Jumping, clapping, singing...join your Timbers Army Running Team and run for victory! Or at least a beer and a T-shirt. Sunday March 15, 2015 at Waterfront Park, join us for the Shamrock Run, the largest running and walking event in the state of Oregon! Pick your distance: 1k Leprechaun Lap for kids, 5k Walk, 5k Run, 8k, 15k, or (new this year!) Shamrock Half Marathon. All participants receive an Adidas T-shirt, and participants 21 or older get a 12 oz Widmer at the finish. 15k and Half Marathon finishes are awarded fancy medals! Team members save $4 off the registration fees for any distance.

REGISTER EARLY! The total field is limited to 35,000. Shamrock has sold out for the last five years will very likely do so again for 2015. Adult entry fees increase by $5 (by $10 for the Shamrock Half) on January 15. The Timbers Army Team number is 1077.

When we reach 75 adult team members, we will be considered a Super Team! The Shamrock Run will donate $5 for each registered member to our charity of choice, so your entry helps earn us money for our work at Jefferson HS. For example, a Shamrock Super Team with 120 participants age 13 or older would raise $600!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team lead, Jodi (JBurckhart at gmail dot com)

—by Mike Coleman on behalf of the 107ist Board of Directors

It’s always nice this time of year for those of us on the board to look back, and think of all that the 107ist has accomplished in the past 12 months. We are always amazed and humbled by what our collective membership can accomplish, and we wanted to make sure everyone was aware of just how great 2014 was.

As you read the highlights below, remember we do all of this together, whether it’s via dollars from membership dues or awe-inspiring volunteer efforts from 107ist members.

With that in mind, if you haven’t already, now would be an outstanding time to renew your 107ist membership

So, without further ado, here are the 11 Best Things of 2014 (in no particular order)

Bless Field


In June the Timbers Army, along with local civic and business leaders, celebrated the opening of Bless Field, an all-weather soccer pitch for the children of the New Columbia neighborhood. Several TA members donated countless hours to endure the project came to fruition. With a $50,000 contribution, the Timbers Army was the largest single donor to the project. This money was raised throughout the Army, via merch sales, membership dues, special fundraisers, individual donations, etc. It was a truly a community effort demonstrating the magic we can realize together.

Jefferson High School Field
With Bless Field in the books, the Timbers Army did not wait long to begin its next major project. With a donation of $50,000, the TA became the lead community donor on the renovation of the field at Jefferson High school. This insured that Jefferson would become the home field for our Timbers Army Football Clubs, as well as providing the teams of Jefferson High with a safe new playing surface for both proper football and that other kind.

Timbers Army Football Clubs (TAFC)
TAFC had another amazing year. The women’s team, Whipsaws, helped coach girls soccer at Jefferson High. Additionally, TAFC put together a futsal tournament which raised over $1600 to help fund our Timbers Army CPR initiative. None of this would have been possible without the contribution of several new members on the TAFC committee who came in, rolled up their sleeves and did work.

TA CPR
Speaking of the Timbers Army CPR initiative . . .

Dale Montgomery did an amazing job this year of leading free monthly CPR classes for anyone in the Timbers Army.  The Portland Timbers generously donated the use of their community room to allow for larger class sizes, and the 107IST supported the work with scheduling and with an initial outlay for training mannequins and the like. This is exactly the type of project we on the board love to see: member led with an assist from us, really engages our membership, and leverages existing partnerships.

All told, over 215 people were CPR certified this year through these efforts. The Timbers Army REALLY does save lives.

Tifo


The Timbers Army are the greatest football supporters the world has ever seen, and our tifo this year proved that once again. In particular the Portlandia tifo for the home opener, and the Dorothy tifo for the Seattle match, were both on another level compared to anything else done this year in MLS.  What makes all of this year’s tifo so special is we did it by involving several new project managers and designers, as well as dozens of new workday volunteers.

On the Rose City Riveters side, their end-of-season display was literally a work of art. It featured hand painted two-sticks, each adapting a classic masterpiece by featuring a Thorns player. The team was stunned by the gesture. This tifo once again showed how the Riveters are the premiere women’s SG in the world.

“Thank you!” to anyone who came out to cut, glue, paint, lift, draw, trace, haul, or clean up. These displays would not happen without you!

Seattle Away / World Cup Viewing Party
When the geniuses at MLS HQ decided it would be a good idea to schedule Seattle Away the same day as the World Cup final, many TA worried about how it was all going to play out. Not our crack travel team. They went to work immediately, and overcame several logistical hurdles to not only get 1,500 people up to Seattle for the match, but also hosted our own private World Cup viewing party. Hat tip to everyone involved in that Herculean effort.

Timbers Army Block Party


It’s not every day you get to close down a city street, and hang out with 2,000 of your closest friends.

But that’s just what we did for the Timbers Army Block Party. Featuring beers from 23 local breweries, DJ’s, food trucks, a dunk tank, a bouncy castle, and a Timbers away viewing, there were smiles for days. We can’t wait to do this again in 2015. 

The Fanladen
We are truly fortunate to have our own club house, and this year the Fanladen was the hub for both the Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters. On game days supporters exchanged face-value tickets for both Timbers and Thorns matches. Through another outstanding member-led project, it became home to Booked!, a soccer-themed lending library. And, was also the place for Riveters game day merch sales.

Supporting Local Schools
We already mentioned our work on the field at Jefferson High, but our commitment to schools did not stop there. In addition to our ongoing support of AC Portland, which helps kids excel in school through soccer-related programs, we also donated books to every Title I elementary school in Portland Public Schools, and supplied uniforms for teams at both Fort Vancouver and Kelso high schools.

Gisele Currier Memorial Fund (GCMF)
Named in memory of the Timbers Army’s matriarch, Giselle Currier, the GCMF provides funds to allow exceptional players with limited resources a chance to excel at the beautiful game. This year we took a major step forward by completing the application process to make GCMF a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Thanks to those who worked on that effort.

Rubio Rubin Earns a Cap with The USMNT


One of the first beneficiaries of the GCMF was Rubio Rubin, a young man from Beaverton. The support he received from the Timbers Army allowed him to attend the USMNT residency program in Bradenton, FL. And while we were stoked to see him get picked up by FC Utrecht in Holland’s Eredivisie, what really put a lump in our throats was when he earned his first cap last month as a starter for the senior USMNT. This is our vision for the GCMF: to help kids reach their highest potential.

It’s hard not to swell with a bit of pride when you read this list. Take a moment to savor all that you’ve done these past 12 months. Now, realize that NONE of this is possible without the support of 107ist members.

We’ll say it again: if you haven’t already, now would be an outstanding time to renew your 107ist membership.

Once again, on behalf of your 107ist Board of Directors, THANK YOU!

—by Andrew Brawley

No, really, are they? I'm not necessarily talking about next month's election. I'm speaking in more general terms.

We've all heard grumbles here and there about how the people "running" the Timbers Army are the usual suspects, seen at every event, with four scarves saving their one front row seat in section 107 at every home match so they can avoid the Oklahoma Land Rush for seats and stroll in five minutes prior to kickoff. How they do everything together (parties, away game buses, weddings, bar mitzvahs, front yard gardening, back yard chicken coop construction, etc.), vote in blocs, and look to be inseparable.

OK, so maybe the Board can come off as a bit clique-ish now and then, but what they do for this thing we love truly is a thankless job. Case in point: have you, the reader, actually THANKED them for doing this job? That's what I thought.

The point I'm trying to make is that the Board of XI (as they're known in the 107ist Bylaws) has some consistency to it, and that might not always be the best thing. New blood for the sake of new blood is not what I'm pushing here. So let's go back to my original question:

Is the Board of XI prepared to be replaced?

As in, have they taken the steps needed to ensure this great thing known as the Timbers Army can maintain such a legacy after they're gone? Or are they clinging onto a seat at the table because they're not comfortable with who might fill the seat once they leave? I hate to break it to folks, but people can't do one thing forever. Even the most dedicated member of the Timbers Army (you know...scarf kilt, patch vest, USL-era everything, etc.) will eventually have to pass the torch, usually due to things like jobs, marriage, kids, illness, etc. It happens.

Is the Board of XI prepared to be replaced?

Have you, Mr./Ms. Board Member, taken the time to document and share your learnings with potential future Board Members? Have you identified younger Timbers fans (ideally late teens through late twenties) that appear to have a brain and be capable of manning the ship after your time is up?

One of my great fears for the Timbers Army is that a large number of Board Members (who may or may not associate with each other outside of Timbers-related events) just decide they're fed up and suddenly abandon ship all at once. They're certainly within their right to do so, but where would that leave the ship? I don't care how much money is in the bank account, if you replace a large number of capable people with a large number of less-than-capable people, the results won't be great.

Is the Board of XI prepared to be replaced?

As a youth, I belonged to a youth organization. The keyword there is "youth." Once I turned 21, I was ineligible to call myself a member anymore. So as I approached that age, I was constantly asked this question: "what did you do to replace yourself?" Did I do everything in my power to ensure that the organization was in capable hands as I left the building?

One thing I'll be looking out for in the next couple election cycles is a quality related to ensuring that this Timbers Army will continue its legacy of high standards among supporters groups well beyond our time in this realm. If it's only going to deteriorate down the road because we didn't solidify the foundation during our time in charge, then what's the point?

This is an opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the 107ist or the Timbers Army.

As a board member, you can help guide everything from how we interact with the front office, to organizing our work in the community, to inspiring new ways to get our merchandise into the hands of soccer fans. Board members participate in all board/FO meetings (currently the second Tuesday of each month). Additionally, they lead subcommittees including membership, game day operations, merch, partnerships, communications, etc. Board members also assist with special events and other tasks as they arise. They typically spend about 15 or so hours per week on their duties. This is a huge commitment of time and energy, not to be taken lightly.

• There are four open positions in this election.
• Elected terms will run from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017.
• You must submit your intention to be a candidate by midnight on November 30, 2014 to get onto the ballot.
• The election of the board of directors will take place from December 13, 2014 to December 20, 2015.

More information and the application form can be found at the board member candidate portal. The email address for all questions and feedback in relation to the 107ist elections is elections@107ist.org.

The mission of the 107ist (107 Independent Supporters Trust) is to support soccer in and around Portland, Oregon, from the grassroots to the highest professional level. The 107ist is a member-based non-profit organization open to anyone (regardless of where they sit in the stadium) who loves soccer, the Timbers/Thorns, and Portland.

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We have always said that if you want to be Timbers Army then you already are… simply show up and cheer for the team. The same now goes for the Rose City Riveters. But you can become even more involved in supporting soccer in our community – by Join / Renew

The 107ist exists as a means to coordinate all the things that the Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters do. We promote playing the game we love through donations of time, funds and expertise to local soccer programs. We facilitate supporters culture through working with club management in resolving issues, creating the tifo displays you see in the stadium, and arranging travel to away matches. And we organize and contribute to our community through volunteer efforts and charitable contributions.

In addition to rallying volunteers for efforts such as the Operation Pitch Invasion, Oregon Food Bank, Friends of Trees, American Red Cross, Harper’s Playground, CPR Training, and Portland Public Schools; since 2010, the 107ist has also donated over $150,000 to build playgrounds and soccer fields in the Portland area and over $70,000 for uniforms, soccer equipment, soccer library books, etc. to local schools and charities. We continually raise funds for and manage the Gisele Currier Memorial Fund which assists local youth with fees associated with their clubs and tournaments.

When you register as a member of the 107ist you’ll receive:

• Members-only 107ist tote bag and 107ist sticker
• Nike Employee Store pass for the month of January 2015 (if you register by 12/25/2014)
• Timbers Army Topps Baseball card (first 3000 members only)
• A 2014 membership card which gives access to specials and discounts from local merchants
• Members-only access to away ticket sales and limited edition merchandise
• A weekly emailed newsletter informing you of all the current opportunities available to members
• The right to seek election to the 107ist Board of Directors
• Voting privileges on key issues and access to the online candidate’s forum to lend a voice in the annual board member elections (held early December each year.)

The 107ist is a registered non-profit organization in the state of Oregon, and has Federal 501c(7) status.

—by Andrew Brawley

Dear Timbers Front Office Staff,

It's a little after 10pm local time on Saturday, October 25th.

I don't want to even assume what kind of shape you're in right now, but I imagine it's close to what everyone else is feeling right now in Timbers land (if not, more so). Also, like the rest of us, I'm hoping there's at least some kind of consumable alcohol within reach (but not too much).

Anyway, I feel the timing of this week's events:

• The CCL loss / elimination in Honduras
• The rivals to the north winning the Supporters Shield
• Tonight's MLS playoff elimination

all occurring on the same week that this was announced:

THANK YOU Timbers Season Ticket Holders! Just reached 99% renewal rate (a new MLS record) for next yr. You’re absolutely incredible. #RCTID

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) October 23, 2014

calls for a bit of explanation. As one of the 99%'ers, I don't want you thinking you suddenly owe me something for how this season went. My investment as a season ticket holder doesn't justify that. However, I think I need some kind of open reassurance that you are taking the necessary steps toward improving in the future.

The Western Conference will only get tougher in 2015. The Timbers will have to improve year-over-year merely to match 2014's 6th place performance. An even greater amount of improvement will be needed to make the playoffs next year.

I don't need to know all the details around your improvement plan. However, I need to be reassured that you are willing to "eat your own dog food" here, because I'm starting to question why I keep eating it.

Take the weekend to decompress. We all need it. But for the sake of our sanity, please convince me that things will get better, because if this were a professional relationship, I'd start putting an RFP together.

This is an opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the 107ist or the TA.

The vote is in and it was LOUD and CLEAR. It shouldn't be a surprise given the play of the man this year. Diego Valeri has won the belt as the 2014 Timbers Army Supporters Player of the Year. El Maestro! Stick around post match win or lose for the presentation of the championship belt on the main capo stand.

Diego Valeri joins:

2011: Troy Perkins
2012: Diego Chara
2013: Will Johnson

It’s that time of year again. The nights are getting longer, colder, and wetter. As Oregonians, we have many ways of enjoying this weather and seeking comfort in its embrace. However, other Oregonians don’t have access to the same environs and could use our help.

If you've ever been outside the Fanladen around 9pm, you've seen the queue of homeless youth waiting for the lottery to determine who will be the lucky 30 to have a warm bed, meal, shower, and access to laundry facilities that night and who will be left to fend for themselves on the streets. Run by Janus Youth Programs, the Porch Light Shelter is Portland’s only 30-bed crisis shelter for homeless youth ages 14 to 24 in need of immediate shelter as they work to secure permanent housing. While they shelter over 500 youth each year, they overflow their capacity every night.

Witnessing the lottery is a highly emotional event. The absolute joy of those selected and upon the selection of their friends is quickly balanced by the immensely weighted lows of those being turned away. When they can, staff will offer food and blankets to those on the losing end of the deal. These small gestures can make a huge difference in the emotional aftermath of the lottery which has had a tendency to get heated which has culminated in some regrettable instances.

As the nights have been getting colder you've probably been contemplating turning the heat on and assessing your blanket stash.   As you do so, think about which blankets you didn't use last year that you may be willing to part with. Maybe you have a coat or two you didn't even wear last year or, are ready for an upgrade. Bring your clean blankets and coats by the Fanladen pre-match Friday and we’ll add them to our donation to our upstairs neighbors.  They can make a world of difference in the life of a neighbor.

Each year Timbers fans to vote for the Supporters Player of the Year. The voting is now open for the 2014 Portland Timbers Supporters Player of the Year. This can be whomever you feel is the best player, most embedded in the community, or you feel who wears the badge with pride. There is no criteria other than what you feel is best. Voting is now open and the belt will be awarded following our match against Real Salt Lake on October 17th.

Follow the link embedded in this sentence to vote.

(voting is closed, results can be found here)

Complete results will be made public only once voting is over.
Votes are limited to 1 per IP address.
Voting will be closed the night of the 15th and announced on the 17th.

Past Winners
2011: Troy Perkins
2012: Diego Chara
2013: Will Johnson

—by Mike Coleman

The views expressed here are my own. They are not the views of the Timbers Army or the 107ist.

As most of you know, I’ve not been around the Timbers nearly as long as some of my friends. But that doesn’t mean my love of the club is any less than those who’ve been around since 2001 (or 1975). Sometimes I feel like I live and die by what the club does on the pitch. The Timbers Army are my family, and I know that this thing we have has literally saved lives.

My relationship with the TA and the Club is nothing to be trivialized or trifled with.

So the suggestion that I should, for one night, root for Fishing Village FC is not only ridiculous it’s insulting.

Some readers may say “Lighten up, Francis”.

From where I sit, those people don’t get it; feel free to go root for a club that plays on gridiron lines, and offers refunds to its customers. That's certainly your choice - but, it won't be mine.

Let’s leave logic out of this. Let’s forget that we were up by two goals in Toronto and lost 3-2. Let’s forget that we took 5 out of possible 24 points in the first two months of the season. Let’s forget that Fishing Village FC has put 8 goals in the back of the net in two visits to our park (and, let’s forget in one of those games we were up 4-2 late in the match).

Because, clearly those aren’t the reasons we’re teetering on the brink of elimination from the playoffs.

Take care of business on your own, and you never have to rely on anyone else to do it for you.

But, back to the point at hand: Our owner feels that we don’t have a sense of humor if we found his permission slip ridiculous.

I say this to him: It was ridiculous for our club to sink to that level. To give those scum to the north the satisfaction of seeing our club groveling at their feet.

Let me be completely clear on this: I will not, ever, root for those clowns running around in rave green with their flamethrower goal posts and marching bands.

Even if it means my club's season ends on 10/25.

Sometimes you have to sit with the consequences of your actions.

Do I want the team to make the playoffs? Sure. But, not if it means rooting for the one team I hate more than any other in all of sports.

In case that wasn’t clear enough for you, let me state it differently:

Fuck. ‘Em. All.