TImbers Tid Bits: Timbers U-23 Edition!

I posted about this yesterday, but just as a refresher, today marks the final U.S. Open Cup play-in game that decides whether or not the Timers U-23 side is able to secure a spot in the tournament. The game kicks off at 11:00 am today at Jeld-Wen Field. Tickets are only $5!

In other news, I apologize for the missing link dump yesterday. It just escaped me. Enjoy double the links for today!

Timbers specific news

Portland Timbers' Kenny Cooper trying to move forward
As star forward struggles to score goals, he's determined to place Sunday incident in the past.

Portland Timbers coach John Spencer ramping up practice intensity
"We can't sit back and think we're going to get points dropped in our lap," Spencer says.

Portland Timbers U-23 team to play for berth in U.S. Open Cup
Timbers earn a spot in national tournament with win against Kitsap Friday.

Timbers turn focus from first home loss to LA trip
The Timbers have already played and beat Chivas at home in USOC play...

Timbers willing to gamble on offsides, despite calls
Law 11 is among the shortest in the soccer rule book. But the offside infraction is often a source of consternation and long debates among fans and players.

League news (after the jump)

USA's Clint Dempsey looks beyond Spain to Gold Cup
Two years after beating Spain, which was then and still is the No. 1 team in the world, the U.S. men's soccer team is getting ready for a rematch that attacker Clint Dempsey and his teammates regard as not all that important.

New look, same old result
The Tom Soehn-led Vancouver Whitecaps era began here Wednesday with a new-look Caps roster earning a draw against Chivas USA.

Which US stars are on the move?
Several USMNT players in Europe could be on the move to other clubs this summer. Chck out the speculation!

Hannover and U.S. international winger DaMarcus Beasley's possible move to Mexico would be a blow for MLS
As USMNT player DaMarcus Beasley looks to MLS could he possibly land in Mexico instead?

Thordarson blindsided by Whitecaps firing
Fired Vancouver Whitecaps coach Teitur Thordarson says he has no doubt the team will reverse its fortune

Despite enjoying his resurgence in Major League Soccer, Charlie Davies will return to Sochaux
Bet D.C. United will wish they hadn't used their allocation pick on him now.

For L.A., D.C. coaches, a family affair
Bruce Arena might know Ben Olsen better than anybody aside from Olsen's wife and parents. The Galaxy's coach is family, after all.