Portland Timbers close out the exhibition season against Tigres

By: Bob Kellett | July 15th, 2008

If it feels like we just did this, it is because we just did. For the second time in 12 nights the Portland Timbers face a club from Mexico in an exhibition match at PGE Park. After falling 2-0 to Morelia on July 3, the Timbers now face Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. For the sake of brevity, let’s just call them Tigres.

What can expect from Tuesday’s contest? More of the same, I suppose. The Timbers have a tough road trip ahead, playing in Atlanta on Friday and Charleston on Saturday. That would lead most humans to believe that Portland will play a makeshift lineup and rest some of the starters. At least that is the theory. The way things have played out this year we could very well see Chris Brown going the full 90, etc, etc.

As for Tigres, this is their final exhibition match before the Mexican season starts next weekend. They played on Sunday in Sacramento. This will be little more than a training game for them. If nothing else, they will offer fans at PGE Park the opportunity to see a bit of attractive soccer, something that has been on rare display this season.

When Brad Knighton speaks
You listen. I love how he is asked about getting up for big games (exhibitions!).

Being Gavin Wilkinson
Mate, there is nothing more in life that I enjoy than a nil-nil soccer game. Keeping the ball out of the net is the name of the game. Purefuckingbeauty. The Big Bossman doesn’t see it that way and since his daddy is the one who signs the currency I have to find someone who can score goals for my team. That Jordan kid was a decent plug in the dike for a few games. Good thing I kept his number in my rolodex. Let’s see, who else can score goals. Let’s look under “A”. Afash, Fadi. Now there was a baller. I wonder when he is up for parole. Alvarez, Byron. Grrrrrr….kid could play at one time, but we never really habloed mano y mano if you know what I mean. He is in the area so I’ll save money on long distance charges. What the hell? Our winning streak in meaningless exhibitions has already come to an end. I’ll give him a run against those Mexican Tigers, along with these guys:

Knighton
Adzemian Knowles Karalexis Griffin
Olum Brown Poltl Little
Alvarez Walker

Predict the attendance, win no prizes
Another gorgeous day in the Rose City and another Mexican team is in town. While the fans came out of the woodwork for the Morelia match, I’m not convinced a Tuesday night game that hasn’t gotten much media attention (at least English language media) is going to be quite as big. Plus there’s exhibition fatigue. I know I’m not alone in feeling it. Let’s call it 7,432 and hope for more.

Match Previews

Timbers three-match week begins with Tigres (Portland Timbers)

Timbers to face Tigres’ crop of international talent (Portland Timbers)

Alvarez back with Timbers — for at least one more game (Portland Tribune)

¿Será el tiempo de los jóvenes? (Solo Tigres)