—by Garrett Dittfurth

I'm going to try to do this at least once a week during the season. It's going to be full of stuff you should probably pay attention to as a fan of the mighty Portland Timbers. No I am not going to flaunt endorsements of keeper of the week, which is one of the biggest jokes on MLSSoccer.com. As we all know the winner of that is going to be us, Seattle, or whatever other team is able to activate (drink!) their fan base. Mostly Seattle but we're definitely in that hated world over at MLS HQ by everyone employed there that looks at the comments sections (real talk hurts doesn't it?). I'll try to repeatedly drag this on every weekend with snippets of stuff you should look at..

Anyway. Here's your weekly.

Ummm 5mtko podcast. Why are you not subscribed and why are you not listening by now? It's possibly the best podcast out there by anyone following the Timbers. Nevets and Roberto give you humor and have been kicking around the north end since pickle buckets were the preferred percussion method. Rumor has it they also still have Roger Lavesque's phone number from when he stayed at the Double Tree written down on a napkin.

On another side Toronto FC is going to be fun to watch this season. It will either be a fabulous success or a GIGANTIC train wreck. Considering Toronto's last 7 years I'm not so sure which side I'm going to lean to considering the historical ineptitude. Honestly I do feel for their supporters. Poor bastards!

Our captain signed a new contract that will keep him here long term. Are you excited or are you excited? I am always a fan of the good players that can piss everyone off because they're just good. As an example I hate the Seahawks yet love Richard Sherman. Will Johnson is just my kind of guy. Everyone hates him but us. That isn't a bad thing.

There is absolutely no place for discrimination of any kind. Thankfully MLS agrees. I am glad MLS is at the forefront of this. They will be on the right side of history.

Obviously he was a fan favorite. I also liked running into him at my local grocery store. David Horst seems to be off to a good start in Houston. Good for him!

Kip Kesgard gives an always in depth preview of the match against Chicago.

As always Rifer's match reports are better than you'll find in most of the local papers. If you aren't tuned into him start now.

The more you know about our players the better. Here's a nice little bit on Gaston Fernandez (La Gata).

Life happens. We celebrate the life of Conner Firstman (Kim Sung Ho). A dedicated fan and friend to many. May you rest in peace!

As always be well!