Portland Timbers Destroy LA Galaxy 4-1 in Pre-Season Friendly [Update]
by Geoff Gibson on Feb 7, 2012 1:09 PM PST
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The Portland Timbers wasted no time in beating their first opponent during their trip down to California as the Timbers came away a with a whopping 4-1 victory over LA. Those of you who were around for last season will remember a similar goal ratio during LA's visit to Portland (3-0).
The goals came from Bright Dike, Jorge Perlaza, James Marcelin and Futty Danso with Franck Songo'o apparently playing a rather large role in the first two goals and in setting up a number of other chances. His stock is rising...
Unfortunately, aside from the Twitter account we don't have much information surrounding the match so we'll refrain from getting too in depth with the analysis. Still it's a great way to start off the training camp down in LA. Let's hope they can keep up the momentum.
Oh and I would also caution against putting too much weight into this victory. Pre-season victories and losses can often be very deceiving when heading into the actual season.
The Timbers will next meet the Montreal Impact Friday, February 10th.
Update: I've gone ahead and added the official Timbers press release after the jump since it contains a more detailed analysis of the game.
CARSON, Calif. — With tallies by four different goal-scorers and bolstered by a quick start that staked them an early two-goal lead, the Portland Timbers today defeated the defending MLS Cup-champion LA Galaxy 4-1 at The Home Depot Center in their first game of the 2012 preseason.
Futty Danso, Bright Dike, James Marcelin and Jorge Perlaza each scored for the Timbers, who built a 2-0 lead by the ninth minute and benefitted from a pair of second-half strikes to seal a convincing win to kick off their slate of preseason games.
“It’s always nice when you can score goals so early in the preseason, and hopefully it’s a vein of form we continue to have; finishing is usually the last thing that comes before the start of the season,” said John Spencer, head coach of the Timbers. “We were lucky enough today that we got some good chances, some good looks at the goal, and guys put the ball in the back of the net, which is nice.”
With little exception, both teams featured two distinct teams for each half, with only Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins playing the entire game between the two sides.
Dike and Perlaza scored a minute apart early in the first half, with Dike heading in a corner kick from trialist Franck Songo’o in the eighth minute to start the scoring. Just a minute later, Perlaza got one past former USL Timber Josh Saunders for a quick 2-0 lead.
“I thought we played well in the first half; we passed the ball very well,” Spencer said. “We obviously went up two-nil at halftime, which is a good result for that team.”
The Timbers brought in nine new players to start the second half and eventually added to their margin. Marcelin took a nice through-ball from Kalif Alhassan and was able to beat Galaxy goalkeeper Nick Noble to the ball and deftly lift it over Noble in the 67th to up the Timbers’ advantage to 3-0.
While midfielder Dan Keat was able to pull one back for LA following a Galaxy corner kick at the 80-minute mark, Danso responded for Portland in the 85th minute by stepping up and burying a penalty kick to the upper right corner of the goal following a handball in the box.
“It took a while for the second group to get going,” Spencer said, “but once we started settling down and passing the ball, I thought we actually put in two good halves. I am really pleased with the guys.”
The Timbers return to their regular training schedule Wednesday at The Home Depot Center in Carson, beginning at 10 a.m.
Scoring Summary:
POR: Dike (Songo’o), 8
POR: Perlaza (Songo’o), 9
POR: Marcelin (Alhassan), 67
LA: Keat, 80
POR: Danso (penalty kick), 85
Lineups:
POR: GK Perkins, D Palmer (Purdy, 46), D Brunner (Danso, 46), D Mosquera (Jean-Baptiste, 46), D Wallace (Chabala, 46), M Songo’o (Alhassan, 46), M Jewsbury (Marcelin, 46), M Chara (Braun, 46), M Alexander (Davids, 46), F Dike (Rincon, 75), F Perlaza (Richards, 46)
LA: GK Saunders (Noble, 46), D Jordan (Davies, 46; McCarty, 78), D Meyer (Boyens, 46), D DeLaGarza (Gaul, 46), D Dunivant (Murray, 46), M Franklin (Jimenez, 46), M Beckham (Walker, 46), M Sarvas (Keat, 46), M Stephens (Nakazawa, 46), F Buddle (McBean, 46), F Cardozo (Cristman, 46)
Notes:
· After the game, quarterback Andrew Luck, the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, caught up with friend and Timbers head coach John Spencer outside the team locker room.
· The Timbers welcomed three new players to camp as the team opened its Southern California training sessions Monday, including Charles Renken, who was acquired by the team last week, and trialists Jose Balcazar and Lance Davids. In total, there are 33 players currently with the team during their Carson camp. Davids played the entire second half at midfield during Tuesday’s win over the Galaxy.
· The Timbers debuted their new black adidas training kits in their preseason opener.
· The match was played under overcast conditions and started with a slight rain that quickly let up.
· Supplemental Draft pick Logan McDaniel, who was scheduled to join Portland’s preseason camp in Carson, will not report as expected due to injury.
· The Timbers, who were undefeated in preseason play last season at 2-0-6, did not score their fourth preseason goal until their sixth game.
· The Timbers next face the Montreal Impact in preseason action. The two clubs play in Carson on Friday at 10:30 a.m. (PT). The Timbers are scheduled to play four preseason games during their stay in Southern California.
- Not currently with the team in camp, forward Jose Adolfo Valencia underwent successful surgery in Tigard, Ore., on Monday to repair cartilage damage in his left knee.
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I haven't even seen the guy play
and I’m already a huge Songo’o fan. Barca trained, creates chances for our scorers, and he’s got some flair from what I’ve seen of him on the ’net. Hope he continues to impress and gets signed.
by vitaminx on Feb 7, 2012 1:32 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Probably a bit less meaningful than usual against a team like LA that is established
But we still have positions to settle so it’s great to see the guys get after it.
volatilelyle.com
I will echo and emphasize the "do not put any weight into these results" sentiment
Preseason is not about winning. Preseason is about getting in peak playing shape and learning (or re-learning, for teammates from last year) how to working together. Results are meaningless until the regular season starts.
Yes
I would like to know how they looked. Were they confident, composed, cohesive, communicating, etc.? How was their passing accuracy, possession, 50/50 balls, shots on frame, etc.? Did they have their heads up, one/two touch passing, etc.?
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 3:54 PM PST up reply actions
how did the Galaxy look?
THATS important. Did the Timbers net 4 against a lineup that didn’t care or try, or was just going through the motions?
Granted scoring 4 goals once doesn’t mean you’re going to average 4 a game, or even 2. But to come away like that means you’re doing something right.
I think after the two goals the Galaxy did take a handle of the game in the first half,
but did not generate serious attacks on goal from what I understand. So the game did shift towards LA, but did not threaten the Timbers.
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
Also the first half line-up looks decent
At least for the LA galaxy. They were only missing 3 of their starters. Granted those three starters are Juninho(sp?) Keane and Donovan.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
who played?
Nice to get a win!
Who played, for both teams? We know our goal-scorers must have been in some, but no one else…. On the Galaxy side, they are still missing Donovan and Keane on loan, and I’m not sure about Beckham… did they play a bunch of trialists too?
Mainly starters for the first half
Start XI v LA: Perkins-G, Palmer-D, Brunner-D, Mosquera-D, Wallace-D, Songo’o-M, Jewsbury-M, Chara-M, Alexander-M, Dike-F, Perlaza-F
vs
Saunders; Jordan, Meyer, DeLaGarza, Dunivant; Franklin, Beckham, Sarvas, Stephens; Buddle, Cardozo
2nd half
Lineup:Perkins, Purdy-D, Danso-D, Jean-Baptiste-D, Chabala-D, Alhassan-M, Marcelin-M, Braun-M, Davids-M, Dike-F, Richards-F
vs
Noble; Davies, Boyens, Gaul, Murray; Jimenez, Walker, Keat, Nakazawa; McBean, Cristman
by zaggy on Feb 7, 2012 1:42 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Dike played the whole match?
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 2:04 PM PST up reply actions
Was subbed late for Rincon
like 70th min or so? Maybe 80? Was right before Galaxy scored
I'm getting conflicting information
I thought Purdy was off our roster. Glad to see he got some run.
Also, I wonder if King got in as a sub and did anything of note. Spencer had praise for him earlier, and it would be a shame if he didn’t get a chance to cement those good impressions.
No on King or Ibarra
Where did you see Purdy was off our Roster? REALLY doubt he’ll get cut, given his versatility. Unless we bring in another RB.
Davids did get some play in the midfield.
Was hoping to see Davids at RB
volatilelyle.com
by almost awesome on Feb 7, 2012 2:39 PM PST up reply actions
Unless Davids is signed to become our RB
I have a feeling we’re going to see Purdy start more this year.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 2:45 PM PST up reply actions
oof
Hope I’m pleasantly surprised.
volatilelyle.com
by almost awesome on Feb 7, 2012 2:50 PM PST up reply actions
Me too
But….he did probably just join the team yesterday, or even this morning, so its not entirely surprising we put him where we really didn’t have anyone else to plug in and see what he had, with perhaps giving him some more time at RB in one of the next games.
I have a suspicion too though that Davids is more likely a summer signing, or even next year. Seems odd timing for his belgian club to be selling him.
don't confuse
not doing anything well enough to cement a starting spot with versatility
by #1 Leverage Fan on Feb 7, 2012 3:19 PM PST up reply actions
He's 27
Has hardly played the same position for several years in a row (aka Futty), was a wide midfielder/Cooper kind of forward before getting signed to play in Germany as a CB because of his height. That didn’t work out too well, came back to the states, spent a year in Texas on the bench as a CB, then came to Portland as a CB as well. After it was obvious he is an ok, but not really MLS caliber CB, he’s started transitioning to RB behind Scot the last year of USL. I’m not saying he’s a solid starter, but having a guy that makes the minimum and can play CB, RB and wide midfield, and is 6’4, isn’t exactly the worst thing in the world.
I absolutely want a better RB, and would be much happier with Palmer on the bench/being that depth guy, but at the moment, I’ll take what we can get. There is worse guys getting plugged into starting holes in MLS frequently.
The one thing I do like
It sure seems that communication and fitness are remarkably better than last year (something you would expect, but glad to see that play out so far). Hopefully we see that as a consistent theme to this preseason, hopefully proving we have taken a step forward as a team.
I understand Nagbe not playing, but a little interesting to me to see Johnson not get any run. Will hopefully hear why in the team’s write-up. If we are seriously looking at Rincon, you have to wonder if we really need 7 forwards?
March will see the unleashing of a revolutionary 3-7 formation that will destroy everything in its way
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 1:54 PM PST up reply actions
Haha
Is that the formation Vancouver is getting ready to play?
Aren't they going for
0-10 formation? Everyone stands at the half and the keeper punts it up to the 10 forwards?
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Nagbe
Why didn’t he play?
And take plenty of tissue paper so they can dry their eyes after the game.
Ankle knock
Totally precautionary. In line with what we expect if a player picks up a slight strain. Bet he could have played had it been a real game. Sounded pretty no-big-deal.
Johnson we didn’t hear any reason why. He was really the only player that was a surprise to me not to see any minutes.
Not really useful
Anyone know if he is even down there on assignment?
He is there
But of course he is just doing a journalistic recap….
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I really wish we could get someone
With a tad more soccer experience, or even some passion for it. I just don’t get the feeling he cares much some days.
To be fair it is the first game of preseason
It’s a little unfair to expect a comprehensive game recap of a glorified practice. The Oregonian has a lot to answer for both in general and in their Timbers coverage, but I can’t be too upset about a skimpy report on a game that really doesn’t mean anything.
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 2:18 PM PST up reply actions
As an editor of my hs newspaper
I saw better stories written in there. His sentence structure is bad.
Up north, there is very good soccer coverage, and don’t even start to mention DC united. A little better, or again, someone who at least is a bit more passionate, would be nice.
I agree. I hope some day soon the Timbers become important enough to garner the services of someone a bit more positive and educated about soccer. I find Arnold’s articles consistently cynical and speculative in their approach. The article from a few days ago about taking a gamble on Boyd could serve as the most recent in a long, long line of such work. As you mention, his writing itself is not very sophisticated. His knowledge of the game, I would say, is not very high, and he writes too frequently, for me anyway, with a tone of authority that is rather baseless. Way, way too many negative comments about players for me. And too much conspiracy theory type speculation fueled by cynicism instead of knowledge. Drives me nuts.
by oddcontemplation on Feb 7, 2012 2:46 PM PST up reply actions
Not to get too far off topic
but the Oregonian is a fairly mediocre newspaper in relation to other newspapers from similarly-sized cities, and I have given up expecting to get anything of value out of it. Not just in the sports arena, but throughout the paper. So as far as Timbers coverage goes, ignore it – go with the blogs and Twitterers and whatnot, and you’ll get a better picture.
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 2:48 PM PST up reply actions
And yet
The ScOregonian is the only local news agency that has the money and the wherewithal to send a reporter along with the team.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 2:52 PM PST up reply actions
All the local TV networks have the money
but they will never perceive a benefit to them in sending a reporter and a crew down to LA for an exhibition game, and they have probably ceded the regular season to Fox 12 at this point.
I have lived in a fair few places in my life, and I have never seen a more consistently mediocre media presence than I have in Portland.
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 3:01 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, but we're also talking about soccer
Few other cities have the level of coverage at home that the Timbers do, even if their media presence is better overall.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 3:05 PM PST up reply actions
I’m not entirely sure how one would define a ‘consistently mediocre media presence,’ but I don’t think I’d go that far. I know the Oregonian has won their share of media awards over the years and Arnold, as has been pointed out, is sometimes simply the first guy given the story. In that sense, he can be quite helpful. My desire, perhaps, would be a bit more modest. I’m not too concerned with a city wide media revolution. And I wish no ill on Arnold either. I would just enjoy, over time, a transition to someone with a bit more knowledge about the game and someone who refrains from taking shots at the players, or at the very least has the ability to raise their questions with a bit more tact.
by oddcontemplation on Feb 7, 2012 3:15 PM PST up reply actions
My point is that the Portland media market is lacking in exactly what you seek from it
“consistently mediocre” means to me that while Arnold isn’t bad, that a reporter “…with a bit more knowledge about the game” does not exist anywhere here, in print or on air, nor does the desire to go find and get someone who does have that knowledge.
The Portland media market does not develop new talent very often – some of the TV anchors have been here 20+ years – and that does not lend itself to expanding its horizons very much.
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 3:26 PM PST up reply actions
There is talent here
Michael Orr, Kelly McLain, et al… are far more suited for the beat reporter job than GCA. So is Andrew Wheeler and William Conwell. Rifer over at the TA site… I could go on. Talent exists in Portland but the entrenched “mainstream media” types are too lazy and the famed “casual fan” is still addicted to old “legacy” media.
Part of the problem for them is that their business models are still based on scarcity. But there is no scarcity in digital. There is limited space in print newspapers and limited scheduling on TV, but not with the Internet. So the O and local TV are reluctant to try anything new, even if their ship is taking on water.
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 4:36 PM PST up reply actions
Where is Geoff Gibson and Ryan Gates!
The reason SF is such a strong community even though we have only been around for 1 year is the fact that Mainstream media is not strong/not covering the Timbers in depth like SF does.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Sorry!
You guys too!
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 5:07 PM PST up reply actions
Your signature
has never been so apt as it was just then.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 5:16 PM PST up reply actions
You're wrong about that one
;)
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 5:58 PM PST up reply actions
I was just giving you a hard time
:) I know what you meant and you weren’t doing it on purpose.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
*are Geoff Gibson and Ryan Gates
if you wanna dominate the media, gotta learn your plurals
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 8:50 PM PST up reply actions
Hey now
I went to school to be a Biology teacher not an English teacher. As Ralph Wiggum put it “Me fail English that unpossible!”
Point taken.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Although
According to others on this site other Media are just as bad :P
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Point of interest
oregonlive has linked to this post, as a “solid conversation … for die hards.” They apparently didn’t read this part of the conversation.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 8, 2012 2:14 PM PST up reply actions
That is something I would like to see changed eventually
Up with bloggers, down with papers.
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 3:56 PM PST up reply actions
"Oh right," he said, sarcastically.
Let’s turn reporting over to those who have no need for verification of sources, who refer to “insiders” or “someone familiar with the situation.” Sorry, no, Bloggers are not journalists. The sooner you understand that, the sooner you will look to valid sources for your news.
I highly recommend you read some of what we've posted on this blog
It may surprise you to see the quality of our product and how careful we are here about our content and our sources.
Make no mistake, I have a ton of respect for professional journalists. I’d very much like to become one someday. But setting aside the fact that we don’t get paid (i.e. we’re all fans of the team), we take our content very seriously and do our best to uphold the integrity of what we publish.
But I certainly won’t stand in your way if you choose to get your Timbers info from oregonlive. They do a fabulous job as well.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 8, 2012 6:12 PM PST up reply actions
Funny
Because I swear I have press credentials which means at least the Timbers think I am press like the other Journalists.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I don't mean this to sound as snarky as it is going to read in print
but having press credentials does not make you a journalist.
I don’t buy into the whole “bloggers are not journalists” thing – as with everything, there is a wide space between those two poles that is full of good work, however you want to label it – but the issuing of a press credential doesn’t actually make you a professional journalist, in the sense of fuzzball’s comment. You do good work here, but it’s not journalism.
by pdb on Feb 9, 2012 9:11 AM PST up reply actions
Would you define what GCA does as journalism?
The main difference between what you see in the Oregonian and what you see here is that we are free to include opinion. GCA, as a long time print journalist, is less likely to do so, but beyond that we source things just as well as any print journalist covering sports does.
Contributing Editor for Stumptown Footy
by William Conwell on Feb 9, 2012 9:45 AM PST up reply actions
That wasn't my point, really
Again, I’m not trying to pick a fight, or to say that one is right or one is wrong. I was just making the point that merely having a press credential does not make you a journalist. I have no doubt you source things, but you also don’t have the research and investigative resources of a major news organization at your disposal.
That to me is the difference – and once again, I’m not saying one is good and one is bad. Both approaches have their merits, and both approaches can produce work both good and bad. As with everything else, it’s not as simple as “blogs good news media bad”.
I didn't find it snarky
Nor was I trying to imply that I was a journalist. I was merely pointing out that having the press credential allows me to be on the same plane. What I mean by that is that I have the same access to the players, coaches and everything else they do.
I also agree there are pros and cons to both mediums, I was just trying to have some fun with my statement and it probably came across wrong :) Usually when I say things like that in person with my cheesy grin it makes it easier for people to see I am joking.
pdb I must say I enjoy your comments and the things qualities you bring as a commenter on Stumptown.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
The Oregonian runs that way
it is the sports radio approach led by Canzano.
Quick has become that too. I used to like Quick, it is a shame what his writing has become.
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
yeah but the oregonian is barely a functioning newspaper anymore
less and less reporting from local writers in general and more and more from the newhouse writers…
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
that's what im saying - it seems like he drew the short straw at the oregonian assignment party
and same for john “brought to you by jeld-wen windows and doors” strong
neither really have any idea about anything soccer related outside of what the press releases are telling them, it would be nice to get someone in there that actually has a natural interest in the game and understands it is also played outside of the realm of mls, let alone the subtleties of 4-4-2 flat vs diamond 4-4-2 vs manu 4-4-2
by #1 Leverage Fan on Feb 7, 2012 3:25 PM PST up reply actions
JS has ALOT
More knowledge about Soccer than you are giving him. If he wasn’t also paid to be the team’s broadcaster, I think he’d make a great Jason Quick, very informed, very talented writer. However, given the majority of his income comes from calling games now, its not surprising that he plays cheerleader alot (ala Wheels).
Strong sat in the North End since the team came back before moving to the booth. He knows alot, and cares alot about this team. Its just hard for him to say bad things about it when thats where his paycheck comes from (and because Merritt is Merritt)
i don't know man
i get that he’s a local guy and been through thick and thin with the long term supporters and was the only one around when no one else gave a shit, and he deserves his job and has earned it the right to be the where he is, but his talk timbers show is painful – its super surface scratching with no follow up questions (and they don’t even have to be prodding followups, just looking for more detail or explanation) leaving so much more desired, he may know a lot about soccer but it isn’t apparent in his show or broadcasts
by #1 Leverage Fan on Feb 7, 2012 3:35 PM PST up reply actions
Look at his audience though
Most of the people on Talk Timbers are typical 750 the game listeners that just keep on through his show. When it started, they were getting overwhelming numbers of “soccer suxs!!!!” texts/emails/calls, and hardly any positive word. Its intentionally dumbed down for the masses that are slowly coming around.
Look at his interviews on the Timbers site, or his calls from the booth. Much more useful to us fanatics.
He's paid by the team to be a mouthpiece for the team
Talking Timbers is not the place to look for in-depth analysis or discussion, any more than a baseball or basketball pre-game show is good for anything deeper than a “pick to click” or whatever. It’s a show designed to attract the casual fan, and to expect otherwise is to be disappointed. On that show, he’s basically a PR flack for the team. That’s neither good nor bad – but it is a fact, and it won’t change.
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 3:40 PM PST up reply actions
That's like saying Ira Flatow doesn't know anything about science
based solely on Talk of the Nation Science Friday. Call-in shows are all about inclusiveness and covering issues at a very basic level of understanding.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 3:45 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
huh?
im just downloading the podcast, it seems to be ‘his’ show – he’s mostly “interviewing” players and Spenny – are there call ins? my main gripe (other than mentioning the sponsor every 5 min instead of just doing a commerical in the beginning like most podcasts do) is that they don’t seem like real interviews, but press release type ‘interviews’ with guest selected questions and minimal follow up. i suppose that could be because its a timbers owned and produced marketing product – not a real timbers news show, and not because his knowledge is lacking.
by #1 Leverage Fan on Feb 7, 2012 3:52 PM PST up reply actions
That's exactly it
The Timbers pay him to promote the team, not to be critical in any way.
by pdb on Feb 7, 2012 3:55 PM PST up reply actions
Its not a podcast
Its a radio show. Every show on 750 the game does the annoying sponsor-every-two-seconds-thing.
I've never been too impressed with 750
Their website is god awful. But they do cover the Timbers now and I believe radio broadcast the games, if I’m not mistaken. And if "my grunt is brought to you by ___________ " is what keeps the sponsors happy so the club can continue its growth, then I can go along with it.
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 4:27 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I like the Strong/Earle Combo Calling Games
Yeah, Talk Timbers is lame, but 750 is lame. It is obviously not meant to be an in depth show. Don’t tune in. But I think Strong and Earle call an entertaining game.
I think John Strong does a fantastic job. There’s no doubt that he has a long career ahead of him with plenty of options. I hope the team is able to keep him for many years to come. Leverage, you’re a tough customer. The guy’s what, 25? He does a very good job today and certainly will continue to grow with experience.
by oddcontemplation on Feb 7, 2012 3:38 PM PST up reply actions
i had no idea
he was only 25, he’s just a fracking (SF wont let me use the f word!) kid. i’ll cut him some slack for the next 5 years. but by then he needs to be a regular on beyond the pitch and a mls contributor to theblizzard, and possibly have penned a book detailing the history of portland timbers
by #1 Leverage Fan on Feb 7, 2012 3:47 PM PST up reply actions
Glad I could help you dial back your expectations to such reasonable levels.
by oddcontemplation on Feb 7, 2012 3:52 PM PST up reply actions
LOL
He also needs to solve the CRC issue, end war, free North Korea, cure cancer, create millions of jobs, and on his way home from work rescue kittens from tall trees.
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 5:12 PM PST up reply actions
"He drew the short straw... "
I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened last year before people at the Oregonian realized, “Whoa! This is popular.” Who else besides GCA is going to do it now?The O’s sports department is small and Canzano is a columnist who has no credibility with soccer fans or the TA. In the meantime it’s GCA.
The problem for GCA is that the smart money goes elsewhere for Timbers coverage and commentary, and has for years. Sure, the FO throws GCA a bone and let’s him scoop every once in awhile but in my opinion he’s in last place with the supporters and other more knowledgeable fans. He knows this and it sometimes shows in his writing.
It’s a classic case of normalcy bias. From a conventional point-of-view, it wasn’t long ago that giving soccer the short end of the stick was considered normal and smart business. In some places this is still true, but not true everywhere, and as we all know it’s certainly not the case here.
The O got caught in that trap and ignored the rise of indie media as a competitor, then failed to transition into a new business model from a technical and contextual standpoint.
They’re in last place with Timbers coverage because they’re the new kid on the block and digital media gave long time supporters another outlet. And many supporters have long memories and don’t forget the slights from the D2 days or the snarks that sometimes sneak through now. Also, “mainstream” sports media generally has low credibility with soccer fans anyway.
That said, I’m happy that The Oregonian now covers the team more than before. It’s there for noobs and the casual fan. But I certainly don’t spend any time with it and I hope that someday websites like this can afford to send a beat reporter with the team.
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 4:18 PM PST up reply actions
Woah. Don't dis John Strong.
He was only behind JP Dellacamera and Arlo White is local MLS broadcasts last year, and the man aint 30 yet.
You should watch San Jose or New England’s local TV coverage.
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
Or watch that You Tube video of all Timbers 2011 goals
Listen to some of the opposing teams or network play-by-play guys. Mercy.
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 6:01 PM PST up reply actions
I wanted to crush broken glass and stuff it in my ears listening to them
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
If he is there, then what else is he doing
Based on the final mediocre product,can you imagine how much free time GCA has on his hands? If they spend the money to send him there, then he has the time to give a detailed recap. And although preseason, there are starting spots up for grabs and new faces, plenty of story lines for him to follow.
I second those fed up with his speculation and cheap shots. He fancies himself a commentator/journalist and he doesn’t care about the Timbers.
Thanks to those of you regular suppliers to this blog, I’m happy to have found it and find it a good deal more informative than the O.
From your description, Zaggy, it sounds like you were there
Are you in LA, or are you just really well read?
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 2:10 PM PST up reply actions
Well read
Twitter had several journalists down there tweeting. Combined, it formed a useful picture.
You're like Cypher, watching the matrix...
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 2:17 PM PST up reply actions
Kip Kesgard (sp?) does really good Timbers work for the Oregonian
Don’t know why he isn’t in Arnold’s seat.
volatilelyle.com
by almost awesome on Feb 7, 2012 3:16 PM PST up reply actions
Kip has a full time job
He’s doing the blogging thing because he wanted to help expand coverage before arnold was assigned our beat.
I find Kip to be much more positive and appreciate that a lot. Proof that one can be informative and upbeat at the same time.
by oddcontemplation on Feb 7, 2012 3:19 PM PST up reply actions
My question is
Why hasn’t Danso been our PK taker all along?
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 2:12 PM PST up reply actions
He was a Forward
Until he came here. Probably, given the forwards at that time were Rincon and Richards, and Marcelin and Braun were in the middle for Jewsbury and Chara, not too surprising to have a guy with a tad more experience step up.
I could see Futty actually taking one of those
in a real game (say if we went to PK tiebreaker). No reason to potentially hurt a young forward’s game by missing one. If futty did, who cares, he’s a def.
I get what your saying. Makes sense. But, I’d rather have Richards miss one in a preseason scrimmage than in a reserve league match. Seems like preseason would be an ideal way to pop your PK-cherry.
Yeah can go either way
With Dike playing as long as he did, I have a suspicion he’s the #3/4 striker behind Boyd (presumably) and Perlaza and maybe Nagbe (looks to me like he’s going to get a chance up front imo…Kalif apparently almost scored off a FK from 20 yards out and was the one that sent the ball in to Marcelin for the chip). That means Richards is likely playing out of position in the reserve league this season, and maybe an odd USOC appearance or two, so who knows if he’d even get a chance in the reserve league.
Haha or he'll have 1 goal
And 4 really close ones ;)
I like him as a player, but I think he plays with too much finesse. He’s not Messi and sometimes I wonder if he forgets that. Hoping to see him break out though.
21
still a youngin. I hope they give him more set-pieces this year. Would help his confidence.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 2:45 PM PST up reply actions
Actually...
I think that this is a huge question, and decision, for the Timbers. Last season we did not have a designated sniper for PK’s. Captain Jack did it by default and was only ‘okay’ with his results. Most top tier teams have one or two designated PK players, and their results are predictably excellent.
Not sure if Boyd is that type of player, but I think it would be great to have a couple of players so that if there is a penalty we have someone who immediately goes to the spot for the kick.
And I honestly do not know who that/those players are on the Timbers, but I think it would behoove the team to figure it out during the pre-season.
Sorry for the ‘rant’ but missed PK’s drive me crazy!
Boyd
He took almost all of the PK’s when he was at Rangers. He rarely misses.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
highlights or it didn't happen!
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 4:14 PM PST up reply actions
How wrong can 1 guy be?
Clearly this dominating victory means we’re going to win the Club World Cup.
I JUST WANT MY BASKETBALL BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Sean in Vancouver on Feb 7, 2012 2:33 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
in which ever cup year that happens to be associated with winning the 2012
USOC and MLS Cup
I JUST WANT MY BASKETBALL BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Sean in Vancouver on Feb 7, 2012 10:11 PM PST up reply actions
curious
when is Kris Boyd coming over? I’m concerned he isn’t getting in shape with his teammates at this stage already. Does he have a work visa and everything worked out?
no
tweets today said Boyd is hopefully going to be here by the END of the LA trip. I’m not sure we’ll see him here that soon. bet he’s waiting to come over with his family, so more than his visa.
by zaggy on Feb 7, 2012 3:05 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
I also heard
He is training with a team in Scotland while he is waiting for his Visa to come through.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Kilmarnock
The sooner he can start training with the Timbers, obviously the better.
That's what she said.
by yepyou'reright on Feb 7, 2012 4:21 PM PST up reply actions
Beat me too it
I was looking for the link but couldn’t find it.
He Returned to his roots.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
My impression is
that when Boyd gets here, it’s a matter of getting the rest of the team accustomed to him and his style. That’s a lot of people that need to learn where and how he likes the ball, when he has his preferred position, how he wants it placed, etc.
Let’s face it. When we got Boyd, we signed up to be team Boyd. We need him here practicing and bonding with the guys. Anyone know anyone in the State department who can get this done? Maybe someone whose Dad was a cabinet member?
Merrit's dad was an Inner Party member
The rest of us are just proles.
I have the curious case of shaking his hand when he was nominee for Treasurer.
I met Merritt’s father before they owned the Timbers.
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
That was a sweet
bicycle kick for a goal by the Galaxy player. And that will officially be the last nice thing I ever say about the LA Galaxy. (grin)
by TheBeardedWonder on Feb 7, 2012 9:37 PM PST up reply actions
Highlights on a Go Pro Camera?
Please, can we get some real highlights. I know it is preseason, but this is ridiculous!!
I hear ya, but its a scrimmage on a practice field. The picture quality isn’t really the problem, its the vantage point. They’d have to hire a camera crane thing (whatever those are called) just to create a 60 second highlight clip. The league could definitely be using that money elsewhere. Sorry, I’m sure your response wasn’t all that serious.
camera crane thing is even better
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
I used to have seats at field level for Ohio State football games
Man we used to give camera crane thing guy holy hell…
That and the constant hecklingof Jack Arute and the Time Out Official were the best part of those seats…
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
by PDXBuckeye on Feb 9, 2012 5:00 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Did you see Futty's PK?
WOW, 2 steps and then hits it hard and well placed almost side netting. Very few Keepers would even have a chance if they guessed right.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Reminds me of Kenny Cooper’s PK ability. Except sort of the opposite.
by pecorasc on Feb 7, 2012 10:17 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Stutterstep!
Bet you didn’t see that coming…
Oklahoma State will beat LSU in the National Title game by more than 7 points.
He was indeed a striker
All through college and growing up. Not surprised he can hit a good one.
He's been a late game striker for the Timbers, too
I love it when he gets forward.
When I write, I write for the Timbers. Contributing Editor of Stumptown Footy
by Andrew Wheeler on Feb 7, 2012 11:04 PM PST up reply actions
I know that you shouldn't put much credence into a preseason result
but man that “Portland Timbers destroy LA Galaxy” headline still makes my heart warm…
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
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