Back to winning the league we go

By: Bob Kellett | July 8th, 2008

Happy face in place, a double dose of Metamucil consumed, and the reassurance that I’m Rose City Til I Die, let’s move on from the exhibition ennui to once again focus on the games that count. The Portland Timbers face the Puerto Rico Islanders on Thursday at PGE Park. This is the third and final time the two teams will meet this year. You’ll recall that the Timbers defeated the Islanders 1-0 on opening night, back when optimism reigned supreme. The Timbers also battled Puerto Rico to a 2-2 draw on May 16 in the Caribbean. With the slightly unbalanced schedule this year, it is important that Portland takes advantage of the teams that it faces twice at home. Points against those teams so far: Puerto Rico (4), Seattle (4), Miami (1), Charleston (haven’t played, hey there are still nine points to be picked up against the league leaders!) and Minnesota (4).

Merritt Paulson making the MLS rounds
Hey, look who new City Commissioner Nick Fish met with on July 3.

They’re mental, they’re barmy, they are the Timbers Army

Harvard Business School Case Study, anyone?
Ah yes, customer relations

Taking a look at the other teams
Soccernet and The Offside’s Anne Ramzy with her weekly USL First Division column.

Portland vs. Puerto Rico all-time
Overall: Portland 5-3-1, 17GF, 10GA
In Portland: 5-0-0, 14GF, 2GA
In PR: 0-3-1, 3GF, 8GA

Photo: The Timbers celebrate after defeating Puerto Rico 1-0 on April 17. Allison Andrews/Soccer City USA

Category: Timbers Team News

Tags: Merritt Paulson, Nick Fish, Portland Timbers, Puerto Rico Islanders, Timbers Team News

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Comments  

• Lucas |  July 8th, 2008 at 4:16 pm

  
  
  

  So this is the game when the Timbers get back to winning ways, right Bob?

  Right?

  Posted from United States

  

• Bob Kellett |  July 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pm

  
  
  

  No doubt. It is the start of a 14-game winning streak that will bring us all much happiness and joy.

  Posted from United States

  

• Lucas |  July 8th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

  
  
  

  YES!

  Posted from United States

  

• Jon |  July 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

  
  
  

  Goals are going to flow as freely and smoothly and often as beers into my belly. I can feel it.

  Posted from United States

  

• Dr. Bickle |  July 8th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

  
  
  

  Nice job finding that Business blog, Bob.

  Also good call on the Metamucil. Hope you saved some for Lucas and Trask (Finnegan, as we know, is beyond that sort of help).

  Posted from United States

  

• Dr. Bickle |  July 8th, 2008 at 5:57 pm

  
  
  

  PS: clever with the Nick Fish, too.

  Posted from United States

  

• Lucas |  July 8th, 2008 at 6:25 pm

  
  
  

  What’s metamucil? Why do I need some? Is it something like castor oil? Have I been a bad boy?

  Posted from United States

  

• Jon |  July 9th, 2008 at 9:26 am

  
  
  

  Bix is just upset that someone woke him from his nap at Happiness Police HQ. I don’t know who it was that did it… Bob, Lucas, me, most other soccer fans in Portland… but I’m just glad we have a single shining light like Bix to hold down the fort, set us all straight, and tell us how to act before he nods off again.

  Posted from United States

  

• Dr. Bickle |  July 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

  
  
  

  (…wondering if Jon kisses his mom with that mouth…and if he’d like to continue doing so or what…)

  Posted from United States

  

• Todd |  July 14th, 2008 at 1:22 am

  
  
  

  After an engrossing dialogue with a fellow TA member on the subject of relations between the TA and the FO, my question is this: When in the history of professional sports did the “relationship” between fans and ownership have so much bearing on the future direction of the franchise? Ownership does what it does to put butts in the seats.
  That’s it. They will do what is best for them in spite of us. No matter what we chant at matches, we will continue to offend some one. Let’s not become so bound up in our “role” as the Timbers’ Army. Just chant. Just support. You want to send a message to the FO? Stay home from the matches. Start your own club team. Run your offense like this: Have the guy (or gal) with the best perceived ball handling skills bring the ball into the deepest third of the pitch. Once there, have him (or her) wait for opposing players to surround them, all the while communicating to fellow team mates in an panicked voice, “get open.” Invariably we’ll lose possession with a dumbfounded look on our collective face, while the ball and the other side make their way upfield in the opposite direction. It’ll be just like a Timbers’ match of late, but free, with no waiting for beer.

  You wanna change the course of the franchise? Stay home until the manager puts into play a viable offensive scheme. You love something? Let it go. If it’s meant to be, it’ll come back scoring goals and winning matches.

  We (as fans) are paying the ticket fees, beer prices, T-shirt and trinket fares to keep this machine working. It’s not paying dividends.

  You like apples?

  Howdaya like them apples?

  Fare well everyone. See ya Tues. vs. Tigres.

  Todd
  107, row N, west end

  Posted from United States

  

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