Columns and Opinion Pieces
Got an opinion? So do we. Check them out here.
Tree Rings: Highs and lows
On tenacious defending, easy capitulation, and taking the highs with the lows.
How Portland’s U-22 Initiative players could be the key to success in 2023
With minimal turnover on their roster, Portland’s success in 2023 could come down to the development of their young players.
NWSL Preseason Power Rankings - Stumptown Footy Roundtable Discussion
Are the Portland Thorns still the team to beat?
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-2 LAFC
Despite playing well throughout the game and going into the 95th minute level, the Timbers lost focus and dropped an important point against the best team in the league.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-1 Columbus Crew
It wasn’t until the 95th minute and one of the final kicks of the game, but the Timbers were able to come out with a point on the road.
Stumptown Footy predicts where the Thorns & Timbers will finish in the standings
The STF team takes a shot at predicting where the PTFCs will end their respective seasons.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-0 Minnesota United
The Timbers gained another crucial three points in a game with big implications for the Western Conference playoff picture.
Player Grades: Timbers 2-1 Atlanta United
The Timbers scored their third straight 2-1 win on Sunday. Here’s how they graded.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 2-1 Austin FC
The Timbers picked up three crucial points in Austin behind two goals from their center backs.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 2-1 Sounders
Despite being 1-0 down at home against their biggest rival, the Timbers responded and got the three points.
Odds, numbers, and Portland’s fight for the playoffs
Analytics gives the Timbers a 14% chance to make the playoffs. Let’s talk about why, and how Portland can beat the odds.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-4 Sporting KC
It was a disappointing performance from the Timbers, given the tight race for those final playoff spots in the Western Conference.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-3 Toronto FC
While the Timbers were able to temporarily equalize in the 79th minute, Toronto’s attack was too strong and scored two late goals to ruin the Timbers hope of points on the road.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-1 Nashville SC
Despite not creating many chances, the Timbers once again came back from a deficit to get a draw against a good Nashville team.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 4 - 4 Minnesota United
In a classic back and forth game, the Timbers found a way to escape with a point on the road.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 2 - 1 San Jose Earthquakes
In spite of going down a goal yet again, the Timbers showed the necessary grit and determination to not only comeback again— but also win the game.
Three Thoughts: Sad, but happy (but still sad)
On backup plans, Jazz hands, and Blanco’s ban.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
While Vancouver defended well for much of the match, the Timbers were patient and finally broke through behind a smooth penalty from Felipe Mora.
Three Thoughts: Party Crashers
On stalwarts, maximization, and lighting some gasoline.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 3-0 Seattle Sounders
Despite being away from home in Seattle, the Timbers held their composure and carved out a great result from some last-ditch defending and lethal finishing,
Three Thoughts: Chugging along
On finding "the guys", apologies, and margins of error.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 2-2 Nashville SC
Despite being down 2-0 past the 60th minute, the Timbers rallied behind two crucial plays from Jaroslaw Niezgoda to get a positive result.
Three thoughts: A much needed win
Thoughts and reflections on a big win— that needs to turn into something more.
The state of the Timbers in 2022
A look at the Timbers’ terrible opening three months of the MLS season.
Player Grades: Portland Timbers 1-2 Inter Miami
Despite a late goal from Bill Tuiloma, the Timbers ran out of time to rally back and salvage a point
One Big Tree: A Different Energy
On execution, capturing old magic and catharsis
One Big Tree: Working Out of It
On reading things online, mini-roller coasters, and smooth Jazz(y)
Post-Slab Pint: Timbers 1-1 Orlando City
After a one-week hiatus, the Post-Slab Pint is back to examine the Timbers 1-1 draw against Orlando City.
Post-Slab Pint: Timbers 1-0 Austin FC
Newcomers, squad depth, and a sweet first three points of the season. The Post-Slab Pint is back after the Timbers’ 1-0 win against Austin FC.
One Big Tree: The Greater Green
On an encouraging trend, a big question, and some Spring hope.
One Big Tree: Scorin’ in the Rain
On a cautious foray, beautiful things, and picking up where we left off.
One Big Tree: Can’t Help Falling In Love
On magic, heartbreak and legacy.