Timbers V Puerto Rico – the end of the USL era at PGE Park (original) (raw)
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View full sizeKip Kesgard, community blogger. Bright Dike continued his stellar play, frustrating the Puerto Rico defense all night. While he didn't score on this evening, he remains one of the Timbers key cogs in their forward attack
It seems like yesterday that I was heading down to Timbers Media Day to prepare for the 2010 Timbers season, knowing this year would be different than any in the previous 9 years I’d followed the Timbers. In many respects, the 2010 season represented the final chapter with the current club as the team moved to MLS in 2011. For myself, last night was a reminder of how far the Timbers have progressed in their history since the team’s rebirth in 2001, and the team and fans celebrated the many milestones in style.
Earlier in the day, the Timbers announced that Scot Thompson was named the 2010 Timbers Community Player and the team would be welcoming their one millionth fan to attend a match since 2001 sometime during the match. Considering that many USL teams are dealing with attendance issues, it’s great to see a team recognize the significance of this moment as crowds continue to grow in support of the Timbers. The team also had various prize raffles and offered up game worn kits from each player as part of the fan appreciation festivities, but the team wasn’t the only group in a giving mood this evening.
The Timbers Army put on a massive tifo display before the game, honoring the current Timbers club and recognizing the passing of the USL era at home. This would be the last home match at PGE Park, and for many of the players, park employees and fans, this would be the last time many of them would be together. The team will undoubtedly change the roster for next year, and numerous fans will be moving to new seats within the redesigned park, so last night was truly special for many reasons. Many of the Timbers Army members wore dress clothes to commemorate the occasion. For myself, I wanted to spend one final night in section 107 in its current form to take everything in one last time. After spending over five seasons within the mass of humanity, I realized that after this match, everything would be changing, so I wanted to be part of the masses. I’ve grown to appreciate the passion and energy of this exceptional group of people, as they showed an incredible love of their chosen team.
View full sizeKip Kesgard, community blogger. Ibad Muhamadu surveys the pitch looking for his fellow players. Muhamadu's signing combined with the emergence of Bright Dike has energized a Timbers offense that had been struggling to score goals.
The match itself had a rather sluggish start, as the first half was a clash of tempos. Puerto Rico tried to slow down the pace with deliberate time wasting and physical contact, but the Timbers didn't allow this tactic to frustrate them. However, they did have issues adjusting to this plan, and as such, the offense didn't threaten much in the first 45. The Timbers tried to open things up in the second half, bringing in Taka Suzuki and Doug DeMartin to open things up, and the chances improved greatly. While the aesthetics of the game might not have been pretty, I thought it was only a matter of time before the Timbers would finally score.
As the Timbers Army sang "You Are My Sunshine" in the 80th minute led by Timber Jim, many in the crowd held sunflowers as a unique display of affection for the team and finally the offense broke through. In the 84th minute, defender Ian Joy found DeMartin in space on the left, and he was able to put a crossing pass in the box. Midfielder Ryan Pore directed the ball past Islanders goalkeeper Bill Gaudette, and the crowd erupted in celebration as the home team took the lead.
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View full sizeKip Kesgard, community blogger. The Timbers celebrate their win versus Puerto Rico with the Timbers Army, as each player received a commemorative t-shirt, a banner with name and number, and a sunflower.
The Timbers withstood some late challenges from the Islanders, but in the end, the home team won to finish their time at the current PGE Park. As the Timbers Army sang and jumped in celebration, the team started their walk of honor. Each Timbers player was presented with tribute banners and t-shirts made by the Army to honor the game, and soon, the team jumped onto the North End dugout and danced in celebration of the win. As I watched this scene, it brought back many of the wonderful memories I've witnessed in 10 years of Timbers matches, and this event ranks close to one of my best recollections. It was great to see players and fans join in a commemoration of the significance of the team's past, the current history, and what the future might hold.
The Timbers now finish up their regular season with four straight road games, starting in Carolina on September 11 and completing their season in Vancouver, BC on October 2. They remain in fourth place overall in the post season table. The USSF Division 2 playoffs begin on October 7, and the Timbers will host any home matches at either Merlo Field or Hillsboro Stadium. We will share any details about home playoff dates and ticket information as soon as they are made public.
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