Monday Musings

By: Bob Kellett | July 21st, 2008

Brother, spare a defender?
With Tim Karalexis likely gone for the season and Justin Thompson likely out of Thursday’s game with a card accumulation suspension and Cameron Knowles/Scot Thompson playing massive minutes, I can’t help but think Gavin Wilkinson will be on the phone today trying to secure a defender on loan from an MLS club. I’ve never been a fan of midseason loans. Over the years we’ve seen players like Kevin Goldwaithe and Scott Roner brought in and displace guys who have played all season long with mixed results. The loans have been disruptive and in some cases have forced Timbers’ managers to play inferior players. In this situation, however, depth in the back is desperately needed. If Scott Bolkan and Vardan Adzemian are not the answer - and based on their minutes the manager seems to think that they aren’t - time to go out and find a body who can play both inside and outside. Otherwise we might be forced to watch Chris Brown playing the Scott Benedetti circa 2003 backline role.

Speaking of players on loan
One of the few positives from the Southern Swing was the play of Brad Knighton. I thought he was steady in goal and I was impressed with some of his reaction saves. He seems to be gaining confidence the more he plays. All that said, if this season continues to go to shite I hope Chase Harrison gets a look and an opportunity to play his way onto the 2009 roster.

Victory, Victory
Gavin Wilkinson’s regular season record as manager: 19-12-16
Gavin Wilkinson’s record in games not involving the California Victory: 14*-12-16

* That includes the game the team won against Montreal this season when he was suspended.

Players only meeting
From Andy Mac:

The players held a meeting after last night’s loss, evidently more than aware that it’s up to them to turn things around. Patience from the coaching staff and front office is undoubtedly wearing thin, which will ultimately lead to major personnel changes - next year if not this - unless the current group responds.

Paging Mr. Alvarez
Jamil Walker has one shot in 130 minutes. He’s had no midfield support and when I look at him I get the sense that he’s playing injured, but surely better productivity could be found elsewhere.

Larry Legend no longer
After going 10-0-5 over two seasons in regular season games in which Lawrence Olum’s name was in the starting lineup, the Timbers finally lost when Larry’s number was called on Saturday against Charleston.

A New Legend emerges
My crack research shows that the Portland Timbers have never lost a regular season game in which Vardan Adzemian starts. Truth. Look it up.

This bears repeating
The Timbers are still carrying four keepers.

Go Figure
The last ten games:

Portland: 2-5-3
Seattle: 2-3-5
Montreal: 3-4-3