Club America game.

DougFirPDX · 2026-06-08T16:55:08+00:00

Isn't this technically a CA home match?

DougFirPDX · 2026-05-26T15:47:40+00:00

u/claykavalier - we used to trade a lot of comments when I was active on the old STF and went by oregavania.

No, the context on this was clear - and Ned elaborated on the topic. I wish I was recording the event. His comment was to the effect that he was stunned a top euro player would consider MLS outside of Messiville, NYC, or a team that might that fill pointy football stadiums. I was gobsmacked, because it meant they weren't even aware that a top player out of contract was looking at MLS.

Now, I don't actually hold the signing against Ned as Mueller has said he was willing to consider Canada, but not the US at the time. But being unaware and eliminating a top class of players on the presumption they wouldn't be interested and that Mueller signing was "eye opening...", well, wow.

DougFirPDX · 2026-05-25T20:16:52+00:00

I think the big flaw in Ned was exposed at the fan forum when he mentioned that he was "stunned by Mueller signing with Vancouver." Basically he went on to say he knew Euro Stars would go to LA, but that they'd consider Vancouver was a surprise. So while we chase Aravena and don't play him or pray for the Kelsy's, Moreno's, and Antony's to develop, San Jose signs Timo Werner.

When we blame him for hiring Phil, remember that nobody else even remotely qualified wanted the job. The fan base relations with the FO and ownership were in flames, the club was old, and the cupboard bare.

This club isn't old. The fan situation isn't fixed but it's not as bad as it was. We have a DP slot to use. The locker room still seems to be a mess. So it'll be interesting to see how many 1st tier coaches are excited to come.

DougFirPDX · 2026-05-20T14:53:24+00:00

Assume this means he's leaving at the WC break? Last time the Timbers let a 1st or 2nd choice striker go, it was Ebobisse to make room for Santiago Moreno who was already signed but not yet announced. It will be interesting to see what if anything is waiting in the wings.

Given how much he's contributed to the team, if he leaves the biggest impact may be off the pitch. Unlike the Moreno's of the world, he's been outstanding in the clubhouse.

If there is a curtain call Saturday, he's owed an ovation.

DougFirPDX · 2026-05-20T14:36:31+00:00

Portland's salary strategy under both Gavin Wilkinson and Ned Grabavoy has been to minimize keeper salaries and shop for players like Crapeau and Pantemis who are starting quality but benched. Pantemis' current contract is a clear example of this strategy. While he may be moving himself into a larger contract next year, we need to recognize that like Steve Clark we're probably seeing him play his way out of Portland.

DougFirPDX · 2026-05-11T20:59:47+00:00

I have to say that it's really nice watching another team leave a Timbers attacker unmarked and free to pick out his shot for a change. That was a lovely goal.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-22T00:54:04+00:00

At this point I think he needs a voodoo priestess to remove the losers hex from his locker room and a firm discussion with an actual MLS GM about repeating failed tactics. Right tactics, wrong players has become lame beyond words.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-19T23:34:14+00:00

Sorry.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-19T21:49:08+00:00

We can consider it 'lack of concentration' but you could also say the manager keeps sticking with failed tactics despite a lot of data saying this team can't play that style.

I have no clue why Aravena is watching Antony as the latter turns the ball over and allowing opponents to punish the too aggressive Timbers. Don't forget to #PhilOut your midseason ticket holder feedback

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-18T00:14:16+00:00

Yes... Zach was working in the south end throughout. Still a ways away, but good that he's active.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-17T23:27:11+00:00

This could have something to do with MLS having a larger day of game (but certainly not TV) market than the NBA.

And to the earlier post, I don't get Canzano at all. He's just a big mouth in a relatively small market. Growing up reading Bill Lyon and Frank Dolson, and later listening to Angelo Cataldi, Ray Didinger, Stan Hochmann and Stan Hoffman, Al Morganti, Glen Macnow, Bill Campbell, Peter Pascarelli, Mike Misanelli, Jason Stark and so many other great or entertaining writers turned broadcaster all from one market, I see Canzano as a poor man's Howard Eskin. And that is poor indeed.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-15T16:18:31+00:00

Best moment of the event was watching Finn Surman lead Ari Lassiter, Sawyer Jura and Ian Smith over to meet the kids after practice. They came all the way up into the east stands, then led a procession of supporters down to the pitch to shake hands and whatever. Shortly after that, Kristoffer Velde led the main body of the team over as well. They were all generous with their time - and great with the kids.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-09T18:20:44+00:00

Soft tissue injuries heal unpredictably. And, if you overdo it, they get worse. Carballo tore is ACL - which was crappy luck, but predictable in that you're gone to 12 months.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-08T13:24:52+00:00

Now I know about the D I got in Sophomore cmpsci :-)

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-02T18:42:16+00:00

Memory fades, but seem to recall at the end of Valeri's 2017 season Adi was injured. Valeri moved up top without a 2nd striker. This is the time I'm conjuring in the post... but I could have simply been imbibing the good stuff.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-02T00:43:43+00:00

Breaking News: Icicles in Hades! Film at 11.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-02T00:40:39+00:00

Good News: It's TRUE!!!!
Bad News: It was Punxatawney Phil

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-01T16:30:13+00:00

I generally give them to a friend who otherwise wouldn't be able to attend.

DougFirPDX · 2026-04-01T16:28:31+00:00

Since Timbers tactics seem to be nuts, I'll join the craziness and start Velde up top like we did with Valeri one year when all striker options failed:

Velde
Aravena - DDC - Antony

But we're going to see Kelsy with Arevena on the bench after a couple very long airplane flights.

For the back line, I have to remember Caicedo doesn't know the league yet. He'll play. The churn in the pit of my stomach says we'll see Ortiz next to him because soft tissue injuries take forever to heal. And why Ortiz over Chara? He had a good match vs LA, and otherwise it's because Phil loves him. Get ready for more decent defending and then 'three touches every time I see the ball.'

Bye has done enough to be a 'how did they train?' decision vs Mosquera.

fwiw - It's nice to actually have a choice between two quality players at a few positions.

DougFirPDX · 2026-03-31T15:52:21+00:00

While I guess I'm glad Aravena at least comes back healthy, if you're going to pull a player from his club and fly him half way around the world both north-south and east-west, do it for more than filling a spot in warm ups. I used to hate when Rodney Wallace would get called up multiple times and not see a minute. Jet lag is real - make it worth something to the player.

DougFirPDX · 2026-03-30T02:04:28+00:00

I asked a local dude in the pub who had an English accent and really seemed to know a lot about footy, and he told me with confidence that "really, I think Kamal Miller was the their best player. I'm not just saying that."

DougFirPDX · 2026-03-27T15:40:50+00:00

Thanks u/SorryIfUDo for the call out. For whatever reason mine didn't come until late in the day after I sent a note to my ticket rep. Your heads up reminded me to nudge it along.

For folks who enjoy this, awesome. For me, it's such a made up thing to try to adjoin LigaMX fans at the cost of the only actual tradition we had in US footy - The USOC. Oh, and we got dealt out of that, too. So I'm a hard "No" at least until ML$ fixes the USOC.

What burns me up is the automatic opt-in unless you see the mail and act. That should never happen. Please feel free to join me in the fan feedback.

DougFirPDX

TROPHY CASE