In today's Game Notes, the Timbers announced they have signed midfielder Mike Chabala and forward Yuri Morales. Chabala is a draft pick of the Houston Dynamo, and saw action this season on the club's reserve squad. Morales comes fresh off a trial run with DC United and played his last two years in Denmark. Both are available to play tonight.
Here is some information that the Message Board research crew was able to come up with:
Photo from the University of Massachusetts website
Yuri Morales, a University of Massachusetts graduate where he played alongside current Timber Salim Bullen, had been playing with Danish Superliga club, Viborg FF, and while with their reserve team, where scored 12 goals in 9 games. Morales was a "Football players against racism" participant this summer, training with German club SV Neusorg, of Bayreuth , Germany.
Morales had more recently been on a trial with DC United.
Photo from the University of Washington website
Michael Chabala was First team All-Far West Region (2005) and Second team All-Pac 10 (2004-05) while with the University of Washington, where he was team co-captain his last two years.
More recently he had been playing for the Houston Dynamo on their reserve squad, but had been threatening to break into the top club at times until his signing with the Timbers.
JULY 24, 2006
Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar named to USL Team of the Week
Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, who still shares the league lead in assists with 5, and who scored on a nice free kick goal in the 2-1 loss to the Sounders on Friday, was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week. This is the third time this year Hugo has been given this honor, including being named Player of the Week back in week 7. Congratulations to Hugo!
JULY 22, 2006
Laid out by a 1-2 punch
It's lights out for the Timbers, drop 2nd match to Seattle in as many days
After having the lights literally go out at PGE Park on Friday night (one bank of lights at least), the Timbers had their figurative lights knocked out on Saturday at Qwest Stadium in Seattle. After going into the locker room tied at 1-1, Seattle struck twice in the second half, and Timbers rookie defender Mike Randolph was also ejected for slapping Sounders midfielder Leighton O'Brien. The Timbers have now lost their last eight league games and probably need six wins and two ties or seven outright wins in their last eight matches in order to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
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JULY 21, 2006
Timbers drop 2-1 result on scorching evening at PGE Park
The Timbers returned home looking for a good result against their traditional rivals in the Seattle Sounders. But on a night that saw near 100 degree temperatures at game time, and a power outage on one bank of lights shortly into the second half, the Timbers gave up two quick goals late in the match, and though Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar was able to pull a goal back as the long stoppage time began, it was not enough as the Timbers fell 2-1 at home and their playoff hopes start to fade with the loss.
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JULY 17, 2006
Luke Kreamalmeyer named to USL Team of the Week
Luke Kreamalmeyer, who scored all three Timbers goals in the Timbers 1-3 and 2-3 losses to Charleston this week was recognized with a spot on the USL First Division Team of the Week. Congratulations to Luke!
JULY 15, 2006
Nothing left in the tanks: Timbers fall 4-0 at Atlanta for fourth straight loss
A tired and injured Timbers team had nothing left for an Atlanta team who has gone undefeated in their new home stadium, losing 4-0. The Timbers have not won a league game since winning at Minnesota on June 15.
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JULY 14, 2006
Timbers let two leads slip away in 3-2 loss to Battery
Two nights after losing an early 1-0 lead, finally ending in a 3-1 loss to the Charleston Battery in a US Open Cup 3rd round match, the Timbers once again took an early lead, and once again it was Luke Kreamalmeyer who put the Timbers up 1-0, then scoring again after Charleston had leveled the score. But the Timbers could not hold onto their lead, giving up a penalty kick for the second match in a row, and finally ending up on the short end of a 3-2 result in Charleston.
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JULY 12, 2006
Timbers take early lead, but Cup hopes dashed in 3-1 loss in Charleston
The Timbers took an early 1-0 lead against the Battery in the 3rd round of the US Open Cup in Charleston, South Carolina, but the Battery tied it up before halftime, then put two more in the net in the second half and sent the Timbers out of the US Open Cup with a 3-1 loss to the Battery Wednesday night in Charleston. The Timbers remain in Charleston to face the Battery in a league match on Friday night.
Defenders Mike Randolph and Josh Brown both went down with injuries in this match, but Randolph is expected to be ready to play for Friday. Brown is likely to be out for the rest of this road trip.
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JULY 8, 2006
Timbers in a shootout!
A 1-1 draw settled in favor of Portland 4-3 in penalties in front of 10,985
For the second straight year, the Timbers hosted an English team at PGE Park. And for the second straight year, the match was level after 90 minutes. But penalties were used to decide the match this year, and the Timbers would prevail 4-3 in a shootout after Coventry City missed their final two kicks. The Timbers were successful on all four attempts.
Coventry City took an early lead on a goal in the 8th minute by Jay Tabb, but the Timbers leveled it on a penalty kick in the 67th minute by Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar after a Coventry player was called for a handball inside the box. A crowd of 10,985 watched the match on a warm night in Portland, which is the fifth biggest crowd to watch the Timbers since they returned in 2001. Bayard Elfvin saw his first action in goal at PGE Park this year, and Martin Hutton also saw action in goal, his first time in a Timbers match.
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- SoccerCityUSA Match Preview
- Timbers vs. Coventry City Match Preview, posted at the Timbers website
- Elfvin, Timbers looking forward to Coventry match, posted at the Timbers website
- A taste of English soccer posted at OregonLive
- Watch out, Timbers: British are coming, posted at the Portland Tribune
- Sky Blues touch down stateside, posted at the Coventry Evening Telegraph
- Trio to start for City, posted at the Coventry City website (requires registration)
- Double training session for Sky Blues, posted at the Coventry City website (requires registration)
- Go Beavers!, posted at the Coventry City website (requires registration)
- Welcome to Portland!, posted at the Coventry City website (requires registration)
JULY 2, 2006
PK'ed off
Miami FC tops Timbers on penalty kick
The Portland Timbers hosted Miami FC at PGE Park tonight, and though the visitors were without Romario and a few key players after they were sent home after their match in Seattle the previous evening, the Timbers were suffering from injuries that forced them to use a makeshift lineup, and the Timbers would suffer from problems with finishing the whole night, ending up on the short end of a 1-0 score after Miami was awarded a penalty kick late in the first half.
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JUNE 30, 2006
Whitecaps whitewash the Timbers, 3-0
The Portland Timbers were in Vancouver tonight, a stadium where the Timbers have not traditonally had much success. They went in with only one win there in six years, a 3-1 win on May 23, 2004 and were 1-10-1 lifetime on the road against the Whitecaps. Very little has changed, even with a new team and new coach, as the Timbers were throttled 3-0 by the Whitecaps, on two goals by David Testo and one by Tony Donatelli. With the loss, the Timbers fall to 5-5-5 and are tied for fourth place in the USL First Division.
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JUNE 28, 2006
Timbers officially announce two signings as they prepare for two games this weekend
The Portland Timbers officially announced the signings of forward Jaime Ambriz and goalkeeper Martin Hutton today, both of which had been previously reported from different sources. Ambriz has been with the Timbers since training camp and spent last season with Concordia Basel of the Swiss Challenger Division. Hutton is coming to the Timbers on loan from the Houston Dynamo, where has seen action in one reserve game in 2006.
The Timbers play at Vancouver on Friday night before hosting Romario and Miami FC at PGE Park on Sunday. The Timbers are undefeated in their past eight league matches with four wins and four draws. Look for a preview of this weekend's matches on this site either later today or on Friday.
JUNE 27, 2006
Sunday game vs. Miami FC to be televised
The Timbers today announced that Sunday's game at PGE Park vs. Miami FC will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Northwest. The Timbers are also scheduled to appear live on Fox Soccer Channel on July 21 when they host the Seattle Sounders. Currently, two road matches are available for view using On-Demand on Comcast Cable, those being the June 2 match at Seattle, and the June 15 match at Minnesota.
JUNE 19, 2006
Bayard Elfvin and Luke Kreamalmeyer named to USL Team of the Week
Goalkeeper Bayard Elfvin, in only his fourth start for the Timbers, and first since August 27, 2004, earned Team of the Week honors for his 10 save shutout in Montreal. And Luke Kreamalmeyer scored his 2nd and 3rd goals of the season in Minnesota and Rochester, earning him a spot as well. Congratulations to both!
JUNE 18, 2006
Montreal has no Impact on tired Timbers team
Timbers earn 5 of 9 possible points on 3 in 4 days, draw Montreal 0-0
The Timbers had a very tall order with 3 road games in 4 days, the final two being at the league's two best teams in Rochester and Montreal, but the Timbers proved up to the task, drawing 0-0 at Montreal today as Bayard Elfvin got the start between the pipes for the Timbers. Bayard faced 14 shots, and recorded 10 saves for the shutout. The Timbers had 9 players behind the ball for much of the match, and only recorded two shots on goal for the match. With the draw, the Timbers are undefeated in their past eight matches (4 wins, 0 losses, 4 draws) and are tied for first place with Rochester and Puerto Rico, but have played more games than any team in the league.
The Timbers made a pretty bold statement in Rochester Saturday night. Two days after a 2-1 win Minnesota, the Timbers went down 1-0 to the Rhinos in the first half, but two Timbers goals in the second half, by Luke Kreamalmeyer and Scot Thompson, gave the Timbers a 2-1 lead. But in the 89th minute, the Rhinos fought back for the equalizer on a Matthew Delicate goal, the same player that scored against the Timbers in a 1-0 Rhinos win in Portland earlier this year. But it broke a streak of not having scored a goal in the run of play against the Rhinos in five games, which had all been Rhinos wins.
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JUNE 17, 2006
Timbers/Beavers ownership deal finally complete
After 15 months of negotiation, the deal for the sale of the Timbers and Beavers to the Portland Baseball Investment Group, LLC (PBIG), has been completed. Abe Alizadeh is the majority owner, and the new agreement runs through 2010 with a two-year extension option through 2012, and ensures that the Beavers and Timbers will continue playing their home games at PGE Park.
JUNE 16, 2006
Timbers get goalkeeper loan from Houston Dynamo
Just days after the Oregonian article about Josh's desire to go back to MLS, the Timbers have acquired another goalkeeper, Martin Hutton, from the Houston Dynamo on loan.
JUNE 15, 2006
Sound of distant Thunder
Timbers win 2-1 in Minnesota
The Timbers extended their undefeated streak to six games as they beat the Thunder for the third time in three times this year, a 2-1 win at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul. Luke Kreamalmeyer scored in the first half off an assist by Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, and Oral Bullen had the game winner to break a 1-1 tie off an assist from Mambi Chisoni. The Timbers are now undefeated in their past eleven games against the Thunder, going back to July 25, 2003. This was the first of three games in four days for the Timbers on this road trip, and assistant coach Gavin Wilkinson came on in the 89th minute (wearing #40), and defender Salim Bullen started for this first action in a Timbers uniform. The Timbers continue on from Minnesota to play in Rochester on Saturday and Montreal on Sunday.
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JUNE 14, 2006
Is Josh heading for MLS again?
The Oregonian had a nice article about goalkeeper Josh Saunders today, but it could indicate that Josh could be heading to MLS soon. The Timbers are expected to sign a third goalkeeper soon that could indicate a major shakeup between the pipes for the Timbers.
JUNE 12, 2006
Josh Saunders named to USL Team of the Week
For his five save performance in a shutout of the Whitecaps on Saturday, goalkeeper Josh Saunders has been named to the USL Team of the Week. Congratulations to Josh!
JUNE 10, 2006
Scoreless? Depends on your angle on it
Timbers earn point in 0-0 draw after apparent Vancouver goal waved off
The Timbers hosted rival Vancouver on Saturday night, and despite the fact that it was the Whitecaps who had played the night before, the Timbers were the team that looked flat, forcing only one official save by the Whitecaps keeper, despite outshooting Vancouver 7-5 on the night. The Whitecaps appeared to have taken the lead in the 11th minute when a Joe Gjertsen shot slipped through the hands of Timbers goalkeeper Josh Saunders, but the assistant referee did not see the ball cross the line (though it appeared it actually bounced behind the line), and play continued. The Timbers needed a late reaction save by Saunders on a Steve Kindel shot to preserve the 0-0 draw and a point.
The Timbers made several roster moves in preparation for the Whitecaps on Saturday and a long road trip afterwards as they released midfielder Edwin Miranda and goalkeeper Devin Zimmerman today, and signed forward Jaime Ambriz. Miranda had only appeared in four matches this season, after being a critical off-season re-signing, but never seemed to fit into Coach Agnello's system. Zimmerman had been the backup keeper until Bayard Elfvin was signed, and had not been on the active roster since then as the third keeper.
Ambriz has been with the Timbers since the tryouts and his international work clearance and should be available for the Timbers road trip.
The Timbers also announced that defender Michael Nsien, who had started every match this season but was injured in a collision in Seattle on Friday with Oluwaseyi Abolaji, will miss 4-5 weeks with a a partial tear of his MCL.
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JUNE 5, 2006
Hugo is USL First Division Player of the Week
For a great assist on the Timbers 2nd goal against Seattle this past Saturday, plus scoring the third goal in the same match on a header in the 87th minute, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar was honored with the USL First Division Player of the Week honor. Defender Jacobi Goodfellow also got a well-deserved first team nod for his defensive play this weekend. Congratulations to both of them!
JUNE 3, 2006
TKO, 2nd round
Timbers finding their form as they get solid 3-1 win over Seattle
After starting 1-4-1 on the season, the Timbers have 10 points out of 12 in their past four matches with three wins and a draw, and after getting a point in Seattle Friday night with a 0-0 draw, the Timbers showed that their new, quick lineup is starting to come together as a team as they delivered a decisive 3-1 win over the Sounders at PGE Park. Alejandro Gutierrez put the Timbers up 1-0 in the 15th minute, and after Seattle's Zach Scott tied it up in the 32nd minute, the Timbers responded only one minute later as Mamba Chisoni put the Timbers back on top. Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar added a third goal late for the 3-1 win.With the win, the Timbers move into a first place tie in the Cascadia Cup competition between Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, and currently lead based on goal differential with a +1 differential. The next Cascadia Cup match for the Timbers will be next Saturday when Vancouver comes to town.
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MAY 27, 2006
Byron makes Thunder!
Byron Alvarez goal enough in 1-0 win over Thunder in Minnesota
After going the first seven matches of the 2006 season without a shutout, the Timbers got one when they needed one as their shutout of the Minnesota Thunder was what they needed to make a goal from Byron Alvarez in the first half stand, for a 1-0 win over the Thunder at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota. The Timbers are now undefeated in their last 10 matches vs. the Thunder, with 4 wins and six draws going back to a 1-0 win by the Thunder in Minnesota on July 25, 2003.
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MAY 22, 2006
Oral Bullen named to USL First Division Team of the Week
With a goal and an assist against Toronto, Timbers forward Oral Bullen earned a spot on the USL First Division Team of the Week. Oral played only 39 minutes on Sunday but assisted on Luke Kreamalmeyer's goal, and put in a beautiful strike himself eight minutes later which turned out to be the game winner. Congratulations to Oral!
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MAY 21, 2006
Back in the win column
First goals from Luke and Oral are the difference in 2-1 win
The Timbers finally got back in the win column on Sunday night as Luke Kreamalmeyer and Oral Bullen each scored their first goals as a Timber as the Timbers beat the Toronto Lynx 2-1. All goals were in the 2nd half as Kreamalmeyer got a feed from Bullen in the box and turned and struck low for the 1-0 lead. Bullen scored a goal of his own eight minutes later on a sweet strike after a feed from Mamba Chisoni. Toronto spoiled the shutout with a goal by Osni Neto near the end of stoppage time.
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MAY 19, 2006
Help the Timbers fill PGE against Coventry City
And maybe win a trip to Atlanta and Charleston!
Come to a special meeting with Chris Agnello and Dan Zusman on Tuesday, May 23rd, at 7:00 pm at the Bullpen (1730 SW Taylor Street) if you would like to be included in the opportunity to win great prizes by helping the Portland Timbers sell out PGE Park for Coventry City's visit on Saturday, July 8th.
The Grand Prize could include an all expenses paid trip to the Timbers Charleston & Atlanta road trip, including becoming a member of the coaching staff with a seat on the bench for the matches.
There will be more details at the meeting. Hope to see you there.
MAY 19, 2006
Close but not quite
Timbers fall to Rhinos 1-0
The Timbers put in one of their better performances on Friday night against the league leading Rochester Raging Rhinos, but it wasn't quite enough as a lone Rochester goal in the 62nd minute was enough to lift the Rhinos to a 1-0 victory over the Timbers. Former Timber Aaran Lines would record the assist on the goal as he played a low cross to Matthew Delicate, who stabbed at the ball and knocked it into the goal past Josh Saunders.
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MAY 19, 2006
New Timbers Blogs launched
Two more source of Timbers information on the net has emerged with the addition of "Eleven Devils" and "A Pretty Move". Both have a Portland-based flavor but with alot of World football content as well. Be sure to check them both out. Both will be linked soon on the Links section to the left side of this page, at at the top of the Soccer City USA Message Board. We welcome both to the Timbers online community, which is growing by leaps and bounds!
MAY 14, 2006
Caribbean Blue
Timbers finish tough road trip with 3-1 loss
The new-look 2006 Timbers were expected to build from the back, but their first long road trip of the Chris Agnello era did not show much in the way of defense as the Timbers gave up three goals in each game, losing 3-1 to the Islanders today in Puerto Rico. The Timbers were already down 3-0 by the 22nd minute and late consolation goal by Byron Alvarez was not enough to make the game close again. The Timbers now return home to face the Rochester Raging Rhinos on Friday. The Rhinos are undefeated and have not yet been scored on in the 2006 season, and the Timbers have yet to defeat the Rhinos in four tries, nor have they scored on them in those four matches other than two penalty kick goals.
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MAY 12, 2006
Miami Vice
Late Romario goal drops Timbers to 1-2-1
For the third match in a row, the Timbers would have an early lead on a 6th minute goal by Mamba Chisoni, but it would not hold up as Romario had the equalizer for Miami, then Miami took a halftime lead on a goal by Sean Fraser. The Timbers would rally to tie on a late penalty kick goal by Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, but Miami would steal the three points with an 89th minute goal by Romario for the 3-2 win. Timbers defender and team captain Scot Thompson was taken to the hospital after getting a gash to his head in the 1st minute and his status is currently unknown.
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MAY 10, 2006
For Keiana
Back from the UK, Timbers Army members bring over $2000 to donate to Keiana Serill Trust Fund
31 Timbers Army members went to the UK last month, invited by Sunderland fan Gary Lamb, who had been impressed with the hospitality the Sunderland supporters received when they visited Portland last July. On two very special evenings in Seaham, England, money was raised to benefit the Keiana Serrill Trust Fund, established for Timber Jim's granddaughter after the tragic loss of his daughter Hannah in an auto accident in 2004.The raising of the money for Keiana was kept secret from Timber Jim until Friday night at PGE Park, when the donation was presented to Timber Jim in an on-field ceremony. To read more about the events that lead up to this, and the events of that evening, as well as a personal thank you from Timber Jim, click below to read an article about the event that I wrote for USLFans.com.
MAY 8, 2006
Three Timbers honored with Team of the Week selections
Three members of the Portland Timbers were named to this week's USL First Division Team of the Week, as forward Chad Bartlomé, midfielder Troy Ready, and defender Lee Morrison were all honored this week. Bartlomé and Ready are both new to the Timbers this week, with Morrison in his fourth season for the Timbers. Bartlomé scored the Timbers first goal of the season, as he put in a rebound off a Hugo Alcaraz-Shot against Vancouver on Friday. Ready had the game-winner vs. Minnesota on Saturday, also putting in a rebound, this time off a Byron Alvarez shot. Morrison played solidly in a defensive midfield position for most of this weekend's matches, slightly upfield from his normal defensive position. Congratulations to all three on a well-deserved honor!
MAY 6, 2006
Are you Ready?
Troy Ready's game winner lifts Timbers to 2-1 win over Minnesota
The Portland Timbers got their first win of the 2006 season when second-half substitute Troy Ready knocked in a shot off a rebound to give the Timbers a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Thunder. Ready had his chance for the game-winner after Byron Alvarez's shot had gone off the left post, but Ready was able to beat the sprawling save attempt by Thunder goalkeeper Joe Warren.
The Timbers had taken a 1-0 lead in the first half when Chad Bartlome had been knocked down in the Thunder box, and Alejandro Gutierrez calmly put in the penalty kick to give the Timbers a 1-0 lead. But in first half stoppage time, another bad Timbers pad deep in their box would cost the Timbers, as it did last night against Vancouver, and this time it was Nathan Knox who placed the shot perfectly past Josh Saunders for the 1-1 halftime score.
Josh Brown would see his first action for the Timbers, and recent arrivals Mubarike "Mabma" Chisoni and Bayard Elfvin were on the sidelines for tonight's match.
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MAY 5, 2006
Fit to be tied
Early goal won't stand ,Timbers draw Vancouver
The Timbers got off to a great start tonight, with new signee Chad Bartlome (who's signing has not even been announced by the team yet), put the Timbers up 1-0 in the 21st minute when he knocked home a rebound off a shot by Byron Alvarez. But the Timbers could not hold the lead, and Vancouver woud tie it up in the 53rd minute on a blast by Tony Donatelli. Five new Timbers were in the starting lineup, and Troy Ready and Oral Bullen saw action as substitutes. The Timbers will have very little time to think about this game, as 1-0 Minnesota comes to town tomorrow night.
(Match preview, posted earlier today): Tonight at PGE Park, the Timbers will open their 2006 home season as they host the Vancouver Whitecaps at 7pm. The Timbers underwent major changes over the offseason, with Chris Agnello taking over as both GM and Coach. Agnello brings a track record of success from his time as coach and GM of the Utah Blitzz, who were one league below the Timbers, having won two league titles in his five years there. Agnello's teams have always been built on strong defenses, and the Timbers return goalkeeper Josh Saunders for his fourth season in Portland, along with the leader of their defense in Scot Thompson. Other returning Timbers are forward Byron Alvarez, who is the Timbers all-time leading scorer with 39 goals, and midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, who led the league in assists the past two years. Defender Lee Morrison, and midfielders Edwin Miranda, Tom Poltl and Garrett Marcum also return from the 2005 team.
Timbers fans will have alot of new faces to learn as 14 new players will be on the Timbers roster. Speedy midfielder Luke Kreamelmeyer, midfielder playmaker Alejandro Gutierrez, attacking midfielder Troy Ready, defenders Michael Nsien and Jacobi Goodfellow, and foward Drew McAthy should see significant playing time in the opener Oral Bullen may also see time as a forward or attacking midfielder, and midfielder Mike Randolph may see time on the left side, possibly dropping into a defensive spot, and defender Josh Brown may see time, but is nursing an injury that has kept him out of the preseason. Midfielder Sergio Iñiguez is also likely out with an injury.
Defender Salim Bullen (cousin of Oral) and midfielder Mubarike "Mamba" Chisoni are only arriving this weekend, so are not likely to see playing time. New reserve goalkeeper Devin Zimmerman should be on the bench tonight, but also keep an eye out for the return of reserve goalkeeper Bayard Elfvin, who was on the Timbers roster in 2004 and recorded some solid time in the nets after Josh Saunders went down for a few games with an injury.
You can get a copy of the current roster by going here.
Also, some great news from Andy McNamara as the Timbers will be webcasting the home games, and select road matches as well. It wouldn't be the same without Andy behind the mic!
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APRIL 29, 2006
Timbers win final scrimmage, 2-0 over OSU
The Timbers finished their 2006 exhibition season with a 4-1-1 record as they defeated the Oregon State Beavers 2-0 on a miserable day at Lake Oswego High School. It was a chilly day as rain fell for much of the match, and the Timbers took the lead in the 19th minute when Byron Alvarez had a flick-on header off a cross from Luke Kreamelmeyer that put the Timbers up 1-0. The Timbers would add a second goal just before the final whistle when Tommy Poltl played a pass to Drew McAthy, who managed to tap the ball into the run of Edwin Miranda, who circled the OSU keeper and put the ball into the net for a 2-0 win.The Timbers have their home opener this Friday against Vancouver at PGE Park, and will also host Minnesota at PGE Park on Saturday.
APRIL 28, 2006
Saturday scrimmage moved to Lake Oswego High School
Saturday's scrimmage, originally scheduled for Tualatin Hills Recreational Center, then moved to Gresham High School, has once again been moved, this time to Lake Oswego High School. The Timbers will be taking on Oregon State in their final scrimmage before their home opener next Friday against Vancouver.
APRIL 26, 2006
Meet and Greet the Timbers tonight at The Bitter End
There is a Meet and Greet gathering with the Timbers tonight at The Bitter End pub, which is at the corner of 20th and Burnside, directly across from the NW entrance to PGE Park. This event will give you a chance to meet the new Timbers players and thank the returning players for once again wearing Timbers green. This event is for 21 and older only.
APRIL 26, 2006
Clive's #3 is retired, again
In the original Timbers roster that was distributed on Saturday in Vancouver, defender Josh Brown was listed as wearing #3, which is Clive Charles' old number that was retired by the Timbers in 2003 and hangs from the rafters at the NE corner of PGE Park. After mention of this was made to the Timbers by several Timbers fans, Josh Brown will now wear #33 instead. Thank you to the Timbers for correcting this issue and continuing the honoring of Clive's #3.
APRIL 24, 2006
Timbers add two more to coaching staff
The Timbers today filled their last two coaching positions, adding Cony Konstin and John Galas to the staff. Konstin comes from WestSide Metros, where he has served as the director and head coach. Galas comes to the Timbers from his position as assistant coach with the University of Oregon.
APRIL 22, 2006
White out
Timbers drop opener 1-0 in Vancouver
The Timbers opened their sixth USL campaign Saturday night in Vancouver, and with a roster debuting five new players, the Timbers allowed an early goal in the 17th minute on a breakaway converted by Joe Gjertsen. The Timbers would settle down after that, and play pretty evenly for the rest of the half, and control possession for much of the second half, but could never break through as the Whitecaps held on for a 1-0 win at Swangard Stadium. This was the first time the Timbers had opened on the road since their 2001 debut in the USL, where they also dropped a one goal match, 2-1 at El Paso.
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APRIL 19, 2006
Timbers to host Coventry City on July 8
It's being reported that the Timbers will be hosting Coventry City, of the English Coca-Coal Championship (2nd division) on July 8, 2006 at PGE Park. The news appeared on the Coventry City website today, and reports that the Sky Blues will also be playing the BYU team of the Premier Development League. Coventry City currently sits in 11th place in the league.
APRIL 18, 2006
Timbers add Marcum, I?iguez to roster
Defender Garrett Marcum returns to the Timbers for his third season, though he really only started getting playing time during the second half of 2005. The Timbers also added midfielder Sergio I?iguez, who played with the Atlanta Silverbacks last year, and also was a trialist with French clubs Lille and Auxerre, and the Argentinean team Boca Juniors before signing with the Silverbacks. The two signings bring the number of players signed for 2006 up to 21.
APRIL 15, 2006
Timbers split pair of exhibitions
The Timbers played two scrimmages this weekend, with their likely starters winning 3-0 over the University of Portland, on goals by Luke Kreamalmeyer, Edwin Miranda, and Drew McAthy. The Timbers went deeper into their trialists for a second scrimmage again the Westside Metros and dropped a 2-1 final, with Jaime Ambriz getting the lone Timbers goal.
APRIL 14, 2006
Byron is back!
The Timbers have officially re-signed forward Byron Alvarez. Byron is the all-time leader for the USL Timbers in goals (37), points (81), and shots (188). Alvarez will be returning for his fourth season with the Timbers after playing this off-season indoors with the Chicago Storm. With Byron's signing, the number of Timbers officially returning for 2006 is up to seven. Welcome back Byron!
APRIL 12, 2006
Timbers add Gutierrez
The Portland Timbers added another player to the roster, with midfielder Alejandro Gutierrez being announced as the latest signing. Gutierrez played for coach Chris Agello for four years as a member of the Utah Blitzz, including three US Cup matches against the Timbers during that time. The Columbian player previously played for the Riverside County Elite of the D3 league. Prior to that he played professionally in Columbia for Lancero/Miionarios, Condor Bogota, the Bogota Academy team and Club Deportivo Millanrios. This signing brings the number of players signed by the Timbers so far to 18.
APRIL 8, 2006
On my way to the UK
The author of this site is on her way to Sunderland to join other Timbers fans there as we accept an invitation from the Sunderland fans to join them for a few matches in the UK over the Easter Weekend. My first entry, written from a hotel near the airport in Seattle, talks about how the trip came about, and I will be updating the travelogue frequently all the way through the Timbers opener in Vancouver two weeks from today.
APRIL 8, 2006
Timberlog catches up with Michael Nsien
Another great interview over at the Timberlog, this time with defender Michael Nsien, who joins the Timbers in 2006 after having been on the LA Galaxy reserve squad in 2005. Nsien talks about the Timbers, Coach Agnello, the Galaxy, the Timbers fans, and more. Be sure to check it out!
APRIL 8, 2006
Both Timbers draft picks have now signed... somewhere else
For the second year in a row, the Timbers will not be signing either of their draft picks, as defender Anthony Noreiga signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps. A few weeks ago, the Timbers other draft pick, defender Kenney Burtz, signed with Rochester. Last year, the Timbers were not able to sign either of their draft picks either, as goalkeeper Dan Kennedy went to Puerto Rico instead, where he won league rookie of the year, and forward Justin Cook, who was injured before the Timbers ever saw him come to Portland.
APRIL 7, 2006
Timbers fill two coaching positions
The Portland Timbers filled in two open coaching spots today, with John Galas, a former assistant at the University of Oregon and Florida State, taking the goalkeeper coach position. Cony Konstin, head coach of the Westside Metros, has also been added to the staff.
APRIL 5, 2006
Edwin Miranda returning for 2006
Another of the players most Timbers fans would probably consider "key" members of the 2005 squad has returned, as Timbers midfielder Edwin Miranda will return for his third season in Timbers green. Miranda played in 27 of 28 games last year, with 4 goals and 4 assists, including spectacular game-tying goal in stoppage time in Vancouver. Edwin had been rumored to have been "looking elsewhere" as recently as a few weeks ago, and was in camp with the Columbus Crew in March. Miranda's signing means that six of the members of the 2005 squad have re-signed, with forward Byron Alvarez expected to be the seventh regular to return, but will have to wait until the end of the MISL season as he is still under contract with the Chicago Storm.
APRIL 3, 2006
Timbers doing the "Mamba"
The Portland Timbers added another name to their 2006 roster today, as midfielder Mubarike "Mamba" Chisoni joined the squad from the LA Galaxy. Chisoni made 11 appearances and one start for the Galaxy last year, but spent most of the year on the reserve squad with recently signed Timbers Jacobi Goodfellow and Michael Nsien. Chisoni was a third-team All-American following his junior season and scored 27 goals and had 24 assists in his three seasons at Coastal Carolina.
APRIL 2, 2006
Fan roundtable at the 107 report
The latest installment of Obi-Wan's excellent 107 Report features a round-table discussion among five Timbers fans about the first scrimmage of the new season, and about the Timbers and the league in general. I took part in this discussion (which was at The Bullpen on Saturday afternoon) along with Roberto, The Don, GWAR, and Bickle (nicknames from the Message Board) and had a great time. Thanks again to Obi-Wan for bringing us this great new source of Timbers coverage, to The Don for doing the hosting, and everyone else who took part.
APRIL 1, 2006
Timbers exhibition season opens with a win and a draw
The Portland Timbers Version 2.0 debuted today in two scrimmages at Merlo Field at the University of Portland. In the first match, a 2-0 Timbers victory over Seattle University, it was Drew McAthy and Troy Ready who did the scoring, as Josh Saunders recorded the shutout in goal. In the 2nd game, the Timbers took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Oral Bullen, but the University of Washington put in a rebound off a free kick past goalkeeper Devin Zimmerman late in the match for a 1-1 draw. A few new names were added to the list of trialists, with Jaime Ambriz from UC-Santa Barbara getting a look, as well as 2003 Timbers midfielder Adam Wilson. In all there were about 30 players on-hand and twice as many Timbers Army members. More names will be added to the list of potential players at the right of this page as we learn more.
APRIL 1, 2006
Edwin Miranda rumored to be returning
Timbers fans may get a bit of unexpected and very good news as soon as Monday, as it is being reported on Roberto's Timbers Weblog that former Timbers midfielder Edwin Miranda may be returning for the 2006 season. Miranda had an impressive breakout season in 2005 and scored what many consider the Timbers goal of the year, a blistering strike to the upper corner in Vancouver. He had been reported as "looking elsewhere" as recently as a few weeks ago, and had been in camp with the Columbus Crew, but the Timbers may end up with a much improved midfield if Miranda does indeed return for the 2006 season.
MARCH 30, 2006
Timbers add four more, release Sam Reynolds
It was a case of plus four (+4) and minus one (-1) today as the Timbers announced the signing of four players, but the release of one of only six Timbers who had signed on from the 2005 squad. Goalkeeper Sam Reynolds, who saw his only action of the season during the second half of the Sunderland exhibition (and had a clean sheet) was released today by mutual agreement. The Timbers also announced the signing of midfielders Troy Ready and Mike Randolph, defender Josh Brown, and goalkeeper Devin Zimmerman.
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Troy Ready
Gilbert W. Arias
Seattle Post-Intelligencer | Mike Randolph
Arizona Community College
Athletic Conference website |
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Josh Brown
University of New Mexico
Website | Devin Zimmerman
Utah Salt Ratz website
(through Wayback machine) |
- Troy Ready has played for the Cascade Surge (who play in Salem) and the Spokane Shadow of the PDL, and is a graduate of the University of Washington where he earned Pac-10 All-Academic honors his junior year. Coach Chris Agnello had been very complimentary of Ready's play after he took part in the invitation-only tryout last month.
- Mike Randolph played for Yavapai College, where he helped lead them to a 24-2 record n 2005. He also led them to the championship game of the NJCAA last season. Randolph was named ACCAC Player of the Year and was a member of the NJCAA Region 1 first team.
- Josh Brown played for the University of Portland for three seasons before playing his senior year at the University of New Mexico. The Portland native helped lead them their first NCAA Tournament final in school history last year.
- Devin Zimmerman played at Fort Lewis College in Colorado in 2000-01 and also played for the Utah Salt Ratz of the MPSL.
MARCH 21, 2006
Timbers sign "Laser Luke" from Real Salt Lake
The Portland Timbers have filled another gap in their midfield, as former MLS midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer has been signed. Kreamalmeyer played for Coach Agnello at RSL last year, and before that had also played for the Chicago Fire Reserves and the St. Louis Strikers of the Premier Development League, as well as alongside fellow Timber Oral Bullen at Bradley University. Luke was named MVP of the 2005 MLS Player Combine, and played in six games for Real Salt Lake in 2005 before being released earlier this year.
MARCH 28, 2006
Are the Timbers about to go very Melo?
There are rumors (so far, unconfirmed) that former MLS and USL striker Welton Melo is coming to Portland for the 2006 season. Welton (as he's usually known) is a 31-year old Brazilian striker who had his best season in 1998 when he scored 17 goals for the Los Angeles Galaxy. He now has three years of experience in the USL First Division, in 2001 with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and the last two seasons with the Seattle Sounders, where he scored 10 goals in 2004, and 4 goals in 2005.
MARCH 28, 2006
Vancouver ships Dizzy off to Montreal
The Vancouver Whitecaps once again proved that big off-season signings are subject to pre-season or (in the case of former Timber Andrew Gregor and Jake Sagare) early season reviews as former Timber Dan Antoniuk, acquired as a free agent by the Whitecaps during the offseason, has been shipped off to Montreal in exchange for Impact striker Eduardo Sebrango. Antoniuk had been a Timber for the past two seasons, scoring 13 goals in 2005 including the now-famous "taped up" goal in Minnesota.
MARCH 21, 2006
Timberlog has the goods on Drew McAthy
Over at the Timberlog, another great interview, this time with recent signeed Drew McAthy. Drew talks about why he didn't come to Portland last year when he had a chance, about playing in Puerto Rico, and what he thinks about coming to Portland to play the Timbers.
MARCH 20, 2006
U-Go!
League assist leader Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar signs for 2006
The Portland Timbers have re-signed their top playmaker as midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar returns to the Timbers for his fifth season. Hugo had 12 assists in 2005 to lead the USL First Division, the second year in a row he had led the league. Hugo also was awarded with the Timbers Supporters Player of the Year for 2005 and was a first-team All-League selection. The Rochester Raging Rhinos had been very interested in signing Hugo, but the midfielder instead remains a Timber, the sixth player from the 2005 squad to do so.
MARCH 18, 2006
Byron and Hugo coming back to the Timbers?
More rumors are surfacing that Byron Alvarez and Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar are both returning to the Timbers for the 2006 season. Byron has scored 38 goals in his three seasons with the Timbers, the highest total among any Timbers player, and had reportely drawn the interest of the Seattle Sounders, Puerto Rico Islanders, and Charleston Battery. Hugo's 40 assists also lead the Timbers, and he has led the league in assists the past two years, and has also scored seven goals in his four years with the Timbers. It was no secret that the Rochester Raging Rhinos had expressed alot of interest in Hugo, but it appears the Rhinos will have to be satisfied with getting left-side midfielder Aaran Lines, who they have signed away from the Timbers, and who recorded one goal and one assist in his one year in Timbers green.
MARCH 16, 2006
Timbers announce preseason
With the regular season just over a month away, the Timbers finally announced their preseason schedule for 2006, which will be four matches before the regular season starts, all against college opponents, and an additional exhibition the week after the season starts in Vancouver on April 22. Four of the five exhibitions will be in the Portland area, with three matches at the University of Portland, and one at Tualatin Hills Recreation Center at 158th and Walker Road in Beaverton. The Timbers will face both Seattle University and the University of Washington on April 1 at Merlo Field before travelling to Oregon State for a mid-week match on April 12. The Timbers return to the University of Portland to face the Pilots on the 15th, before using their weekend between the season opener and the May 5 home opener to host the Beavers at Tualatin Hills. All of these matches should be open to the public.
The preseason games have been listed on the schedule on the right side of this page.
MARCH 10, 2006
Interview with Jim Taylor
Obi-Wan's outstanding 107 report continues to provide excellent Timbers content during the offseason, with the two most recent installments (posted this past weekend) featuring an in-depth interview with former Timbers GM Jim Taylor, who resigned last fall after a disappointing 2005 campaign which saw coach Bobby Howe dismissed. Jim talks about the circumstances surrounding his resigning, as well as Bobby's dismissal, and also talks about the players, the league, the Timbers Army, Portland, and much more more in an interview that goes nearly 2 hours over the two episodes. This is something that you definitely don't want to miss.
MARCH 10, 2006
Three more into the mix
The Portland Tribune is reporting that the Timbers have re-signed defender Lee Morrison and midfielder Tommy Poltl from their 2005 squad, and have also signed LA Galaxy reserve defender Michael Nsien. The Timbers are also likely to sign former Utah Blitzz and Ocean City Barons forward Byron Carmichael, who played under Chris Agnello in 2004. Not returning from the Timbers 2005 squad will be Brian Winters, Fadi Afash, Scott Benedetti, and Shawn Saunders, and Edwin Miranda is looking elsewhere (though apparently not completely out of the picture) . Agnello also reported he has made "very, very good offers" to forward Byron Alvarez and midfielder and league assist leader Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar.
MARCH 9, 2006
Gavin Wilkinson |
Timbers name Gavin Wilkinson as assistant coach
Former Timbers defender Gavin Wilkinson, who has been with the Timbers since their 2001 rebirth, was officially named as assistant coach today. The New Zealand native has 38 caps for the New Zealand National Team, and is 2nd in the total of games (116) for the USL Timbers. Gavin is also the director of coaching at EastSide United FC, and holds a USSF ?A? coaching license.
MARCH 4, 2006
Open tryout day at PGE Park
The annual open tryouts took place at PGE Park in Portland under a blue sky and warm conditions today, as 55 players took to the pitch to catch the eye of Timbers coach Chris Agnello. Re-signed defender Scot Thompson was on-hand to meet the coach for the first time, and put on his cleats and took part in the tryouts. Also taking part was 2005 Timbers midfielder Shaun Higgins. A few other Timbers players from the 2005 squad were seen on the sidelines, with forwards Byron Alvarez and Fadi Afash both being spotted. No sign of the four recent signees, but check out Obi-Wan's 107 Report (linked below) for Agnello's opnion about the four signees and more information about today's tryouts.
MARCH 3, 2006
Timbers sign four
A few more pieces of the Timbers 2006 puzzle fell in place, as the Portland Timbers announced the signing of four more players today. Bradley defender Salim Bullen and his cousin, University of Massachusetts midfielder Oral Bullen had been previously rumored and are documented a few posts down. The two new announcements were forward Drew McAthy and defender Jacobi Goodfellow.
- McAthy, who is 23 and graduated from UC-Santa Barbara in 2004, was the first pick in the 2005 USL First Division college draft, going to Puerto Rico where he saw limited minutes, scoring one goal in 23 appearances, playing 22 minutes vs. the Timbers in two appearances.
- Goodfellow, 29, played for Coach Agnello in 2004 when the Utah Biltzz won the USL Pro Select league final, and was also a member of the 2003 league champion Wilmington Hammerheads.
MARCH 2, 2006
Open Tryouts and Open House at PGE Park this Saturday
The Timbers will be holding open tryouts this Saturday at PGE Park starting at 10am, and will also have an open house from Noon to 3pm. Those Timbers fans who have already purchased season tickets can pick them up on Saturday, and single-game tickets also go on sale.
MARCH 1, 2006
Josh back in back
Goalkeeper Josh Saunders to return for fourth season
Goalkeeper Josh Saunders will be returning to the Timbers for his fourth season, it was announced today. Saunders, who debuted for the Timbers against Calgary on June 27, 2003 will be on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy for the 2006 season, and has registered 35 wins for the Timbers over his first three seasons.
FEBRUARY 25, 2006
Agnello gets first look at trialists
The Portland Timbers held their first 2006 tryouts today, and the first chance for new coach Chris Agnello to get a look at a new group of trialists, and even got a look at a few former Timbers in the mix, with Shawn Saunders (2004-05), Erik Cronkrite (2004), and Jarrod Weis (2004-05) also taking part in the tryouts. Several of the 2005 Timbers players were on-hand as well, with Lee Morrison, Tommy Poltl, Garrett Marcum, and Byron Alvarez looking on from the sideline, as well as new assistant coach Gavin Wilkinson, with 2003 Timbers player Ryan Youngblood looking on as well.
The Timbers currently only have two players from their 2005 squad under contract (Scot Thompson and Sam Reynolds), and are rumored to have signed Salim Bullen and his cousin Oral Bullen, though not yet confirmed. The 2005 invitation-only tryout produced Timbers midfielders Tom Poltl and Sean Higgins, both of whom made a solid contribution to the Timbers last year. The Timbers will also hold an open tryout at PGE Park on March 4.
FEBRUARY 18, 2006
The 107 Report
Obi-Wan (from the TalkTimbers.com message board) has released two installments of his fine "107 Report", with the first edition covering the visit of new coach Chris Agnello to the Bullpen on Febuary 2, and the second edition covering Timbers news since then. It's an outstanding idea and full props to him on his work on this, and we'll all be looking forward to his next report which will have details from an interview with the new Timbers Media person. Click the link below to go to his website.
FEBRUARY 17, 2006
Got Scot!
Timbers announce return of All-League defender Scot Thompson
A Timbers announced today that defender Scot Thompson, who was a finalist for USL First Division Defender of the Year in 2005, and All-League First Team defender, will return to the Timbers for the 2006 season. Scot had tried out for English Premier League Sunderland last year, and had more recently had trials with the Columbus Crew of MLS and Norway?s Ham-Kam. Scot joined the Timbers in 2004 as a loan player from the Los Angeles Galaxy and has also shown a keen ability to score on headers from corner kicks, scoring four goals in 2005.
FEBRUARY 7, 2005
Two (possible) new Timbers players
A recent article in the Peoria Journal Star announced that former Bradley outside midfielder Salim Bullen had signed a contract with the Timbers, and Timberlog reported that after speaking with Sailm, it was learned that Salim's cousin Oral Bullen had also signed. Oral finished his career at the University of Massachusetts with 54 career points on 21 goals and 12 assists and earned All-Conference Second-Team honors.
The Timbers have not yet confirmed the signing of either player, but at the Timbers Army gathering in early February, coach Chris Agnello announced that four players had been signed, with three being defenders, though no names were given at the time.
FEBRUARY 2, 2005
Timbers announce open tryouts
Open tryouts for the 2006 Timbers will be held at PGE Park on March 4 from 10am to 3pm and the cost is $75 to anybody looking for a spot on the 2006 Timbers squad.
JANUARY 24, 2006
Timbers draft two defenders
New Timbers coach Chris Agnello has always built from the back, and the Timbers 2006 draft showed he is not going to change his ways with his new team as the Timbers drafted two defenders. Anthony Noreiga from George Mason was 2005 CAA Defender of the Year and participated in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Player Combine Jan. 12-15, 2006 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Kenney Burtz, from the University of Maryland, was All-ACC first team and All-South Atlantic third team in 2005 and has been in camp with DC United.
Of the previous six players that the Timbers drafted, only one saw significant playing time with the Timbers (Rookie of the Year Alan Gordon in 2004), though 2005 draft pick Dan Kennedy went on to win Rookie of the Year for the Puerto Rico Islanders.
JANUARY 6, 2006
Andy McNamara nominated for NSSA award
Portland Timbers radio announcer Andy McNamara has been nominated as a finalist for the 2005 Sportscaster of the Year for the state of Oregon, an award presented annually by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA). Andy has been the voice of the Timbers, on the road and at home since 2001, so congratulations to a well-earned nomination to Andy!
