/2
7:30pm
New England
D 0:0
5/8
6pm
@FC Dallas
D 1:1
5/12
3pm
Chivas USA
W 3:0
5/18
4pm
@Vancouver
5/25
4pm
@DC United
5/29
7:30pm
TBA
6/8
5:30pm
@Chicago
6/15
2pm
FC Dallas
6/19
7:30pm
@LA
6/23
4pm
Colorado
7/3
8pm
Morelia
7/7
2pm
@Colunbus
7/13
8pm
LA
7/20
4:30pm
@Philadelphia
7/24
8pm
Norwich City FC
7/27
7:30pm
@San Jose
8/3
8pm
Vancouver
8/17
8pm
FC Dallas
8/21
8pm
Real Salt Lake
8/25
7pm
@Seattle
8/30
7pm
@Real Salt Lake
9/7
8pm
Toronto FC
9/14
7:30pm
@Chivas
9/20
7pm
Colorado
9/29
12:30pm
@LA
10/6
5pm
@Vancouver
10/13
6pm
Seattle
10/19
7:30pm
Real Salt Lake
10/26
7:30pm
@Chivas USA