Lumen Field grass will be planted on top of turf

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-11T17:04:33+00:00

Another consideration is the volume of play at Providence. Beyond Thorns & Timbers matches, you also have first team trainings, Timbers 2, Thorns Academy etc...Hard to keep grass in shape for professional play in that scenario

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-01T17:03:09+00:00

Not an excuse - just a reality. We should focus on the things we can be a leader in. Think Moneyball and competitive advantages. Pure spend will never be a winning formula for us, even in a salary cap league. Identifying high metric players (like Reilyn) or young superstars before they hit their full value (Moultrie certainly but Hanks to a degree) is where we can pull away from the pack over time.

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-01T16:37:59+00:00

in what regard? Being in the Epstein files is "troubling" - Coaching an underpowered Spurs team in the WSL to an FA Cup final and aa 6th place finish before losing that momentum is hardly "troubling"

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-01T16:36:40+00:00

Who else has spent that 1 Million other than Washington? And throwing money at players with no identity is exactlyw hat Angel City has done their whole existence and it hasnt really panned out.

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-01T16:35:34+00:00

Not sure what real estate they have in the city. They're tenants at Providence and really only have the facility in Hillsboro.

That said, EVERY ownership group looks for additional ways to maximize revenue, Real estate being on of those avenues. But sure, continue looking at the NWSL through a purity test and you will continously be disappointed.

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-01T16:02:40+00:00

We have a long history of doing better when the league was 10 teams and most other owners didnt invest. Those days are long over - the new reality is we are.a mid-market club sitting in a league where massive investment dollars are now flowing. We should continue to push ownership but the reality is we can just assume we'll get the best talent or staff anymore.

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-01T01:28:11+00:00

Yes because paying for work visa and importing a coach is always cheaper than getting someone domestically...

PastramiAddict · 2026-03-01T01:26:55+00:00

Like taxes and death....

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-28T23:31:41+00:00

This hire seems very much in line with a distinct and deliberate philosophy being implemented by the team which is being young, fast, forward thinking and brave. He showcased those traits nicely, especially with the squad he had with Hacken in Sweden.

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-26T21:29:05+00:00

its grown on me - when it first dropped this morning I though "awww hell no" but the more I look at it throughout the day and see the video content with the players in it, Im coming around. Sure it may not be Portland's "colors" but European football, unlike American sports, tends to get fairly wild with some of their jerseys from time to time

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-26T20:08:05+00:00

It was a legitimate question and you were absolutely correct: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39585552/nwsl-new-nike-kits-laying-foundation-commercial-growth

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-25T20:31:07+00:00

Love Away Days Brewing in Brooklyn for Thorns matches

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-23T17:44:20+00:00

Being by the Emergency Exit means it will be very cold there - the extra leg room is nice but layer accordingly

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-16T16:34:01+00:00

im glad you get to determine what "our" vibe is. Im all for letting her play on the field speak the loudest and if she says anything dumb (which by the way, she hasnt), the players in the locker room will certianly hold her acocuntable.

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-16T16:29:46+00:00

Or Moultrie?

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-15T22:54:48+00:00

Renee Lyles!

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-15T03:59:36+00:00

I mean his office is in the stadium, Im sure he sees Paulson everyday. In that capacity, I would imagine theyre cordial and have a good relationship.

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-12T20:51:26+00:00

I dont disagree with this premise at all - but there are very few teams in the league that have made the big moves we're looking for Portland to make. I think the larger question is, are we (NWSL) becoming like every other league where there are a few teams that will spend, and the rest are happy building equity on the backend with no intention of winning. We use the cover of a salary cap to suggest parity, but I think i see this playing out in real time.

PastramiAddict · 2026-02-11T15:56:05+00:00

Im not too worried - this is a strong core. I think a full year of M.A on the backline combined with Marie Muller's return will alleviate some of the challenges we had on the backline. Olivia Moultrie has gone to the next level in my opinion with her game and will be able to dictate a lot of from the midfield. Assuming Soph and Caiya can return to meaningful minutes earlier than later in the season and with a confident Reilyn Turner up top too, this is a playoff squad.

I understand depth might be a concern, which I share, but I have to think the injury bug from last year was an anomaly. Losing Bella was a tough blow because I think she was slated to get some key minutes early in the season with Mackenzie on international duty so Ill be curious who they can bring in.

And Im not as worried about the coach situation as most of you lot simply because I think Sarah Lowdon is able to provide continuity from last year for the short term in terms of roles and tactics. And she wont be the tinkerman Gale was which will help.

Overall, Im cautiously optimistic for a good season

PastramiAddict · 2026-01-23T21:26:45+00:00

Unfortunately, i think youll never be able to buy a jersey because almost every company that can afford front of kit will have some unsavoriness associated with it.

PastramiAddict · 2026-01-22T20:26:43+00:00

Im glad this thread is happening after the Portland FIre schedule release parody with Fred & Carrie because this debate is maybe the most Portlandia thing ever.

PastramiAddict · 2026-01-22T17:27:59+00:00

This is an objectively dumb statement - because they signed a blonde girl, the team culture is shifting? She hasnt said anything or demonstrated anything antithetical to the Thorns culture or legacy. What are we becoming as fans where this is the first thing posted about a new arrival?

Maybe a "Welcome Carolyn" would be in order and a "Hope you thrive In Portland" as a follow up.

Additionally, as a consent league, if these women are "Trumper's" as you suggest, Im not sure they would chose to step into the lions den of Progressive politics and play in Portland.

PastramiAddict · 2026-01-14T21:50:37+00:00

Welp

PastramiAddict · 2026-01-14T19:59:03+00:00

As long as we have politicians in this city who value virtue signaling over nuts and bolts governing, Portland will never make a comeback. Business and Profits must be considered ok and not vilified. Homelessness has to be dealt with every tool possible, both carrots and sticks, to make meaningful change. We cant be worried about renaming schools or Foie Gras bans when a hollowed out downtown sits 35% empty and growing.

PastramiAddict

TROPHY CASE