—by Chris Rifer

Four days ago, the Timbers sat with one point, tied for the bottom spot in the Western Conference. Today, Portland is in fourth place with seven points, looking down the table at the Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps. It’s been a nice week of work for the boys.

If you missed the match on Thursday, the Timbers provided an encore performance Sunday afternoon, perhaps with a sprinkle more late drama. The run of play was split relatively evenly between FC Dallas and Portland in the first half, but the Timbers looked more dangerous around the area and capitalized on their chances.

In the 13^th minute, Kalif Alhassan dropped a ball to Jack Jewbury at the top of the box. Jewsbury’s shot hit the near post, deflected off FC Dallas keeper Kevin Hartman’s back, and into the back of the net. Once again, the Timbers had an early lead.

In the 35^th minute, Portland took control as Jewsbury sent a corner kick in front of the mouth of the goal to Kenny Cooper, who nodded it into the side netting for his first tally at Jeld-Wen Field, giving the Timbers a 2-0 lead at the break.

Coming out of intermission, the Timbers quickly asserted themselves when Jorge Perlaza redirected a cross from Steve Purdy into goal only to have the score nullified by an offside call. Sound familiar? It wouldn’t take too long for Portland to net the magical third, however, as Alhassan sliced his way through a gaggle of striped shirts in the 55^th minute and found Rodney Wallace for his second goal in as many games.

Kalif looked to make it four in the 61^st minute, but his strong shot from just outside the area was parried by a beautiful diving save from Hartman.

What would a Timbers home match be without a little bit of late drama? In the 83^rd minute, David Ferriera sprinted past Futty Danso, and slotted a ball past a surprised Jake Gleeson. What was just a minor party foul became a serious issue just three minutes later as Brek Shea caught Gleeson in between and chipped the ball into the net.

Aided by an athletic Gleeson save, Portland’s defense withstood FC Dallas’ desperate attempt to find an equalizer and captured their sixth point in four days.

Match Observations

• Seriously, who in their right mind would suggest that Kalif Alhassan should lose his starting spot? Oh right, I would. Three days ago. This is awkward.
• The Timbers attack looks fantastic right now. Between Perlaza, Cooper, Alhassan, and the outside backs doing a great job of getting forward, the Timbers have deserved their seven goals in the last two matches. This is forcing teams to be more conservative than they would like to be, providing an added layer of protection to Portland’s backline. A number of times when Dallas would look to get forward they would look up and see nothing but green shirts to extinguish any attack.
• Portland’s problems appear to be arising when they stop looking to be aggressive in getting forward. Futty, although a fan favorite, has been a bit up and down at the center back spot, which looks more and more like it is David Horst’s spot to return to. If I was Gavin, and had money to make one more major signing, this is where I would look.
• We also shouldn’t overlook the fact that tired legs could have played a big part in the late game mistakes. The Timbers were playing their second game in four days, and in the waning minutes there was much, much more space than there had been throughout. The two goals were on plays where a Timber defender was beat in a footrace. So, to a certain extent you have to think the boys just ran out of gas a little bit.

Timbers Grades

Jake Gleeson, 5 Had 82 minutes of easy, routine soccer, but probably should have done better on both goals. On the first he got caught going the wrong way in a little bit of a misread. On the second he got caught in between, allowing Shea to chip him. That said, probably preserved the three points with his stoppage time save off the bar.

Steve Purdy, 5.5 Had his fingerprints all over the second concession, but otherwise was as usual reliable in defense. Unlucky not to be awarded with the assist on Perlaza’s nullified goal.

Eric Brunner, 6 I continue to be impressed. He is exactly the kind of reliable center back that a team needs. If the Timbers can continue to score goals, he is probably good enough to lock down the backline well enough to produce results.

Futty, 4.5 This hurts because I love the guy, but was by far the Timbers most blood pressure raising player of the match. Made a couple nice plays to get himself out of trouble, but was far and away the most vulnerable point of the defense.

Rodney Wallace, 6 Another nice game from Wallace. Not quite the match he had on Thursday, but still tallied a goal— although Kalif did most of the heavy lifting—and looked for the most part reliable in defense. Does have a knack for yielding needless corners, though, as he did in second half stoppage time.

Jeremy Hall, 5.5 Wasn’t as effective getting forward, but won a number of balls in the midfield and did well to start a few attacking sequences. Right now, with Nagbe still working his way in, Hall’s reliability in defense is a bonus. It’s no coincidence that in the last two matches the defense has looked leakier after he has left the pitch.

Jack Jewsbury, 6.5 Dear Sporting KC, Thank you. This guy is awesome. Wins balls in the midfield, distributes well to start the attack, and is absolutely deadly on set pieces.

James Marcelin, 5 Had his best moments when he was in defense. Otherwise was pretty quiet in the attack.

Kalif Alhassan, 8 By far the best man on the pitch. That’s saying something considering David Ferriera is the reigning MLS MVP and FC Dallas was in the MLS Cup Final last year.

Kenny Cooper, 6 Again was disruptive up front, and showed his prowess in the air. Had a couple moments where he could have pulled the trigger and failed to do so, but on the whole had a good outing.

Jorge Perlaza, 5.5 A bit unlucky not to get a goal. Had the one called back for offside which looked to be a close, but probably correct call. Had a few other chances that went by the wayside, but has to feel good about finding a rhythm.

Darlington Nagbe, 5.5 Showed his pace on a couple runs, but still doesn’t quite have the feel necessary to make that last pass. It may take him a little bit of time because he is trying to find his rhythm both coming off of injury and in a new league, but it is clear that the physical tools are there.

Sal Zizzo, 4.5 Didn’t have his best outing, and with the emergence of Kalif Alhassan it is becoming doubtful that he has a place in the starting XI. He’s still a nice player, but how can you keep Kalif off the pitch right now?

Eddie Johnson, 4 Was set up nicely a couple times but failed to make anything terribly dangerous from it. Will be a nice change of pace substitute when he gets back into full form, but for now is a noticeable downgrade from Perlaza.

—by Chris Rifer

As I was walking to get a pint with a few friends after the match, I dreaded writing this post. What more can be said that our boys and the environment didn’t already say last night? Thursday night, April 14^th, 2011, was perfect.

For the boys on the pitch, aside from being an invigorating home opener, it was a night of redemption. Ghosts that had grown over the course of the last few weeks were exorcised. Jorge Perlaza, who had looked wholly out of sorts leading some to clamor for Brian Umony or even Darlington Nagbe up top, opened his account with a brace. He was pacey, dynamic, and opportunistic. Rodney Wallace, who had committed a number of cringe-worthy mistakes over the course of the opening road trip, was reliable in defense and quality in the attack.

The party looked to be starting in the 11^th minute, when Kenny Cooper nodded home a Jack Jewsbury corner kick, only to have the goal disallowed by the linesman because the flight of Jewsbury’s ball allegedly carried it over the plane of the endline.

The Timbers continued to dominate in possession and chances, however, and their efforts paid off when Kalif Alhassan sent a well-bent ball forward for Perlaza, who left Fire keeper Sean Johnson grasping at air with a clever cut back and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. In the 38^th minute, Rodney Wallace got into the action after a Jewbury set piece was cleared away. The ball came to Wallace, who deftly volleyed the ball through the stagnant Fire defense and into the net.

In the 47^th minute, the rout appeared to be on when Johnson failed to smother Wallace’s low cross. Perlaza, la Pantera, pounced on the loose ball in the box for his second tally of the evening.

Thereafter, the Timbers, with a few notable exceptions like Kalif Alhassan’s chip off the bar, seemed content to sit back a bit more. The Fire, relieved of the pressure that their backline couldn’t handle, took advantage and momentarily got back into the match. In the 66^th minute, Eric Brunner’s sliding tackle on the onrushing Marco Pappa deflected the ball past Jake Gleeson and into the net. The game tightened further, as in the 81^st minute, the unmarked Pappa beautifully bent a ball into the upper corner to pull the Fire within a goal.

The tension wouldn’t last long, however, as just three minutes later a Jewsbury corner eluded Johnson and led to a scrum at the mouth of the goal. In large part thanks to Cooper and Futty’s scrappiness, the ball squirted into goal, providing insurance and another moment of near-hysteria for the Army.

Match Observations

• If this is the Jorge Perlaza Portland is going to see on a consistent basis, Timbers Joey might need to get a bigger log. Chicago looked inept on their back line and in goal, but Perlaza’s pace and aggression getting forward caused several moments of panic.
• The Timbers still struggled a little bit in the second half keeping possession in the midfield. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that it is likely that three-quarters of Thursday’s midfield will be revamped two weeks from now with the return of Sal Zizzo and Darlington Nagbe to full action and the addition of Diego Chara.
• Alhassan, however, is making that decision difficult. Every match he has appeared to get more and more comfortable. The kid is dynamic, and considering he can play on both sides of the midfield—and the suspicion here is that with his distribution capabilities he could also be effective attacking from the center—he is likely to become a super sub.
• The defense gave up 13 corner kicks, many of which were needless. They covered them well, but that is far too many, and most matches will lead to a concession or two.

Match Grades

Jake Gleeson, 6 There was nothing he could have done about the two goals—one an unforeseeable deflection off of a Brunner tackle and the second an incredible bending ball that will likely be MLS Goal of the Week. He commanded his box extremely well, especially on balls coming in from the wings and on corners. Also had a typical Gleeson save on Dominic Oduro’s 1 v 1 opportunity. I’m stubbornly sticking to Perkins as starter, but this kid can play.

Steve Purdy, 5.5 Was again reliable in defense, and had a number of nice runs forward. Nothing we haven’t seen already from Purdy, but that means he was solid in back and productive moving forward.

Eric Brunner, 6 A high grade for a guy charged with an own goal, but the own goal was a little bit unfortunate, and I’m in a forgiving mood. Especially in the first half he was a one-man wrecking crew for Fire opportunities.

Futty, 5.5 Looked at times like it was his first match of the season, but also some nice moments in defense. Played a huge role in the final goal, earning a positive grade and likely another start.

Rodney Wallace, 6.5 Was simply fantastic. Energetic and disruptive in back, effective when he looked to get forward, and his strike of goal was pure quality. With the addition of Diego Chara and the substantial improvement of Wallace, all of a sudden the Dax McCarty trade is looking shrewd.

Jeremy Hall, 5 Had a couple nice runs, but probably had the most nondescript day of anybody on the pitch. With the return of Nagbe and Zizzo, it will be interesting to see where he fits in. Likely going to be as a sub that can enter in defensive situations on the wings, or even absorb some minutes at outside back.

Jack Jewsbury, 5.5 This was a more typical Jewsbury game. Solid in defense and distribution. Led a pretty good midfield effort in the first half.

James Marcelin, 5 Not Marcelin’s best outing, but nothing to really complain about either. His role is about to be significantly limited when Charra arrives, but it’s likely he will still see some pitch time in defensive situations.

Kalif Alhassan, 6 What a find last year. The kid distributes well, operates well on the ball, and has some finishing creativity to him as well. I still think Zizzo and Nagbe are probably going to lock down the wings, but Alhassan has stated an interesting case, certainly enough to at least be John Spencer’s favorite option off the bench.

Jorge Perlaza, 6.5 The first goal showed that he has quite a bit of quality to him that hadn’t been put on showcase before Thursday, and the second goal showed the predatory instincts that had been a step late until now. La Pantera seems a fitting nickname, so no need to make a change there.

Kenny Cooper, 5.5 This is probably a bit harsh considering he was in on one goal and had another arguably unjustly disallowed, but I didn’t feel like he was quite as disruptive up front as he usually is. That may not be his fault as much as a result of other guys getting that done. One thing that stuck out was his willingness and ability to track back.

Sal Zizzo, 5 Looked like a classic first match back. Had a couple nice moments of quality, but overall was pretty quiet. If the fitness is there, he may get the start on Sunday. If not, look for him next week.

Eddie Johnson, 5 Similar to Zizzo, had a couple moments of aggressiveness up front, but didn’t look completely comfortable coming off the injury.

Darlington Nagbe, INC. Only had a short stint. Did have one nice run, and was unmarked at the top of the box on the corner which led to the last goal. There is a gut feeling that we’re going to see him in the starting lineup on Sunday.

—by Andrew Brawley

It's home opener week. We got lots of information to share this week. Spread the word!

Sunday: Do's and Don'ts

Monday: Tifo 101 + the National Anthem

Tuesday: Guide for First-Timers

Wednesday: Guide for Veterans

Thursday: It's Game Day!

It’s down to a matter of hours now, this wait for Portland’s first Major League Soccer match. So close you can taste it…8 p.m. Thursday, April 14 2011.

For some, it’s been 29 years of holding out hope since the demise of the original NASL Timbers; for others, it’s been seven l-o-n-g months since Ryan Pore’s Sunflower Goal sent everyone dancing into the streets as the Division 2 days wound down.

For still others, it’s been a lifetime.

No matter how long it’s seemed, we’ve made it: Portland has taken its rightful place at the highest levels of North American soccer.

We wouldn’t be here without Merritt Paulson and so many others in the front office (Lookin’ at you, Zus). But neither would we be here without the Timbers Army – without the thousands of people who bought scarf, raised a pint, made up a song, created a two-stick and brought a newb or two along.

So what’s next? Tell you what, we’ll give that some serious thought this evening... Right after we finish changing the face of American soccer.

What are YOUR thoughts on this historic day?

2011 It takes an Army to Raise a Club

—by Lucas Grzybowski

Yesterday was my last opportunity to get inside JELD-WEN Field to chronicle the renovation process that has turned the place from a quasi-baseball park into what I'm sure we'll now find is the newest Gem of American Soccer Stadia™.

It was also Media Day, so there were all the players, mingling with the bloggers and sports writers.

KeyBank President Brian Rice kicked off the event, giving everyone a quick rundown of the amenities of the new stand and the club restaurant where we were gathered (short version: the place is well-appointed).

After that the media was let loose on the players, who'd been lined up in the back of the room, conveniently seated near the buffet line (they'd just finished their first training session on the JWF pitch, I'm sure they were hungry, and the pot roast and potatoes certainly did the trick).

I didn't go to this event with the intention of schmoozing the players; I went to get some pics of the stadium, so I wasn't prepared for much in the way of interviewing. I did chat up Bright Dike a little bit, along with OregonLive.com blogger Rick Curwen; Bright is in good spirits, despite that enormous boot on his foot, and he assured us he'd be back on the pitch before the end of the regular season.

For me the event was both surreal — to be eating lunch with the team in a fancy club restaurant above what used to be left-center field — and a welcome taste of the intimacy that we as fans have always shared with the team. I have been worried that this intimacy would ebb away with the club moving up to the top division, and all the changes one would expect to accompany that move. I'm sanguine that the familial relationship will continue.

Also: Horstache! lol

For some actual reportage on the Media Day event (including the preceding training session, most of which I missed), I would like to direct you to the following links:

The Start of a New Era [Stumptown Footy]

Portland Timbers practice in updated Jeld-Wen Field [The Oregonian]

Stadium Porn Addendum: Craig Mitchelldyer has posted a time-lapse video of the entire renovation process. It's...beautiful! [Watch it here.]

—by Garrett Dittfurth

Our first home game as a MLS club is coming up on Thursday. It's important that we honor the past and pay attention to the fact that the Timbers have existed prior to 2011. Our friends at FC Media have been hard at work chronicling the history of the Portland Timbers and founders Michael Orr and Morgen Young are curating an exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society with all kinds of interesting tidbits.

I can't think of a better way to spend the Friday after our first home game in the newly remodeled House of Pane or the Saturday before our game against Dallas than at the Oregon History Museum checking out the exhibit. Press release posted below for all the details.

Portland, OR – April 8, 2011— This spring, Oregon launches a new era in sports history with the Portland Timbers’ inaugural season in Major League Soccer. Though many fans are anxiously awaiting the kick‐off, not all are as familiar with the long history of the club. In celebration of the Portland Timbers’ exciting first match, the Oregon History Museum at the Oregon Historical Society is opening Soccer City, USA, an exhibit that

will give Timbers fans and history buffs alike the chance to learn the story of the original Portland Timbers teams.

Over a year ago, exhibit curators Michael Orr and Morgen Young started FC Media as a way to collect the history of this popular team since its inception in 1975. Trying to locate a full collection of the Timbers’ historic uniforms, FC Media discovered that no such museum or archive dedicated to the Timbers existed. This realization sent the avid soccer fans on a quest to collect uniforms, photographs, and oral histories from both players and fans. They approached the Oregon History Museum as a way to showcase this incredible collection to the public, as well as ensure that these important pieces of history are cared for properly.

Focusing on the years that the Portland Timbers played in the North American Soccer League, from 1975‐1982, Orr and Young reached out to players from those original teams, some of whom still live in Portland.

“We started cold calling people, and we came across the phone numbers for two of the players on the original Timbers team,” says Orr. These players connected FC Media with many more ex‐Timbers players and fans, many of whom have contributed to this exhibit. As a result of these connections, six game worn jerseys from players on the 1975 team will be displayed at OHS, including one from the first person ever signed to a Timbers’ contract.

“What you will see when you visit this exhibit is a pooling of everything that is out there about the Timbers ‐ from past players to lifetime fans” states Orr. “The uniforms and memorabilia in this exhibit are items that you could only get if you were there, as a ticket holder or a player. This exhibit is the largest collection of Timbers’ artifacts in one place at one time, something that even the most dedicated fans have never been able to access.”

Artifacts in the exhibit tell the story behind well known Portland Timbers traditions. Timbers fans know that when a goal is scored beloved mascot, lumberjack Timber Joey, saws a slice off of a gigantic log with a chainsaw. The spectacle, loved by fans and feared by opponents, was started by Timber Jim in the late 1970s. In 1980, noted Timbers midfielder John Bain scored a hat trick in a game against the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Timber Jim cut a log slice and carved Bain’s name and date into the piece of wood. That log, sequestered in Bain’s office for 30 years, will be showcased in Soccer City, USA.

Also unearthed for the exhibit is the trophy from the Timbers’ 1975 Western Conference Championship victory. Many fans know that the Timbers played in the Soccer Bowl that year, but few have ever seen the large trophy they were awarded for winning the Western Conference, which has been in the home of the sons of an original Timbers owner. This beautiful trophy, along with shoes, posters, soccer balls, and fan memorabilia, will be on display.

FC Media has gathered historic items from the living rooms, garages and attics of Timbers fans and players to create this exciting exhibit. Join us at the Oregon History Museum on opening weekend between the Timbers’ home games, April 15‐17, 2011, where you can honor the past and celebrate the future of Portland’s new Major League Soccer team.

OHS is hosting a private press and member preview for the exhibit on Friday, April 15th, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Curators and exhibit contributors will be on site. Media should contact OHS if they plan to attend.

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m. Visit WWW.OHS.ORG for more information.

About FC Media

Beyond being soccer enthusiasts, Michael Orr and Morgen Young are also experienced historians; Orr holds an undergraduate degree in history and Young holds a graduate degree in public history. FC Media’s graphic designer, Matthew Speakman, contributed to the exhibit’s design and in creating the text panels that tell the story of the team.

About the Oregon Historical Society

The Society has served since 1898 as Oregon’s primary research collection and museum about Oregon history. OHS has an extensive collection of historical pieces, including over 85,000 artifacts and 3 million photographs and films. It safeguards and presents Oregon’s history through a museum, research library, traveling exhibits, school programs and website content.

—by Andrew Brawley

It's home opener week. We got lots of information to share this week. Spread the word!

Sunday: Do's and Don'ts

Monday: Tifo 101 + the National Anthem

Tuesday: Guide for First-Timers

Wednesday: Guide for Veterans

Thursday: Game day!

You’ve seen it all. You know everyone’s nicknames. You get the same seats at every match. You’ve got every chant down by memory (perhaps even wrote one or two yourself). If this were a real army, you’d be at least an Admiral. We get it…you’re kind of a big deal.

While a lot of people probably do owe you a debt of gratitude for your service over the years, we don’t want to let it go to your head. You may have been the cock-of-the-walk during the USL-era Timbers, but we’re all entering this new MLS era together on equal ground. The time to cash in those respect points has passed.

Here are a few things to keep in mind this season as we maintain our status as the best Supporters Section in American soccer:

• Growth. This is a good thing. We started in a few rows of section 107. Then we filled that section. Then we spilled out into nearby sections. Now we’re taking up the entire North End. 16 sections (101-108 & 201-208). This happened because of your hard work over the years. Thank you...now be appreciative of it.
• Experience. You’ve got bundles of it. Now you’ll be surrounded by curious newcomers who are envious of what you got. Rather than roll your eyes at them, open your arms and share it with them.
• Education. We’ve worked hard to maintain a level of integrity and originality. Rather than scold a newcomer for yelling YSA, calmly explain to them why we shun that practice. You attract more flies with honey....
• Expand. As we told the newcomers yesterday, '107' is a state of mind, not an address. You may be loyal to that section, but if you plan to continue that streak, you may want to skip the pre-funk at The Bitter End and get in line early. Most newcomers have no idea about the knife carving you left under what used to be known as "your" seat. Besides, by many accounts, the pitch position has shifted a bit. 107 might not have offer the same perspective you're used to. Change won't kill you. Be flexible.
• Respect. There was a time when you were at your first Timbers match, standing amazed and bewildered at all the chaos. Remember this when you see someone in that same boat.
• Lead. The best way to do this is by example. You know the boundaries and expectations placed upon us. Make sure the newcomers see first-hand why we are on the frontline of US soccer supporters.

Tomorrow is the day we've all been waiting for!

Dearest Timbers Army,

The offseason has been long. I have spent all of it dreaming of something very special for the home opener.  I have a message for all of you. MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN YOUR SEATS BEFORE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM STARTS. If you are not in your seat you may be held out of the lower bowl until after the kickoff and might miss your opportunity to participate in something very special.

Love,

Soda Popinski

P.S. I made a home opener popcast for your listening pleasure. Dance please.

—by Andrew Brawley

It's home opener week. We got lots of information to share this week. Spread the word!

Sunday: Do's and Don'ts

Monday: Tifo 101 + the National Anthem

Tuesday: Guide for First-Timers

Wednesday: Guide for Veterans

Thursday: Game day!

So your first Timbers game is quickly approaching, and lucky you, you’re sitting with the Timbers Army! Are you a little anxious? Excited? Worried about what you might have heard about us from your Grandpa or a confused Oregonian journalist?

That’s alright. We all had a first time in our lives, but we surely won’t ever forget it, and neither will you!

In honor of all our new friends joining us in The North End, here are a few tips to make your first game the most enjoyable experience possible.

• Stretch. You’re going to be doing a lot of standing. And yelling. And singing. Possibly some drinking. The off-season is hard on all of us, which is why there’s a pre-season: it gets us warmed up for the regular season. Wear some comfy shoes (preferably ones that can withstand occasional beer spillage) and get ready for a workout.
• Read. Can’t make out what we’re singing? No problem! We’ve got lyric sheets for all our chants at the 107ist booth in the concession area. (Get a head start and print one out at home.) You’ll be singing like a pro (in our eyes, at least) in no time!
• Relax. We’re all here to do two things: support the Timbers and have a good time doing it. Nobody wants to get into a scuffle. If you need to lay off the beer, that’s fine. If someone else does, kindly help them out. This is a fun sports event, not a drinking contest.
• Spread. Remember that ‘107’ is a state of mind, not an address. The old days of clamoring to be stuck in the thick of it are over. You no longer HAVE to be in section 107 to get the full TA effect. We got 16 sections of the North End (101-108; 201-208) to play in. There’s plenty of room for everybody.
• Participate. We pride ourselves on being Silicon Forest social media savants, but this is not the time to bury your head into your iPhone and post updates to Twitter or Facebook. Unless you’re texting your FFF (Flounders-fan-frienemy) that the Timbers just scored, keep the phone in your pocket and join in the fun.
• Learn. Nobody expects you to be an expert after one match. If you would rather play the role of observer at your first match, we suggest sitting somewhere in the 200 level seats and witnessing the party from up on high. There’s no need to dive right into the deep end of the 100 level seats from the get-go.
• Prompt. More than any other season, it will pay greatly to arrive early this year. Saving a couple seats near you is fine, but holding 20 seats for your lazy pals right up until kick-off is not a good way to introduce yourself to the TA.
• Play. We’re all here because it’s fun. We hope you are as well.

Questions? Post them here. The veterans will surely help you out.

Tomorrow, a guide for the veterans. Yeah, they need one, too.

—by Lucas Grzybowski

Yeah it was just a training match, yeah the Timbers side was mostly reserves and trialists, and yeah OSU isn't exactly on par with Chicago Fire in terms of quality of opposition. But hey man, this isn't just a hobby, this is a lifestyle. Which is to say I'm obsessed beyond any hope, and have been for years. So a few of us drove down Corvallis way last Saturday for the scrimmage.

Photo by Cap Ap OUT

It was pretty idyllic, standing in that parking lot on the edge of campus, breathing in the clean air of the Willamette Valley (aka "God's Country"). And Yea, a fruitful bounty did emerge from within the trunk of the car.

The Timbers' bus arrived at about 5:40pm for the 6:00 kickoff, and off marched the team, fully kitted out and ready to go. Which made me wonder: did they get dressed on the bus? Did they put on their uniforms in Portland and then ride on a bus for 90 minutes wearing cleats and whatnot?

Anyway we said something like "Hello Timbers we like you a lot!" and giggled like the obsessed fanboys and fangirls we are. Bright Dike was spotted; he didn't appear to be limping but he had a massive boot on his foot.

We then helped the driver parallel park the bus (remember this is a lifestyle, folks).

You won't find much in the way of expert analysis from me in these blogs, but here is my review of the game.

• Darlington Nagbe looks like the business. The kid has got some wheels on him, and his goal was pretty sweet (off a great run up the right from Ryan Pore).

• Our Romanian trialist Constantin Arbănaş looked active in the right back spot, made a bunch of runs forward, but I can't tell how good he is because A) there were plentiful and obvious communication breakdowns with the rest of the team, rendering many of his runs pointless, and B) I don't know what the hell I'm talking about.

(More great pics of the match from Allison Andrews of The Timber Mill here.)

• MLS pool keeper Kevin Guppy played between the pipes for us (opposite last year's Timbers U23 backup keeper Steve Spangler, in net for OSU), and he kept a clean sheet.
• Futty started alongside Kevin Goldthwaite in the middle of defense and had multiple strong chances in the air from corner kicks, and one blast from distance that went just wide. I really like Futty and I hope he sees some minutes this season (with the injury to David Horst that looks likely).
• I enjoyed watching Eddie Johnson, Adam Moffat, and Spencer Thompson get some playing time. They seemed hungry and effective, but please keep in mind B) from the second bullet above.

(More great pics of the match from Sarah Alley here.)

• The Timbers might have treated this as a training scrimmage with a meaningless result, but it was obvious the Beavers did not want to lose the game. They were getting stuck in all over the place, and fair play to them for that. The second half was pretty entertaining in part thanks to their hustle.

That's about all I got. If you want actual soccer talk, try this link:

Beavers play well in training game against Timbers [Corvallis Gazette-Times]