Portland Timbers set to make Southern Swing

By: Bob Kellett | July 17th, 2008

The Tigres Tuesday was a nice diversion, but now it is back to the business at hand. The Portland Timbers travel to Atlanta and Charleston for a weekend of back-to-back soccer. This is a familiar trip for the Timbers veterans. Every year since 2004 they have made the sojourn to Georgia and South Carolina and every year they have had to play two games in two nights. Arranging trips like this has saved money but it has hardly saved seasons. The Timbers are 3-5-0 in Atlanta/Charleston back-to-backs. The challenge won’t be any easier this season. Charleston are on top of the league and are eager to pick up points at home before they hit the road for most of the remaining part of their schedule, while Atlanta would like nothing more than to avenge their loss at home to the Timbers a few weeks ago.

All-time Records
Timbers record in Atlanta: 3-2-0
Timbers record in Charleston: 1-3-0

Straight from the Solomon Star News

Totori, who signed up with Portland Timbers in April this year, has not played for the whole month of June due to injury.This was after he sustained a serious knee injury during his first appearance for his club.

“I’m still recovering right now and hope to regain my form soon,” he said.

Totori said the injury he recently suffered was one big blow of a lifetime.

“I never at anytime experienced an injury like that. The pain was terrible. But luckily I survived it and now getting back my legs to play.”

More from Benji

Words to remember
From USA Today in 2003

While at times he and his wife have struggled, Alvarez keeps at it for the love of the game.

“I don’t care about the money. I grew up playing soccer in the streets of Mexico and the streets of Guatemala,” he said. “Soccer is in my blood.”

The Last Five Games
Atlanta: 2-1-2, 9GF, 7GA
Charleston: 2-2-1, 6GF, 6GA
Portland: 1-3-1, 5GF, 8GA

Attendance watch
3 international friendlies: 28,433 total/9,477 average
9 USL-1 games: 72,475 total/8,053 average
Friendlies and USL games: 100,908 total/8,409 average

Last year the Timbers drew 112,683 total fans to 14 regular season and 3 exhibition matches. With six home games left in 2008, that number is going to be smashed.

Timber Jim, Timber Jim, Timber Jim