—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]

—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: The National Anthem

Tuesday: Guide for First-Timers

Wednesday: Guide for Veterans

Thursday: Game day!

The Timbers Army does some things pretty well.We make a ruckus, we do chants, and we create the atmosphere for the stadium. On Thursday April, 14 we have been chosen to do something rare in sport across America. We all know it's usually a celebrity that sings the National Anthem for big events. Who could forget Whitney Houston killing the game at the Super Bowl in 1991?

Absolutely incredible. I still remember that performance vividly from when I was younger.

Other countries have had very memorable anthem performances that give me chills. Take a couple of minutes and watch the Canadian National Anthem being sung by the crowd in Edmonton.

Oilers fans kind of give you chills with that don't they?

I am honored and extremely pleased to announce to the Timbers Army and the world that the Timbers Army has been selected to sing the United States National Anthem against the Chicago Fire in the inaugural home game at Jeld-Wen Field for the 2011 season.

What does this mean for you? Clear your throats. Drink warm tea with honey. Protect your throats. On Thursday April 14, 2011 you are singing the National Anthem on ESPN.

Follow the capos for instruction. Learn the words. At the end of the National Anthem we have a tifo display planned. There will be some obstructed views in the Timbers Army section. We appreciate you reading and participating in the instructions that will be taped to your seat.

I.CANNOT.WAIT.FOR.THIS.TO.HAPPEN.

IT'S.GOING.TO.BE.EPIC.

FROTH.FROTH.FROTH.

Tomorrow, what to expect if it's your first time...

—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!

The home opener’s almost here. Here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts for anyone who may be new (or needs a refresher) to the Timbers Army scene. We'll elaborate more throughout the week.

DO...

• plan to have fun within the realm of common sense.
• recognize that we stand, yell and sing throughout the entire match. You might miss a sweet pass here or there, but you’ll see it on Fox 12, Tivo or YouTube later that night. Wayne Garcia will make sure of it!
• contemplate the fact that you might have no voice at work/school the following day.
• grab a chant sheet from the 107ist booth (or print one here) and learn them all.

DON’T...

• throw anything onto the pitch (a.k.a. the field). We consider this a major sign of disrespect toward our players and the game itself. Plus, it will get you thrown out by JWF security. (Click here for a complete set of rules at JWF.)
• scream ‘YSA’ during opponent’s goal kicks. It’s childish, unoriginal, pointlessly obscene, and just makes us look dumb. If it’s wildly popular in Seattle, chances are good that it’s no longer cool. We’ve moved on…you should, too.
• yell “F*ck Seattle” during the non-vocal break of the “Heeeeeeeeey Portland Timbers!” chant. Again, it’s unoriginal, pointlessly obscene, childish, and practically a given sentiment. Some proposed alternatives are:
  • “We-Sa-lute-You!”
  • clap-clap-clap-clap
  • cowbell-cowbell-cowbell-cowbell
  • silence-silence-silence-silence
• spill beer, whether it’s yours or someone else’s. It makes the ground sticky. It ruins clothes. It can cause fights. It turns a good time into a bad time. Plus, you paid $7 for it!
• bring vuvuzelas (those annoying horns from the 2010 World Cup). Not only is it against JWF policy, but sneaking one in and using it will likely get it taken away and broken in half over a knee, even if your child is carrying it. It won’t be us that made him cry, it’ll be you, the bad parent.

Tomorrow, details on tifo participation, and what will be most awesome performance of the National Anthem EVER!

In recognition of the debut of Major League Soccer later than evening, the Oregon House of Representatives is scheduled to declare Thursday to be “Portland Timbers Day” in Oregon.

To make sure that the vote is unanimous (heh, heh, heh), Timber Joey will be representing the Timbers during the vote, scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday in Salem’s State Capitol building. The club is inviting members of the TA and 107ist to take part in this historic event.

Meet Joey in the Capitol rotunda at 10:00 a.m.; car-pooling is encouraged. The morning session begins at 11 a.m., and the “Timbers Day” bill, carried by Speaker of the House Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas County) is one of the first items on the agenda.

The club has asked for an approximate headcount; if you’re interested in going, contact 107ist Board Secretary Roger Anthony at Roger.Anthony@107ist.org.

Next month, Timber Joey and 107ist Board member Sean Moran will be leading the Timbers Army into the fight against children’s cancer.

For nine years now, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has been raising money in order to fund childhood cancer research. All told, the foundation raised $22 million last year, with $133,000 of that collected in Portland.

Joey already has his own fund-raising page on the St. Baldrick’s website, and you can go here to donate.

You can also collect pledges and raise money by shaving your head along with hundreds of others on Saturday, May 14 at Oaks Park. Details for Timbers Army participants are here: www.stbaldricks.org/teams/timbersarmy

Joey will set the tone for the event on May 5, when he has his head shaved during Drew Carney’s “Out & About” segment of the “NewsChannel 8 at Sunrise” newscast from 5-7 a.m.

For his part, Sean has promised to have his head shaved during the bus trip up to Seattle on May 14th – hopefully on a straight, smooth section of I-5.

What the Timbers Saw

Normally the TA doesn't bother with monthly gatherings once the season's on, the logic being: "OK, I'm going to see enough of you people over the next eight months, let's not overdo it." (I think of this as one more way in which the Timbers Army is like a real family: sometimes you just need to get the hell away from them.)

This year though there's a special event planned for Thursday, April 7, one that's more aligned with what the bulk of Portlanders think when they hear the phrase "First Thursday," which is to say: Art.

From the press release:

Local Artists Neil Perry and Susannah Kelly, in conjunction with the Timbers Army, are organizing a group show of Timbers-related art to celebrate the team on the eve of their first Major League Soccer game at the newly renovated Jeld-Wen Field.

What the Timbers Saw will open on April 7th at The Bitter End, located at 1981 W. Burnside, as part of the Timbers Army first Thursday event. The organizers are hoping for a typically buoyant atmosphere.

“My favorite thing about attending Timbers games is the sense of camaraderie among the crowd, there is a real sense of community and that is something to be proud of’’ said co-curator and artist Susannah Kelly.

As soccer in Portland approaches the dawn of a new era, excitement about joining MLS builds, and the city’s local artists are paying tribute to the team. The roster includes natives and adopted Portlanders alike. Former club mascot, Timber Jim Serrill, is among those making work for the show, which will showcase two of Portland’s most passionate communities.

Co-curator Neil Perry said: “My re-location to Portland from the UK was largely down to two things: the internationally renowned art community and some very good friends, members of the Timbers Army, who I met when they visited Sunderland to watch my team play in 2006. It’s an honor to be able to bring these two passionate cultures closer together.”

30% of sales will be donated to "Operation Pitch Invasion", a local charity dedicated to repairing and maintaining soccer fields in Portland. Members of the 107ist, a supporter run non-profit, created this organization.

Please contact Neil Perry with any further questions.

See that last part? It's for a good cause, too. So go to the Bitter End and get some culture, you brutes!