Rhinos are Raging; Cup Qualifying Commences

By: Bob Kellett | May 12th, 2009

Upon reflection
Thinking back to the Cleveland game on Saturday and I don’t think the Timbers should have done anything different in terms of tactics. It was clear from the get-go that they were playing for three points. The outside backs were pushed way forward, the midfield was swarming around the box, and the manager made some second half moves with the intention of getting a goal. It was a disappointing result, but I’m not sure they could have done anything differently (other than chopping off the Cleveland keeper’s arms at halftime.)

Looking ahead
Rochester comes to town on Thursday (note the 8pm kickoff) having won three straight. You’ll recall that the Rhinos blew up their roster before the beginning of last season. They began the 2008 season struggling to score and struggling to win. This year is a different story. They brought back their core players and have gotten off to a strong start. What makes this even more impressive is that they have already picked up three road wins and a road draw. Their schedule is crazy. They start the season with 8 road matches. That means they’ll be playing a ton of games at home late in the season. They have put themselves in a good position thus far.

Familiar Faces
There’s only one Sancho. One time Timbers defender Brent Sancho is starting in the Rhinos’ backline. Andrew F*ckin Gregor has featured in four of Rochester’s five games. He mainly is getting minutes off the bench. Former Portland Pilots forward Chris Sanders is on Rochester’s roster but has not played a minute yet. Rochester also has a ton of guys who have been in the USL First Division for a number of years: Johnny Menyongar (always kills the Timbers), John Ball (thug), Ze Roberto (still ambulatory!), Scott Vallow (Swallows), Tiger Fitzpatrick, and Kenny Bertz (Agnello drafted him).

Your annual Steve Reese update
After spending a couple of seasons picking up a paycheck as the third-string keeper for the Timbers, Steve Reese has returned to the much despised Cascade Surge. Judas.

US Open Cup time
One of the great disappointments of 2008 was Gavin Wilkinson’s decision to take the U.S. Open Cup less than seriously. Two words: Scott Bolkan. Hopefully Amos Magee will take a different approach with the U23s this year. The Bonzai have a pair of contests this week that will count as part of the qualifying process for PDL sides. In total, four matches in the early regular season will double as Open Cup qualifying matches with the top two sides in the Northwest division moving on in the tournament. Here’s the current standings and schedule.

The Oregonian’s lack of Sounders coverage
Terrible or a reason to have a renewed faith in the future of print journalism?

The week that was
Your weekly USL First Division review.

Photo: Allison Andrews/Soccer City USA