The Timber Mill - "We Saw It All" (original) (raw)

OCTOBER 10, 2010
One goal win is not enough, the Second Division era ends
Strategy of foul, fall, and stall is just enough for Vancouver
The third version of the Portland Timbers ended their ten-year run in the second division tonight with what will go down as a dominating 1-0 win, but they could not overcome a two-goal deficit after they lost 2-0 on Thursday night after giving up a goal less than one minute into the match and a penalty kick 12 minutes later.

After a first half that saw few chances, with the Timbers getting the better of play, the Timbers took the lead in the 49th minute on a headed goal by James Marcelin off an Ian Joy cross. The visitors played a very physical style of play, committed many fouls, and were time wasting on almost every stoppage in the second half (and received three yellow cards for delay of game), but the Timbers were able to keep the Whitecaps on their heels for the rest of the night and outshot the visitors 15-5. But the Timbers never found the second goal that they needed, and the 1-0 win was one goal of what they needed to force overtime, and the second division era of the Timbers ends.

Postgame:
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 32 photos
10/10/10: Timbers fall in playoffs, end season on winning note (Timbers website)
10/10/10: Timbers win game 1-0, but lose series to Whitecaps (OregonLive)
10/11/10: Timbers win home finale for 2010, but can't overcome deficit from playoff game one (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
10/11/10: Quarterfinal Second Leg � Timbers 1 � Vancouver 0 (The Offside)
10/10/10:Timbers come up short (Portland Tribune)
10/11/10: Timbers Beat Whitecaps 1-0, But Season Still Ends (Dropping Timber)
10/11/10: Timbers eliminated in first round of playoffs (PSU Vanguard)
10/10/10: Timbers season 'Capped (The Columbian)
10/11/10: Timbers Wake up Too Late to Smell the Koffie (Prost Amerika)
10/10/10: Whitecaps FC reach USSF D-2 semis (Whitecaps website)
10/10/10: Whitecaps fell Timbers and move on to semifinals (The Province)
10/10/10: Caps lose Game 2 against Timbers, but earn aggregate win and pass to Round 2 (Vancouver Sun)

Pregame:
10/09/10: Timbers return home Sunday for decisive playoff game (Timbers website)
10/09/10: Insider: Playoff series, season is on the line Sunday (Timbers website)
10/08/10: Go A-to-Z with midfielder James Marcelin (Timbers website)
10/09/10: Timbers try to stay alive in playoffs (OregonLive)
10/10/10: Timbers in need of goals or it�s go-home (The Columbian)
10/09/10: Game Preview: Who�s Gonna Run this Town Tonight? (Dropping Timber)
10/07/10: The Joy of Soccer: Part 4 of 4 (Dropping Timber)
10/06/10: The Joy of Soccer: Part 3 of 4 (Dropping Timber)
10/10/10: Match Preview: Timbers vs. Vancouver, Oct. 10 (Timbers Insider)
10/09/10: Match Day 10/10/2010: Portland Timbers vs Vancouver Whitecaps (Dave Knows Portland)
10/09/10: Quarterfinal Second Leg � Vancouver Whitecaps v. Portland Timbers (The Offside [Portland])
10/10/10: Cascadia Marches On Its Own Grand Slam (Prost Amerika Soccer)
10/09/10: Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Portland Timbers - October 10, 2010, 6:00 PM (PDT) (Whitecaps website)
10/10/10: Let momentum run resilient (The Province)
10/10/10: Caps welcome venue change (The Province)
10/10/10: I�ll chop you down, like an old dead tree: Portland Game 2 (The Offside [Vancouver])
10/09/10: Win, lose or draw, Caps in control (Vancouver Sun)

OCTOBER 7, 2010
Timbers down 2-0 at the "half"
Timbers need to make up two goal deficit to Whitecaps Sunday at Merlo Field
It was a bad start for the Timbers Thursday in Burnaby, British Columbia, when off a first minute Vancouver corner kick, their very first shot hit off the crossbar and rebounded just over the line for a very early lead. Then only 12 minutes later, the center referee called a foul on Portland's Kalif Alhasssan in the Whitecaps box, so the Whitecaps had a chance to double the lead from the spot, and Martin Nash's penalty kick was partially stopped by Steve Cronin, but still had enough to get into the net, and the Whitecaps had a 2-0 lead.

The rest of the match was wide open and quite wild at times, with the Whitecaps hitting the post in the first half, and the Timbers being denied a late goal that appeared to go off Whitecaps goalkeeper Jay Nolly's face, but the early 2-0 lead held for the Whitecaps, and the Timbers need to make up those two goals Sunday when the two teams meet again at the University of Portland's Merlo Field.

In 2007 and 2009 when the Timbers and Whitecaps met in the playoffs, the Timbers scored three goals in each second leg match at home, defeating the Whitecaps 3-0 in 2007 to take the series, but drawing 3-3 last year when the Whitecaps advanced after a 2-1 win in Burnaby.

Postgame:
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 30 photos
10/07/10: Timbers defeated 2-0 by Whitecaps in playoff opener (Timbers website)
10/07/10: Timbers embarrass themselves in loss to Vancouver (OregonLive)
10/07/10: Early Whitecaps goals trip Timbers in playoff opener (OregonLive)
10/07/10: Timbers v Caps game 1 - Timbers hit by perfect storm in Burnaby (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
10/07/10: Quarterfinal First Leg � Vancouver 2 � Timbers 0 (The Offside)
10/07/10: Vancouver takes playoff opener 2-0 (Portland Tribune)
10/07/10: Timbers Fall 2-0 To Vancouver in Game One (Dropping Timber)
10/07/10: Vancouver Take Firm Grasp on Tie (Prost Amerika)
10/07/10: 'Caps take two-goal lead to Portland (Whitecaps website)
10/07/10: Cool Caps chop Timbers (The Province)
10/07/10: Caps' shock-and-awe nets wild win (Vancouver Sun)

Pregame:
10/05/10: Timbers open postseason play against Whitecaps (Timbers website)
10/05/10: FSN to televise Thursday's Timbers playoff game (Timbers website)
10/05/10: Timber Bits � 2010 Playoffs (Dropping Timber)
10/05/10: United States Soccer Federation Division 2 Playoff Preview And Picks (SB Nation)
10/05/10: Mamadou "Futty" Danso likely to miss Vancouver playoff series (OregonLive)
10/05/10: Tuesday Timbers Tidbits (10/05/2010) (Dave Knows Portland)
10/05/10: Quarterfinal First Leg � Vancouver Whitecaps v. Portland Timbers (The Offside [Portland])
10/03/10: The Joy of Soccer: Part 2 of 4 (Dropping Timber)
10/02/10: The Joy of Soccer: Part 1 of 4 (Dropping Timber)
10/05/10: Whitecaps and Timbers set to continue rivalry (CBCSports.ca)
10/05/10: Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps FC - October 7, 2010, 7:30 PM (PDT) (Whitecaps website)

OCTOBER 4, 2010
Ryan Pore wins league scoring title!
Timbers midfielder leads league in goals and points
With Austin forward Edward Johnson failing to score Sunday in Montreal, Ryan Pore has won the league goal scoring and points total. Ryan finished the season with 15 goals and 5 assists, giving him the league goal scoring title (the first Timber to lead the league since Alan Gordon with 17 in 2004), and also the points title with 35 points. Mandjou Keita led the league in points last year with 29. Congratulations to Ryan!

10/05/10: Ryan Pore the Man with the Golden Boot (Dropping Timber)
10/05/10: Ryan Pore Wins Golden Boot (Timbers Insider) OCTOBER 2, 2010
Let's play two (more)
Timbers end season on 10 game unbeaten streak with 2-2 draw in Vancouver
The Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps played their last regular season match as division two sides today in Vancouver, and after falling behind in the first half, the Timbers took a 2-1 lead early in the second half on goals by Kalif Alhassan and Bright Dike. But they could not protect the lead and had to settle for a 2-2 draw, which means the Timbers finish with the fourth seed and the third best record in the league, with the Whitecaps finishing in fifth place which means a rematch between the two teams next week in the first round of the USSF Division Two playoffs.

The first match in Vancouver will be Thursday at 7:30pm with the second match at the University of Portland's Merlo Field Sunday at 6pm.

Postgame:
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 36 photos
More photos from Vancouver
10/04/10: Timbers Weekend - Timbers finish regular season in Vancouver as playoff preview (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
10/04/10: Game 30: Vancouver 2 � Timbers 2 (The Offside [Portland])
10/04/10: Match notes: Some nice surprises against Portland (The Offside [Vancouver])
10/04/10: Three Games in Six Days as Cascadia Goes for More Trophies (Prost Amerika Soccer)
10/02/10: Timbers, Whitecaps end regular season with 2-2 draw (Timbers website)
10/02/10: A Final Playoff Warmup, Portland And Vancouver Battle to a 2-2 Draw (Dropping Timber)
10/02/10: Timbers end regular season in a draw (OregonLive)
10/02/10: After 2-2 tie at Vancouver, teams will meet in playoffs (Portland Tribune)
10/02/10: Swansong for Timbers in Play-offs (Prost Amerika Soccer)
10/02/10: Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Whitecaps website)
10/02/10: Vancouver Whitecaps to square off with Portland Timbers in playoffs (The Province)
10/02/10: Whitecaps tie Timbers 2-2 in final game at Swangard (TSN)

Pregame:
10/02/10: Timbers, Whitecaps square off today in Vancouver (Timbers website)
10/02/10: Match Day Fix (Dropping Timber)
10/02/10: Match Preview: Timbers @ Vancouver, 10/2 (Timbers Insider)
10/01/10: Insider: At the finish line with Ryan Pore (Timbers website)
10/01/10: Timbers visit Whitecaps in regular-season finale (Timbers website)
10/01/10: Go A-to-Z with defender Steve Purdy (Timbers website)
10/01/10: Game Preview: The Last Match (Dropping Timber)
10/01/10: Timbers weekend - rivalry road trip this weekend, but is there change in the air? (OregonLive Timbers Blog)10/01/10: Portland Timbers Roundup (10/01/2010) (Dave Knows Portland)
09/30/10: Q&A: Thompson talks Portland-Vancouver rivalry (Timbers website)
09/30/10: Game 30: Vancouver Whitecaps v. Portland Timbers (The Offside [Portland])
09/30/10: Portland Timbers want to win final game without revealing too much (OregonLive)
09/30/10: Timbers Set For Regular Season Finale, Playoffs (KPTV)
09/30/10: Timbers' first-round home playoff game Oct. 10 (OregonLive)
09/29/10: The Clean Sheet: The most important part of the season (Timbers website)
09/29/10: Playoff home match set for Oct. 10 at Merlo Field (Portland Tribune)
10/02/10: Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps FC - October 2, 2010, 4:00 PM (PDT) (Whitecaps website)
10/02/10: Caps need solid goal-netting session (Vancouver Sun)
10/01/10: Whitecaps Need Three Goal Win To Secure NASL Conference Title (Vancouver Southsiders Football Blog)
10/01/10: Match preview: Vancouver hosts Portland in the final game of the season (The Offside [Vancouver]) SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
Raiding the Palace
Timbers clinch at least 4th place with 3-1 win in Maryland
The Timbers got a bit of payback against a Crystal Palace Baltimore team that has quickly become a bitter rival this year as Bright Dike scored twice and George Josten got his first goal of the year in a 3-1 win in Baltimore. The Timbers also broke their all-time record for shutout minutes as they reached 497 minutes before a questionable penalty was awarded in the 73rd minute on a foul that appeared to be a few yards outside the box, with Gary Brooks converting. With the win, the Timbers still have a slim chance of winning the Commissioner's Cup, but did clinch at least 4th place.

In their final year in the second division, the Timbers had quickly developed a rivalry with Crystal Palace Baltimore, who are spending their first (and likely last) season at the second division level. The Timbers dropped two contests to Palace early in the season that left a bad taste in the mouth of Timbers fans, the first for showboating and time wasting by the Palace players in a Palace win in Portland, and the second match in Baltimore for Palace defender Andrew Marshall breaking Timbers forward Mandjou Keita's nose but being allowed to stay on the pitch, and then scoring the tying goal later on while Keita was being loaded into an ambulance.

The Timbers won the last match 3-0 in Portland and Palace have struggled lately as they have started unloading players to try to balance the books. The fire sale has had an affect on the pitch as they have dropped seven straight, and have been outscored 23-3 in the process, including a string of 18 straight goals allowed at one point.

Postgame:
09/25/10: Timbers defeat Baltimore 3-1 behind Dike's brace (Timbers website)
09/25/10: 9 Thoughts: Timbers 3-1 Baltimore (Timbers Insider)
09/27/10: Timbers Weekend � Timbers earn huge win in Baltimore, face old rivals to finish USSF D2 regular season? (OregonLive Timbers Blog)

Pregame:
09/23/10: Timbers face Crystal Palace Baltimore on the road (Timbers website)
09/23/10: Go A-to-Z with Bright Dike (Timbers website)
09/23/10: Join Timber Joey at Walk Now for Autism Speaks Sat. (Timbers website)
09/22/10: Timbers 2010 playoff tickets go on sale Friday (Timbers website)
09/23/10: Game 29: Crystal Palace Baltimore v. Portland Timbers (The Offside)
09/23/10: Portland, Vancouver, Seattle in 3-way Pacific Northwest MLS rivalry (Canadian Press)
09/24/10: Last Home Game Pits Palace Baltimore Against Timbers (Boxscore news)

SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
Time to Vote!
Voting now underway for sixth Supporters Player of the Year award
It's time for Timbers fans to select their Player of the Year as voting has begun for this annual award for the MVP in the view of the fans, which has been awarded for the past five years. To vote, go to the link below. The award will be presented before the first home playoff match.

Also, go to Dropping Timber to vote on various season awards for Timbers players in the DT Awards.

2010 Supporters Player of the Year Award (Timbers website)
2010 � DT Awards � Fan Voting (Dropping Timber) SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
Official groundbreaking at PGE Park
Even though work started on the renovations to PGE Park several weeks ago, MLS Commissioner Don Garber was in town this week, and the Timbers held the official groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday at PGE Park.

SoccerCityUSA.com photos
09/24/10: Sounds of Fall: Construction Update for Sept. 24 (Timbers MLS website)
09/22/10: A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber (Timbers MLS website)
09/21/10: Stop and Smell The Roses: Timbers Mark The Official Groundbreaking (Timbers MLS website)
09/21/10: Timbers break ground on MLS stadium (Timbers MLS website)
09/21/10: Construction Continues, MLS Commish Garber To Visit For Official Groundbreaking (Timbers MLS website)
09/22/10: Timbers 2010 playoff tickets go on sale Friday (Timbers website)
09/22/10: MLS Commissioner Don Garber likes the vibe in Portland (OregonLive)
09/22/10: Photos: Portland Timbers MLS stadium groundbreaking ceremony (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
09/22/10: Portland Timbers stage ceremonial groundbreaking at PGE Park (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
09/22/10: Having lunch with MLS Commissioner Don Garber (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
09/21/10: Game Groundbreaking on MLS Stadium (Dropping Timber)
09/21/10: MLS commish optimistic for Timbers success (The Columbian)
09/21/10: A groundbreaking experience at PGE Park (Portland Tribune)
09/21/10: MLS boss Don Garber: 'We'll overcome anything' (Portland Tribune) SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
It's Kalif for the win!
Timbers steal a late win in Puerto Rico on Kalif Alhassan goal in stoppage time
The Timbers continued their month-long road trip to end the season as they were in Bayamon, Puerto Rico tonight to take on the Islanders. In a match that was played on a horrible, water-logged pitch, each team had their chances, but it looked like it was headed for a 0-0 draw when midfielder Kalif Alhassan, in his first start for the Timbers, hit a sublime chip over Puerto Rico goalkeeper Bill Gaudette in stoppage time to steal a late 1-0 win.

With the shutout, the Timbers have their first-ever four game game shutout streak on the road, and have now not allowed a road goal in their last 428 minutes, also a team record. The Timbers are also undefeated in their last seven league matches, and now have four straight shutouts overall.

Postgame:
09/18/10: Late Alhassan goal lifts Timbers over Puerto Rico (Timbers website)
09/18/10: Portland 1, Puerto Rico 0: Alhassan's first goal is a winner (OregonLive)
09/18/10: Teen's tally gives Timbers 1-0 victory at Puerto Ricoh (Portland Tribune)
09/18/10: A Fantastic Win For The Timbers (Dropping Timber)
09/18/10: Timbers Leapfrog Caps in Cascadia Supremacy Battle (Prost Amerika Soccer)
09/18/10: Player Grades: Timbers @ Puerto Rico, 9/18 (Timbers Insider)

Pregame:
09/16/10: Timbers face Islanders in Puerto Rico Saturday (Timbers website)
09/15/10: Steve Cronin provides last line of Timbers' defense (OregonLive)
09/17/10: Game Preview: Timbers Travel to Puerto Rico (Dropping Timber)
09/18/10: Match Preview: Timbers @ Puerto Rico, Sep 18th (The Strong Blog)
09/16/10: Game 28: Puerto Rico Islanders v. Portland Timbers (The Offside)
09/17/10: Portland Timbers Roundup (09/17/2010) (Dave Knows)
09/17/10: Timbers Defense Has Opponents Shooting Blanks (The Offside [Islanders])

SEPTEMBER 11, 2010
Timbers fight to 0-0 draw in Carolina
After last week's memorable last home match at PGE Park for this incarnation of the Portland Timbers, today began a four game road trip to end the 2010 season. The Timbers were in Carolina to take on the Railhawks, who stole a point in a draw in stoppage time at PGE Park on June 6 after the Timbers domainted much of play, outshooting them 16-7. USSF Division Two leading scorer Ryan Pore would miss the match because of a death in the family, but is expected to return next week when the Timbers are in Puerto Rico.

In a typical physical match against the Railhawks, the home team had the majority of chances in the first half, with Steve Cronin pushing a shot by Josh Gardner past the post in the second minute, which was probably their best chance of the night.

The Timbers would control more of the play in the second half, with Keith Savage's header in the 51st minute being pushed onto the bar by goalkeeper Nic Platter, and Stephen Keel's header forcing a good save minutes later. Matt Watson had a good chance in second half stoppage time, but his shot across the goalmouth was wide left, and the teams would have to settle for a single point each.

The Timbers have already clinched a playoff spot, sitting third in the USL Conference, and the fourth seed if the playoffs started today. The Timbers are likely to face the currently fifth place Railhawks in the playoffs.

Postgame:
09/11/10: Timbers extend unbeaten streak in draw with Carolina (Timbers website)
09/11/10: Timbers extend unbeaten streak in 0-0 draw with Carolina (OregonLive)
09/11/10: Portland, Carolina tie 0-0 (Portland Tribune)
09/11/10: A Rugged Draw in Carolina (Dropping Timber)
09/11/10: Game 27: Carolina 0 � Timbers 0 (The Offside)
09/11/10: Carolina Ties Portland, 0-0 (Railhawks website)

Pregame:
09/11/10: Timbers battle it out with Carolina tonight (Timbers website)
09/10/10: Portland Timbers start long road trip with eye on playoffs (OregonLive)
09/10/10: Timbers Updates � Postseason ticket is punched before team heads out on the road (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
09/10/10: Game Preview: Final Four on the Road (Dropping Timber)
09/10/10: Match Preview: Timbers @ Carolina, Sep 11th (The Strong Blog)
09/09/10: Game 27: Carolina RailHawks v. Portland Timbers (The Offside)
09/10/10: RailHawks Host MLS Bound Portland Timbers Saturday Night (Railhawks website)

SEPTEMBER 2, 2010
Timbers close out this era at PGE Park with 1-0 victory over Puerto Rico
Tonight was the end of many eras as the Timbers host Puerto Rico at PGE Park. In addition to being the last time Timbers fans saw at PGE Park as a multi-use facility before it's upgraded for Major League Soccer, it was also the last regular season home game for the USL/USSF2 Timbers, who play their last home game after 10 seasons at the second division level.

The Timbers would face a defensive and physical Puerto Rico team, and would have most of the good scoring chances all night, but they wouldn't pay off until the 83rd minute when Ryan Pore headed in a cross from Doug DeMartin for a 1-0 victory, in front of the fifth sellout crowd of the season.

This year's playoff games will likely be held at the University of Portland's Merlo Field (first round) and Hillsboro Stadium (following rounds) as construction on PGE Park to convert it for MLS starts next week.

Postgame:
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 40 photos
More photos of the celebrations
09/02/10: Timbers down Puerto Rico on late goal by Pore (Timbers website)
09/02/10: >Portland Timbers top Puerto Rico 1-0, leave PGE Park with a bang (OregonLive)
09/02/10: Postgame Fix - Sunflower Goal (Dropping Timber)

Pregame:
08/31/10: (Timbers website) 09/01/10: Portland Timbers look to maintain momentum against Puerto Rico (OregonLive)
09/01/10: Game Preview: The Last Home Game (Dropping Timber)

09/01/10: Game 26: Portland Timbers v. Puerto Rico Islanders (The Offside)

SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Mandjou Keita gone, signs with Indian First Division Pune FC
The writing was on the wall for weeks, but it became official that Mandjou Keita's time with the Timbers has come to an end, as he has been signed by Pune FC in India.

The striker lead the USL First Division in scoring in 2009, but after playing in India in the offseason, and arriving after the season had started in Portland, he never earned a regular starting spot, and had trouble scoring when he did. He had one league goal in 10 games and 688 minutes of play this season.

09/01/10: I-League: Pune FC Sign Former Salgaocar Striker Mandjou Keita (Goal.com India)
09/01/10: Mandjou Keita Signs Overseas (Dropping Timber)

AUGUST 29, 2010
Domination
Timbers outclass Crystal Palace Baltimore for 3-0 win
The Timbers finally shook the disappointing results to Crystal Palace Baltimore earlier this season as they would completely dominate Baltimore for 90 minutes tonight in a comfortable 3-0 win in front of another sold-out crowd at PGE Park.

Ryan Pore opened the score 15 minutes in, then Bright Dike added a goal to either side of halftime for his first multi-goal league match, and Steve Cronin had little effort in recording the shutout.

The Timbers are now unbeaten in five matches as they have their final match at PGE Park next Thursday when Puerto Rico comes to town.

Postgame:
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 40 photos
08/29/10: Timbers shut out Crystal Palace Baltimore 3-0 (Timbers website)
08/29/10: Portland 3, Baltimore 0: Timbers' game starts to crystallize (OregonLive)
08/29/10: Timbers beat Baltimore (The Columbian)

08/29/10: Another Bright outing by the Timbers (Portland Tribune)

08/29/10: Showing Baltimore Who's Boss, Timbers win 3-0 (Dropping Timber)

08/30/10: Game 25: Timbers 3 � Palace 0 (The Offside)

08/30/10: Timbers V Baltimore - Offensive changes pay dividends for Timbers attack (OregonLive Timbers Blog)

08/31/10: With MLS Calling, Timbers Focus on Now (EnzymePDX)

08/29/10: Portland Gets Revenge Against Palace Baltimore (Palace website)

Pregame:
08/25/10: Timbers play host to Austin, Baltimore at PGE Park (Timbers website)
08/28/10: A Chance for Redemption, Baltimore Returns to PGE (Dropping Timber)
08/27/10: Pore Is Money in the Bank for the Timbers (PDX Pipeline)
08/29/10: Palace Head to Portland in Search of Vital Playoff Points (Palace website)

AUGUST 27, 2010
Timbers honor Jimmy Conway
It was a night for memories at PGE Park, as a team of former Timbers took on an Oregon Select XI team at PGE Park on Thursday in the Jimmy Conway Testimonial match. All players for both teams wore the name "Conway" on the back of their kits, and Joey Leonetti opened the scoring for the Select squad before Darren Sawatzky tied it up. Then Jeff Enquist gave the Select team the lead again early in the second half before Jimmy Conway himself scored from the penalty spot for the 2-2 final.

Please visit the Jimmy Conway Testimonial match to learn more, and see a list of upcoming testimonial matches, and to send Jimmy your best wishes.

SoccerCityUSA.com photo gallery with 41 photos AUGUST 26, 2010
Timbers battle Austin to 1-1 draw
In a physical match at PGE Park, that featured eight yellows and two ejections, Bright Dike would give the Timbers a lead in the 4th minute, but Austin's Sullivan Silva would tie it up in the 26th minute.

The Timbers would go up a man early in the second half, but could not capitalize and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Austin. The Timbers and Austin finish their season series with two draws for each team.

Postgame:
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 38 photos
08/26/10: Timbers battle Aztex to hard-fought draw at PGE Park (Timbers website)
08/26/10: Portland 1, Austin 1: Timbers get opportunities, fail to take advantage (OregonLive)
08/27/10: Game 24: Timbers 1 � Austin 1 (The Offside)
08/27/10: A Few of the Old Legends in the Jimmy Conway Testimonial Match (Dropping Timber)
08/27/10: Timbers V Aztex - Dike continues scoring streak, but Timbers play to draw (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
08/27/10: Austin Aztex vs. Portland Timbers. (Portland Mercury)
08/26/10: Aztex Steal a Draw at Portland (Aztex website)
08/27/10: Ten-Man Aztex Hold On (Austin Chronicle)
08/27/10: USSF Div II League Match :: Austin Aztex 1, Portland Timbers 1 :: Match Report Chantico's Army)
08/28/10: Aztex Steal a Draw at Portland (The Aztexan)

Pregame:
08/25/10: Timbers play host to Austin, Baltimore at PGE Park (Timbers website)
08/24/10: Game Preview: The Last Home Stretch (Dropping Timber)
08/25/10: A Few of the Old Legends in the Jimmy Conway Testimonial Match (Dropping Timber)
08/25/10: Match Preview: Timbers v Austin, August 26th (The Strong Blog)
08/25/10: Timbers Aim To Keep Rolling Thursday Night Against Austin (PDX Pipeline)
08/25/10: Aztex Take Two-Game West Coast Road Trip (Boxscore News)

AUGUST 25, 2010
Timbers sign MLS defender Kevin Goldthwaite
The Timbers added another defender for the playoff run, as Kevin Goldthwaite returns to the Timbers after five years. The MLS defender, who has played for San Jose, Houston, Toronto, and New York, helped lead the Red Bulls to the 2008 Western Conference championship and an appearance in the 2008 MLS Cup, while being named team defender of the year. In 2005, Goldthwaite was loaned from San Jose to the Timbers for 10 games, logging 892 minutes.

08/25/10: http://portlandtimbers.com/newsroom/headlines/index.html?article_id=1802 (Timbers website)
08/25/10: Timbers Sign Kevin Goldthwaite (The Offside)
08/25/10: Timbers add defender Kevin Goldthwaite (Portland Tribune)
08/25/10: Better Know a Timber - Kevin Goldthwaite (Dropping Timber)
08/25/10: Portland Sign MLS Defender (Prost Amerika Soccer)
08/25/10: Ex-Houston, Toronto and NYRB defender Goldthwaite joins Portland Timbers (Sporty Twits)
08/25/10: Goldy in Portland (Big Apple Soccer) AUGUST 21, 2010
Timbers get tough three points in Minnesota on PK
The Timbers looked to repeat the success of an early trip to Minnesota as they once again travelled to Blaine to take on the Stars. While it would not be the 2-0 result like they got earlier this year, once again Ryan Pore would score on a penalty kick, this time when Bright Dike was taken down the box late in the match. Joe Warren, the Minnesota goalkeeper, would be ejected on the play, and after Pore converted to put the Timbers up 1-0, Minnesota would be down to 10 players. They would never seriously threaten to tie the score and the Timbers held on for their second straight 1-0 road win.

The Portland Timbers are still in third place in the USL Conference after tonight's match in Minnesota, and in fourth place in the entire league. And though eight teams make the playoffs, the Timbers are only four points ahead of eight place Tampa Bay, so there is no comfort level as the Timbers go into their last eight games.

Also working out with the Timbers are Omar Salgado. who had recently been in camp with Vancouver but a paperwork snafu ended his time there, and Wayne Rooney's bother John, who had recently been on trial in MLS.

08/19/10: Timbers sign Ghanaian midfielder Kalif Alhassan (Timbers website)
08/17/10: Timbers Insider: John Rooney trains with Timbers (OregonLive)
08/19/10: Timbers sign Ghana teen (Portland Tribune)
08/19/10: Timbers player news - Timbers invite Salgado to camp, sign midfielder Alhassan (OregonLive)

08/18/10: Timbers: PGE Park renovations signal start of something new (OregonLive)
08/18/10: Cameron is making his mark with Timbers (The Gresham Outlook) AUGUST 16, 2010
Timbers to honor Jimmy Conway with testimonial match
On Thursday, August 26 at 5pm at PGE Park, the Timbers will honor former coach and NASL player/coach Jimmy Conway with a special testimonial match. Conway has been diagnosed with trauma-induced dementia. The match will be a team of Timbers alumni against the Oregon Select XI, comprised of players Conway coached at the youth and collegiate levels.

Expected to play for the Timbers alumni are current coach Gavin Wilkinson (2001-06), John Bain (1978-82), Darren Sawatzky (2001), Paul Conway (2005), Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar (2002-06), Greg Howes (2001-02), Andrew Gregor (2004; 2007-08), Lee Morrison (2003-07), Brian Winters (2001-05) and Dale Mitchell (1978-82). Members of the Oregon Select XI side will include former Timbers goalkeeper coach Jim Brazeau (2001-05; 2007-09) and player Eric Cronkrite (2004)

08/16/10: Timbers to honor Jimmy Conway with testimonial match (Timbers website)
08/16/10: Oregon soccer to honor Jimmy Conway (Soccer America Daily) AUGUST 14, 2010
Now that's more like it, Timbers down AC St. Louis 1-0
Timbers without captain for second time in St. Louis
The Portland Timbers had to pick themselves after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Minnesota, having once again given up a late lead at home, and returned to the site of their most embarassing road game of the season (or many seasons), a 3-0 loss to AC St. Louis on July 28. On that date, the Timbers were without team captain defender Ian Joy who missed the match due to yellow card accumulations.

But things were different this time, as the Timbers took control from the opening whistle, and outshot St. Louis 10-3 in the first half, and made the pressure pay off on a 41st minute goal by Bright Dike on an assist from Keith Savage. It was a physical match, with AC St. Louis probably lucky that a few players carrying yellow cards already stayed on the pitch after hard fouls on Timbers players. The Timbers defense allowed a few close chances in the second half, but goalkeeper Steve Cronin was up to the task, and were able to hold on through a staggering 6 minutes of stoppage time for the 1-0 win.

The Timbers are currently in 3rd place in the USL Conference, and are fourth in the league overall, and also fourth when total matches are levelled based on points per match.

But shortly afterwards, defender Ian Joy was sent off with a straight red and the Timbers could not hold the lead, with Simone Bracalello scoring the equalizer, and the Timbers had to settle for the 2-2 draw. With the draw, the Timbers keep the Stars at bay in the playoff race, with the teams still tied but the Timbers having two games in hand. The teams will meet again next weekend in Minnesota for their final meeting of the year.

Postgame:
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 34 photos
08/11/10: Timbers battle Stars to 2-2 draw at PGE Park (Timbers website)
08/11/10: Stars tie 10-man Portland 2-2 (Stars website)
08/11/10: Timbers play to a tie in front of MLS coach (OregonLive)
08/10/10: Mixed bag hands Timbers 2-2 draw with Minnesota (Portland Tribune)
08/12/10: Timbers V Stars � Sellout crowd, physical match, frustrating result (OregonLive Timbers Blog)
08/12/10: No Joy for John or Ten Man Timbers (Prost Amerika Soccer)

Pregame:
08/11/10: Stars head to Portland for must-win match (Stars website)
08/11/10: Game day: Minnesota at Portland (OregonLive)
08/11/10: Game 21: Portland Timbers v. NSC Minnesota Stars (The Offside)

AUGUST 4, 2010
Rhinos grind out 1-0 win over Timbers
Timbers finish four game road trip with 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses
The Timbers knew what they were in for as they travelled to Rochester to take on the Rhinos, and the Rhinos did not disappoint. Once the Rhinos took an early lead on a goal by Kenold Versailles, they showed little interest in attacking after that, and the Timbers controlled much of the rest of the match.

The Rhinos got a controversial* penalty kick call early in the second half, but the attempt by Ryan Heins was saved by Steve Cronin, and the Timbers laid seige on the Rhinos goal for the rest of the match, but several good saves by goalkeeper Neal Kitson.

It was also announced today that the Timbers have signed Dutch forward Ibad Muhamadu.

*(I don't know if the penalty was controversial or not, but there is a Rochester reporter who likes to call all non-Rhinos penalties "controversial", even if they are obvious, so I'm just trying to play along.)

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JULY 31, 2010
One is better than none
Timbers can't protect lead, but rally late for 2-2 draw in Tampa
The Portland Timbers had alot to answer for after Wednesday's embarassing 3-0 loss to AC St. Louis, a team who have now taken 4 points from the Timbers this season. The Timbers moved on to face another of this year's expansion teams as they played the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday. The Timbers took an early lead on a goal by Bright Dike, but the Rowdies would rally for a 2-1 lead before Takayuki Suzuki would score late for the 2-2 draw.

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JULY 28, 2010
Bring on the top teams!
Timbers again struggle against bottom of the league, lose 3-0 in St. Louis
If the Timbers had their choice, they'd only face the top teams in the league for the rest of the year, because the Timbers once again proved their Achilles' Heel are the teams currently out of the playoffs.

Against those bottom 4 teams (Montreal, Baltimore, Miami, St. Louis), the Timbers have 2 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws this season. Against the teams ahead of them in the standings (Austin, Vancouver, Rochester), the Timbers are unbeaten with 3 wins, 0 losses and 2 draws. The Timbers showed a bit of this behavior last season during their 2009 Commissioner's Cup winning season as well, with the only team that the Timbers didn't win their season series against being the last-place Cleveland City Stars.

The Timbers will hopefully be lifted up knowing their next two games (at Tampa Bay on Saturday, and at Rochester next Wednesday) will be against teams in the top eight.

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Pregame: JULY 22, 2010
Keeping the Cup in Portland
Timbers rally for 2-1 win over Vancouver to retain Cascadia Cup for 2nd year
Coming off a well-played match against Manchester City (even if the result was disappointing), the Timbers got back to league play on Thursday as they played the first of ten road matches they have in their last fourteen matches of the season as they are in Vancouver to take on the Whitecaps.

It was the third of four Cascadia Cup matches this season, but the fourth match will not matter as the Timbers rallied from a goal down for a 2-1 win, their first win in Vancouver since 2004. After the Whitecaps took a 51st minute lead on a goal by Nizar Khalfan, the game turned when Ryan Pore was brought down from behind inside the box in the 65th minute by Greg Janicki, earning the Timbers a penalty kick and an ejection for Janicki. Pore converted to tie the match, then six minutes later, Mamadou Danso blasted in a rebound from six yards out for the 2-1 lead, which the Timbers held onto for the big road win.

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Pregame: JULY 17, 2010
Timbers fall 3-0 to Manchester City
Two late first half goals key City win
The Portland Timbers had hosted several English clubs since being reborn in 2001, with Championship sides Preston North End and Conventry City having come to Portland for exhibitions, as well as Sunderland and Burnley, who both visited after having been promoted to the Premiership after the previous season.

But none of those cout compare to the level of Manchester City, who were in Portland training at the Nike World Campus in Beaverton, and who played the Timbers in an exhibition at Merlo Field at the University of Portland on Saturday.

The Timbers had early chances from Derek Gaudet (saved by Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart) and George Josten (slipped inches past the right post) while Man City came close when Craig Bellamy hit the crossbar. But late in the half, the visitors would score two quick goals as a shot by Adam Johnson deflected off Stephen Ireland, then off the left post and into the net for the first goal. Then a minute later, Emmanuel Adebayor slipped in behind the Timbers defense and headed in a cross from Johnson for the 2-0 lead. In the 68th minute, Manchester City topped of their 3-0 win with a goal by Jo off a poor Timbers clearance. The Timbers actually led in shots 14-13 on the night and forced six saves for Manchester City, so the 3-0 score was a flattering one to the visitors.

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JULY 11, 2010
Glee!
Timbers give up late lead but top Atlas 4-2 in PK's
The Portland Timbers hosted Mexico's Club Deportivo Atlas on Sunday night, less than 24 hours after defeating Miami in league play, which means alot of players who haven't seen much action this season would play, as well as a few trialists and Timbers U-23 players. A few players from the Timbers PDL U23 team would feature on this night, with Freddie Braun assisting on George Josten's 77th minute goal, which almost held up until Atlas scored a very late stoppage time penalty to force the match to a penalty shootout.

U23 goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, who had entered the match in the second half would save two of Atlas' four penalty kicks, and the Timbers did not miss, with Rodrigo Lopez scoring the final shootout goal for a 4-2 shootout win.

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JULY 10, 2010
Timbers top Miami 2-0 on goals by Ross Smith and Ryan Pore
Timbers host Atlas at PGE Park on Sunday
The Portland Timbers have started to emerge a bit from their early season slump, at least in league play, as they have three wins and a draw in their last four matches after defeating Miami 2-0 at PGE Park on Saturday night. Ross Smith scored his first league goal early in the second half, then after enduring an onslaught of Miami shots late in the half, Ryan Pore got his 10th goal of the season in stoppage time to secure the win.

After the U23's host Vancouver on Sunday afternoon at PGE Park, the Timbers host Mexico's Club Deportivo Atlas Sunday at 6pm.

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JULY 3, 2010
A dominating draw
Timbers outshoot Vancouver 20-6 but settle for 0-0 draw
The Portland Timbers hosted their traditional rivals in the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday night in what will be the last visit of the Whitecaps at this level before both teams go to Major League Soccer in 2011. If the teams meet again in the playoffs this year, the match will not be at PGE Park because playoff games will have to be played at an alternate site because renovations to PGE Park.

The Timbers had several good chances on Saturday night, the best being George Josten's header from point blank range only kept out by a spectacular save by Vancouver keeper Jay Nolly, but despite all the chances, the Timbers never found the net and the match would end in a 0-0 draw.

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Pregame: JUNE 30, 2010
Heartbreaker!
Timbers force Seattle all the way to PK's, only to fall 4-3
It was an amazing night at PGE Park, with the stadium once again nearly filled to the rafters, and though Seattle scored first (just like they did last year), the Timbers responded with a goal by Bright Dike before the half, and for the rest of the way, it was a boxing match as both teams had plenty of chances, but neither could find the goal again. The Timbers had a man advantage for the last 20 minutes of overtime, but never quite found the game winner.

So it was up to the randomness of penalty kicks, and things did not fall kindly for the Timbers as they would fall 4-3 in PK's, ending their 2010 US Open Cup run.

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JUNE 27, 2010
Bright Dike goal gives Timbers 1-0 victory
Timbers defeat Tampa Bay Rowdies in Soccer Bowl '75 rematch
Technically, it was an expansion team making their first visit to Portland on Sunday as the Tampa Bay Rowdies visit PGE Park. But the team name goes back to the NASL in the 70's, when the Timbers and Rowdies faced each other from 1975 to 1982, but most famously meeting in Soccer Bowl '75, when the Rowdies defeated the Timbers 2-0 in San Jose.

But on this night, the Timbers would turn the table when after dominating much of play (as they have most of the season), it would be a lucky bounce of a failed Tampa Bay clearance that would fall right to the foot of Bright Dike in the 73rd minute, and he would score the lone goal in a 1-0 Timbers win. The Timbers have now won four of their last five matches overall, and two in a row in the league going into their US Open Cup match this Wednesday at PGE Park.

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JUNE 22, 2010
Dike hat trick leads Timbers past Kitsap, 4-1
Timbers will host Seattle next Wednesday at 7:30
The Timbers would repeat their three goal victory from last year in the Open Cup as they'd once against dump the Kitsap Pumas out of the tournament, this time by a 4-1 score as a Bright Dike hat trick put the game away after a Ross Smith goal opened the scoring. Kitsap would get one back in the 90th minute but the match was always over, and the Timbers will host Seattle of MLS next Wednesday night in the Open Cup 3rd round.

The winner of next week's match will take on the winner of the LA Galaxy/AC St. Louis match (unconfirmed) also taking place next week.

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Pregame: JUNE 19, 2010
Eight is enough!
Timbers snap winless streak at eight with 2-0 win in Minnesota
It was a long time coming, but the Timbers finally broke their league winless streak, which stretched all the way back to a win over Vancouver in April, with a 2-0 win over the NSC Minnesota Stars, which was also their first road win of the year. The Timbers got their first break in what seems like months when they were awarded an early penalty kick on a seemingly soft foul, but Ryan Pore stepped up and converted the PK for the early 1-0 lead.

The Timbers had to hold onto the lead late, though they controlled much of the match, but Minnesota nearly tied it in the second half with a chipped shot by Brian Cvilikas htting the crossbar. But the Timbers secured in the win in the 89th minute when Josh Cameron, who had switched to defender from his position at forward last year, went into the game in his former position, and hit a brilliant strike for the late goal and the 2-0 win.

Postgame (6/19):

Pregame (6/19): JUNE 17, 2010
Short-handled
Timbers winless in eight league matches after 1-0 home loss to Stars
It's was Timbers vs. Minnesota tonight, but this was a brand-new Minnesota team, but with some familiar faces. Gone were the Minnesota Thunder after 19 seasons (15 in the USL), but born from the ashes are the NSC Minnesota Stars, whom the Timbers will face again on Saturday.

The Timbers will hope for a better result as after giving up an early goal to Minnesota's Ely Allen, the Timbers then had James Marcelin ejected in the 52nd minute on a foul in the Timbers box. Though Steve Cronin saved the ensuing penalty, and the Timbers seem to be lifted by the save and controlled much of the rest of the match, they were never able to break through for a an equalizing goal, and with the loss, are now winless in their last eight league matches going back to a 2-1 win over Vancouver on April 29.

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Pregame (6/17): JUNE 15, 2010
Timbers top Sonoma County Sol 3-0 in Open Cup
It was strangely famililar at times, but quite different at other times. For Timbers fans, it was more of the same for awhile: dominating their opponents, hitting the woodword (four times on this night), but not being able to score. But the small crowd on a stormy day in Portland was a different type of setting, and the Timbers would ultimately break out of a scoring slump repeat their 3-0 win over the Sonoma County Sol in the Lamara Hunt US Open Cup in 2009 by winning by the same score on Tuesday night. Alex Nimo, Takayuki Suzuki, and James Marcelin all scored while Steve Cronin recorded the shutout.

The Timbers now travel to Kitsap to take on the Pumas for another rematch of a 2009 US Open Cup match, where the Timbers also beat the Pumas 3-0 on the road. The winner of this match will host Seattle of MLS in the third round.

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Pregame: JUNE 12, 2010
From disappointment to distress, Timbers fall to Miami
After what was a solid Timbers performance at first-place Austin Wednesday, though a disappointing draw as a result, the Timbers hoped for a better result Saturday as they played in Miami. But the Timbers put up what was likely their worst performance of the year, falling to Miami by a 1-0 score.

The Timbers are now winless in their past seven matches, their longest winless streak since the end of the 2008 season when they were also winless in 7.

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Pregame: JUNE 12, 2010
Timbers release OJ Obatola
In somewhat of a surprise move, the Timbers and forward OJ Obatola came to a mutual agreement and he has been released. OJ played in six matches this year totalling 348 minutes and scored against AC St. Louis on April 22, 2010. JUNE 9, 2010
Timbers miss lots of chances, but a 0-0 draw in Austin a fair result
The Portland Timbers have not played badly lately, and seemed to have used up a season worth of bad luck already as another last gasp goal took away points at home on Sunday. The Timbers' task didn't get easier as they faced league leading Austin on Wednesday night, and though they had many more good chances than the Aztex, who lead the league in scoring, the Timbers could not convert. Though they also didn't allow a late goal, and shut out the Aztex for the first time this season, and now move on to play in Miami on Saturday.

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JUNE 6, 2010
Timbers follow same script, allow late goal in 1-1 draw vs. Carolina
After some very disappointing league results, the Timbers hoped to get a lift from their dramatic 3-2 win over Boca Juniors last weekend as they returned to league play as they hosted the Carolina Railhawks on Sunday at PGE Park. The Timbers had never given up a goal to Carolina at PGE Park in four matches, and a 61st minute goal by Ryan Pore gave the Timbers a 1-0 lead. But as has happened too many times this season, the Timbers allowed a scrappy goal deep in stoppage time, this time by Daniel Paladini, and gave up a win they should have had wrapped up. The Timbers are now winless in their past five league matches.

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Pregame: JUNE 2, 2010
Timbers to host Sonoma County Sol in US Open Cup first round
The pairings for the 2010 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup were announced today, and for the Portland Timbers, it looks alot like 2009 all over again. The Timbers will once again face the Sonoma County Sol, who the Timbers beat 3-0 in California in the second round last year. A win could have the Timbers once again travelling to Kitsap to take on the Pumas, who the Timbers also beat 3-0 on the road in the US Open Cup last year. MAY 29, 2010
Timbers rally for dramatic 3-2 win over Boca Juniors
After a run of four winless league matches, and a loss to Puntarenas FC at the beginning of the month, the Timbers faced a formidable challenge to change their fortune as they hosted Boca Juniors of Argentina visits PGE Park in an international exhibition match at PGE Park.

Boca Juniors is one of the most successful clubs in the world, and their 18 international titles is the most of any club, matched only by Italy�s AC Milan. And though they had been winless on their trip to America, this was the last date of the tour and they'd surely be desperate for a win.

The Timbers took a first half lead on a Ryan Pore goal, but Boca Juniors responded with two goals two minutes apart early in the second half. But the difference would be second half substitute Rodrigo Lopez, who first served up a free kick that was headed for a goal by Stephen Keel in the 74th minute, then scored the game winner on a free kick 45 seconds into stoppage time for the 3-2 win in front of 14,106.

The Timbers also announced this week that they will be hosting Mexico's Club Deportivo Atlas in an international exhibition match at PGE Park on Sunday July 11, at 6 pm. In addition, the Timbers announced a $50,000 donation on behalf of the Timbers Major League Soccer team to the Parkrose School District towards the future Parkrose Regional Soccer Center.

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MAY 22, 2010
Keita knocked out of game, then Timbers fall apart in Baltimore
This promising season as turned from the frustrating to the sublime for the Portland Timbers. In a very physical match in Baltimore, the Timbers finally took the lead in the 60th minute, but at a cost as it was a PK brought on by an elbow to the face of Mandjou Keita that appears to have broken the striker's nose (still unconfirmed). The Baltimore players protested the call rigorously, though the player who sent Keita to the hospital (Andrew Marshall) was only carded for his dissent about the call, not for the foul itself.

The fact that Marshall was not sent off for injuring Keita came back to bite the Timbers as he scored 15 minutes later for the equalizer, then the Timbers would have the worst of possible outcomes, as Randy Patterson scored for Baltimore in stoppage time to give the Timbers their first league road loss in over a year.

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MAY 19, 2010
When will it end? Another dominating loss
After two disappointing results, the Timbers looked to get back on track on Wednesday night as defending champion Montreal visited PGE Park. A relatively even first half had the visitors take the lead in the 30th minute when Tony Donatelli scored for the Impact, but the Timbers dominated the second half completely, though still having the finishing problems that plagued them the last few games. But a very controversial moment will be an apparently obvious handball by a Montreal defender on a shot by Mandjou Keita that the center referee would simply wave on, and the Timbers would never find the net and dropped the match 1-0.

This is surely a very bitter pill to swallow after a having had a win seemingly in the bag last month in Montreal before a very controversial late-game penalty kick stole a point for the Impact.

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MAY 15, 2010
Timbers embarrass in allowing draw with AC St. Louis
After a disappointing loss to Crystal Palace Baltimore on Thursday night, where the Timbers were kept off the scoreboard by multiple shots off the woodwork, they would respond with a dominating performance against an overmatched AC St. Louis side, and would finally break through in the 66th minute as Mandjou Keita got his first goal of the season. But the match also featured many missed Timbers chances, and it would come back to bite them as St. Louis would score on their only serious scoring threat on the night, in second half stoppage time, as Mike Ambersley scored to steal a 1-1 draw for the visitors.

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MAY 13, 2010
Timbers fall to Crystal Palace 1-0
The Timbers faced Crystal Palace Baltimore, and in a match that would remind many Timbers fans of late-season losses to Austin and Cleveland at home last year, the Timbers looked flat against a team they were expected to defeat comfortably, and a first half Baltimore goal by Yaikel Perez would hold up, despite a seige on the Palace goal in the second half especially, and hitting the woodwork at total of three times on the night.

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Pregame: MAY 13, 2010
Manchester City friendly on July 17
After having been speculated about for months, a friendly against Manchester City of the English Premier League has been confirmed for Saturday, July 17. Because of a stadium conflict with the Beavers at PGE Park, the game will be played at the University of Portland's Merlo Field. Due to the fact that Merlo Field holds only about 5,000, only season ticket holders will be able to get tickets for this match, which is ticket "C" in the season ticket package.

Manchester City finished fifth in the most recent English Premier League season and will be kicking off its pre-season tour of the United States with a nine-day training camp in Portland. Man City will then play in a tournament in New York organized by Major League Soccer�s New York Red Bulls.

MAY 10, 2010
Timbers to host Boca Juniors on May 29
After waiting in great anticipation for the announcement of this summer's major exhibitions, the first of these was finally announced today, as it will be Argentina's Boca Juniors that will visit PGE Park on Saturday, May 29.

Boca are based in the neighborhood of La Boca, in Buenos Aires, and have won a record 18 international titles, equal to A.C. Milan. Domestically, the club has won 23 national championships, second only to River Plate, who have 33.

Also, the Timbers posted a fantastic new TV spot today. Be sure to check it out! MAY 6, 2010
Ryan Pore is USSF Division 2 Player of the Month
In a vote that should have been investigated had it turned out any other way, Timbers midfielder Ryan Pore was selected as USSF Division-2 Professional League April Player of the Month. Ryan has six goals in four games (only one of which on a penalty), and also assisted in the only other Timbers goal so far this season, which was scored by OJ Obatola against AC St. Louis.

This is the first such award from the USSF, having taken over the reign of Division 2 soccer this season. MAY 1, 2010
Timbers outshoot Puntarenas FC 23-5, but lose 3-1 at PGE Park
The Timbers faced Costa Rican Primera Divisi�n team Puntarenas FC in an exhibition at PGE Park on Saturday night, and though they would outshoot the visitors 23 to 5, it was the Costa Rican side that had the finishing touch with a quick response to the Timbers first half goal by Bright Dike, then two goals in the second half on their only second half shots. The Timbers started a nearly all-reserve squad, but Mandjou Keita saw his first action in a Timbers kit in 2010 as he entered in the 74th minute.

The Costa Rican side was originally set to host the Timbers in a pre-season tour, but that was later cancelled. The Timbers have faced teams from England, Germany, Italy, and Mexico in exhibitions since their rebirth in 2001, but this was their first exhibition against a team from Costa Rica. This was the first of what are expected to be three exhibitions against international competition this season.

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Pregame: APRIL 29, 2010
One for the ages!
Late shorthanded goal by Ryan Pore gives Timbers a tough 2-1 win over Vancouver
After a disappointing and controversial draw in Montreal, the Timbers came back to PGE Park on Thursday night wtih the Vancouver Whitecaps make their first visit to Portland this year. The Whitecaps will be "going up" to MLS next year along with the Timbers, and the teams will meet four times this year, once again competing for the Cascadia Cup.

The Timbers took an early lead on a free kick goal from Ryan Pore, but the Whitecaps evened the score four minutes later on a header by Nelson Akwari. After a physical match that saw eight cautions (six for the Timbers) and a two-caution ejection for Mamadou Danso in the 85 minute, the ejection only seemed to ignite the Timbers as Pore headed home the game winner a minute later off a cross from James Marcelin. Pore now has six goals in four games, as many as any other team in the USSF Division 2 Pro League. He also had an assist on the only goal he didn't score for the Timbers so far this year.

The Timbers also take the early lead in the Cascadia Cup competition having won the Cup last year for the first time, defeating the Whitecaps in 2 out of 3 matches, though both were at home due to an unbalanced schedule. This year the schedule is balanced with two home games for each side, with the teams meeting in Vancouver on the last day of the regular season on October 2.

Timbers fans were also happy to hear that last year's USL First Division leading scorer Mandjou Keita has finally returned from his loan in India, and was on the sideline tonight though he is expected to see minimal time at best in this week's matches.

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APRIL 25, 2010
Timbers lose late lead on Roberto Brown dive
Sometimes contact in the box can be questionable when the referee points to the spot to award a penalty kick, then there what Timbers fans saw in Montreal Sunday, when an apparent stray blade of grass reached up and brought down Roberto Brown, giving the Impact a late equalizing penalty kick, and turning a possible Timbers win into a disappointing draw.

The Timbers had taken the lead in the 67th minute when Ryan Pore weaved his way through the Montreal defense, and slotted the ball low to the left side for the 1-0 lead. The Timbers missed a great chance to take a 2-0 lead about 15 minutes later when George Josten couldn't redirect a cross low cross on net when he had an apparent open net in front of him, and the missed chance would come back to hurt the Timbers when a stray field of gravity brought Brown to the turf.

The Timbers extend their unbeaten road league streak to 15 games with the draw, and finish their USL era in Montreal with a 4-1-2 record and five shutouts.

Postgame: Pregame: APRIL 22, 2010
Timbers score in 17 seconds, Pore adds another and OJ puts in a third for 3-0 win over St. Louis
It only took 17 seconds for the Timbers to get on the board tonight, as Ryan Pore scored the first of two first half goals off an OJ Obatola pass, then put one in off a pass from George Josten just before halftime. Obatola added one of his own in the second half for a comfortable 3-0 Timbers win.

The Timbers looked to break their poor run of form againt expansion teams that ended last season as they welcomed the first of four new teams they will see this year, as AC St. Louis visited PGE Park on Thursday night.

After intercepting the first AC St. Louis pass upfield, the Timbers attacked immediately, with George Josten playing Brian Farber through, who passed to OJ Obatola, who tapped the ball on to Ryan Pore for the opener. Just before half, it was Josten who intercepted a backpass and played a pass to an open Pore for the 2-0 lead. Then in the 62nd minute, OJ Obatola would blast a low shot into the net for the 3-0 win.

The one face on the visiting side Timbers fans recognized was midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer, who led the Timbers in scoring in 2006 while earning the first Timbers Supporters Player of the Year award that year. After playing another year for the Timbers, Kreamalmeyer has played for Rochester and Carolina, before returning to his hometown of St. Louis to play for the first professional team in that city in over 30 years.

The last meeting between the two cities was when the Timbers defeated the St. Louis Stars at home 1-0 in OT on May 11, 1977. The Timbers faced the Stars a total of five times in the regular season during their time in the NASL, going 3-0 at home, and 1-1 against them on the road. The Timbers also ousted the Stars from the 1975 Conference finals by a 1-0 score. NASL trivia as always coming from the great Timbers Fan Page!

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More Timbers news:

APRIL 17, 2010
15,418 see Timbers open with win
After a physical first half, the Timbers took control in the second half, but only scored after Rochester's Andrew Hoxie played the ball with his hand in the Timbers box, and Ryan Pore converted for the 1-0 win. The crowd of 15,418 was the second largest regular season crowd for this incarnation of the Timbers.
SoccerCityUSA.com match report with 20 photos | More photos

APRIL 17, 2010
Timbers open final season in USL/USSF tonight at PGE Park
No, the Timbers didn't add Portland-obsessed BigSoccer poster Bright and OJ "hunting for the real killer" Simpson, but the Timbers added firepower up front as forwards Gabriel �O.J.� Obatola and Bright Dike were announced today as being signed for the 2010 season.

OJ has been playing in the Timbers preseason since the Oregon State match, having scored the game-winner in the Community Shield match. He most recently played in Singapore�s S-League, where he was one of the league�s leading scorers with Gombak United. Dike (pronounced DEE-day) saw his first action against the University of Portland a week and a half ago, and also appeared in Kitsap this weekend.

Also a great webcast posted today about the Timbers Army, MLS, and Portland featuring Shawn Levy (Bickle on the message board) and he's also quoted in an article posted this week about the TA, which also features a rare quote from your friendly site webmaster. APRIL 16, 2010
Expectations are high as the Timbers
enter their tenth (and final) season in Division 2

2010 Timbers previews:

• OregonLive (Kip Kesgard): Part One | Two | Three | Four | Five
• OregonLive (Rick Curwen): Fans gear up for MLS
• 95.5 The Game (John Strong): Part One
• The Woodwork (Dave Hoyt): Hoop Dreams
• The Woodwork (Lucas Grzybowski): We're Going To Win The Something, Something, Something
• The Woodwork (Bob Kellet): Someone has to say it
• Dropping Timber: Portland Timbers 2010 USSF Season Preview
• OregonLive (Geoffrey C. Arnold): Portland Timbers: The past and the future provide motivation for 2010 team
• The Portlander: Death, Taxes and the Portland Timbers APRIL 16, 2010
  Media Day Coverage
• SoccerCityUSA.com: Photo Gallery
• Dropping Timber: 2010 Portland Timbers Media Day | Tony McManus and Stephen Keel Audio Interviews | Meet Your Captain - Ian Joy
• The Woodwork: Obiwan's photostream
• The Woodwork: Audio clips
• OregonLive (Kip Kesgard): My first ever Timbers media day!! APRIL 7, 2010
  Timbers add Bright and OJ
  No, the Timbers didn't add Portland-obsessed BigSoccer poster Bright and OJ "hunting for the real killer" Simpson, but the Timbers added firepower up front as forwards Gabriel �O.J.� Obatola and Bright Dike were announced today as being signed for the 2010 season.

OJ has been playing in the Timbers preseason since the Oregon State match, having scored the game-winner in the Community Shield match. He most recently played in Singapore�s S-League, where he was one of the league�s leading scorers with Gombak United. Dike (pronounced DEE-day) saw his first action against the University of Portland a week and a half ago, and also appeared in Kitsap this weekend.

Also a great webcast posted today about the Timbers Army, MLS, and Portland featuring Shawn Levy (Bickle on the message board) and he's also quoted in an article posted this week about the TA, which also features a rare quote from your friendly site webmaster. APRIL 3, 2010
Timbers drop exhibition 3-2 to Pumas
The Timbers suffered their first defeat of the 2010 preseason, falling 3-2 to the Kitsap Pumas of the Premier Development League in an exhibition in Kitsap, Washington.

Not many details about who played, though trialist Bright Dike was brought in during the second half, and Rodrigo Lopez was apparently ejected in the second half for two quick yellow cards. No word yet if that means he misses the scrimmage against Seattle University next weekend. APRIL 2, 2010
Timbers add another defender, head to Kitsap
With central defender Cameron Knowles likely to miss at least half the season, the Timbers added more depth at central defender with the signing of Steve Purdy. Purdy is a former member of the U-23 US National team, and played for TSV 1860 Munich in Germany for two seasons before joining Dallas last season, where he played in five matches.

The Timbers are in Bremerton, Washington this weekend for training and will playing the Kitsap Pumas, whom the Timbers defeated in the US Open Cup last year, on Saturday at 6pm. MARCH 27, 2010
Timbers win two preseason tune-ups
The Timbers had their sixth preseason match today, with a few normal starters, a few reserves, and many trialists going up against the University of Portland today at Lincoln High School. The only score was a first half goal by Gabriel (OJ) Obatola. The Timbers now have five shutouts in six preseason matches, with five wins and one draw.

On Friday, Doug DeMartin would get his fourth preseason goal, and trialist Bright Dike also scored in a 2-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in a neutral site training match. MARCH 20, 2010
T-ing up San Jose, Timbers rally for 1-1 draw
The Timbers were in San Jose Saturday night for a preseason match against the San Jose Earthquakes, who are a week away from their season opener. The Timbers played well against their MLS opponents, despite still missing several key players, and after a goal by San Jose's Cornell Glen gave the Earthquakes a second half lead, the Timbers responded nine minutes later when Scot Thompson headed in a Rodrigo Lopez free kick for a 1-1 draw. MARCH 18, 2010
10 home games to be televised on FSN, another midfielder in camp
The Timbers today announced that 10 home games will be televised this season on Fox Sports Northwest, the most games FSN has televised in a season. The first broadcast will be the second Timbers home match, vs. St. Louis on April 22, and the final televised match will be the second-to-last home match of the season, against Baltimore on August 29. The featured match will probably be the second broadcast, vs. northwest rival Vancouver on April 29.

Also today, the Salt Lake Tribune mentioned that midfielder Raphael Cox has been released by Real Salt Lake and is camp with the Timbers. MARCH 17, 2010
Timbers to host Puntarenas from Costa Rica on May 1
The Timbers announced their first international exhibition today, as it will be Costa Rica's Puntarenas FC who will visit PGE Park on Saturday, May 1. Puntarenas reached the semifinals in five of the last nine Primera Divisi�n tournaments, and in December 2009, the club made its first finals appearance, playing in the championship match of the 2009-10 Apertura season. Season ticket holders can use ticket A at the back of their packet for this match. MARCH 11, 2010
Timbers down Seattle 1-0, Nimo loaned to Timbers for another season
The Timbers were in a rainy Seattle on Thursday night, taking part in the first "Community Shield" match there, and they will be bringing the trophy home as a late first half goal by Gabriel Obatola on a tap-in from a George Josten cross would hold up under intense pressure in the second half. With the win, the Timbers now have three straight shutout wins to start the 2010 preseason.

The Timbers also announced today that midfielder Alex Nimo has been loaned from Real Salt Lake for the season, his second season with the Timbers.

MARCH 10, 2010
Timbers in week 2 of preseason, play in Seattle Thursday night
The Timbers are in the second week of training camp, with most of the signed players in camp, with the exception of forward Mandjou Keita, forward Takayuki Suzuki, midfielder Johan Claesson, and goalkeeper Adin Brown (injured). The Timbers will travel north tomorrow to play Seattle in their inaugural "Community Shield" match to benefit local charities. At least four busses full of Timbers supporters will be heading north as well, as the Timbers will visit Qwest Field for the first time since 2008, when the Timbers drew 0-0 with the former Seattle USL team.

MARCH 6, 2010
Timbers top Oregon State 2-0 in pre-season scrimmage
The Portland Timbers played their second scrimmage of the season tonight in Corvallis against the Oregon State Beavers, and the result was another 2-0 win, as Doug DeMartin scored his third goal of the preseason off an assist from George Josten in about the 24th minute, while Rodrigo Lopez added the second on a penalty kick just before the final whistle. The PK was set up by a foul on Gabriel Obatola (see below), who saw his first action for the Timbers, with the nickname "OJ" on his jersey. Midfielder Israel Sesay (who played for Cleveland last year) was also in the match in the first half at wide right midfield, and also had his name on his jersey. MARCH 4, 2010
Nigerian striker on his way to Portland?
According to an article (linked below) from Singapore, 22-year old Nigerian Striker Gabriel Obatola is on his way to Portland, with a 2-year Timbers contract. Obatola had been playing in the Singapore S-League until recently but was let go because of a work visa issue. He's scored 63 goals in four seasons in the S-League for Gombak United. FEBRUARY 26, 2010
Timbers add three more
Three more players were announced as signed today, as forward Doug DeMartin, midfielder Derek Gaudet and goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski have all been added to the roster for the 2010 season. DeMartin played his college soccer at Michigan State University and was second-round pick of the Kansas City Wizards in the 2009. He also scored both goals in the scrimmage at the University of Portland last week.

Gaudet is a member of the Canadian U-23 National Team and made his professional debut for MLS's Toronto FC in 2008. Pyzdrowski recently finished his collegiate career at Marquette University and was selected as Marquette�s MVP following his senior season in 2009.

The Timbers now have 22 players signed for the 2010 season. FEBRUARY 25, 2010
Scot Thompson returning for 2010
The Timbers today announced that defender Scot Thompson, the longest tenured current Timbers player, will return for the 2010 season. The Timbers fan-favorite will be returning for his seventh season, and will also be a community ambassador for the team. The Timbers now have 19 players signed for the 2010 season. FEBRUARY 24, 2010
Timbers debut 2010 kits, new shirt sponsor
In nine previous years, the USL Timbers have only had two kit sponsors: OregonLive (2001-2004) and Toyota (2005-2009). Starting in 2010, the Timbers will have SolarWorld as their uniform sponsors, as the Timbers announced that the Germany-based company will be on the front of the shirt for the 2010 season. SolarWorld was on the Timbers U23 kits in 2009. FEBRUARY 23, 2010
Goalkeeper Adin Brown announced as latest Timbers signing
The Timbers added more experience to their 2010 roster as goalkeeper Adin Brown joins the team. Brown most recently played 69 games with Norway's Aalesund FK from 2005 to 2009 before injuries ended his career there. Brown is currently recovering from foot surgery earlier this month, and is expected to be available by June.

Brown played five seasons in Major League Soccer with Colorado, Tampa Bay, and New England, and also has US National Team experience for the U23 and senior National Team squads. FEBRUARY 22, 2010
Timbers announce more pre-season matches, tour to Costa Rica
Lots of preseason news from the Timbers today, as they announce the full training camp will be starting on March 1. The Timbers also announced that they will be travelling Costa Rica for four days from March 12-15, including a preseason exhibition against top-flight club Puntarenas FC on Saturday, March 13. They will also be travelling to Bremerton, Washington from March 30-April 3, and will train for five days there and play the Pumas in a preseason exhibition on Saturday, April 3, at Bremerton Memorial Stadium.

The full preseason schedule has been updated in the schedule column on the right side of this page. FEBRUARY 19, 2010
Timbers add another defender, announce 95.5 The Game radio coverage for home and away
The Timbers added another defender for the 2010 season, as Ian Joy was announced as the latest signee. Joy has played eight seasons in Europe and two with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. He mostly recently played for FC Ingolstadt 04 in Germany.

It was also announced that all home and away matches this year, plus likely a few of the exhibitions, will be covered live on 95.5 The Game, with a few matches possibly going to their sister stations, 750 KXL or Freedom 970 later in the season. FEBRUARY 17, 2010
Timbers top Pilots 2-0 in exhibition for Mercy Corps and Haiti tonight
The Timbers travelled to the bluff tonight to take on the University of Portland Pilots in a benefit match for Mercy Corps. The roster was almost completely made up of trialists, with only Jason McLaughlin, Rodrigo Lopez, and Josh Cameron seeing action from the 2009 Timbers squad. New signee James Marcelin from Haiti also saw some second half action.

But it was trialists Doug DeMartin who would provide all the scoring, with goals in the 62nd and 64th minute for the 2-0 Timbers win.