Timbers pre-playoff coverage roundup

The first match is tonight and the print media has taken some time out of their busy Blazers/Oden schedule to write a little about the Timbers. Much of the coverage lauds Wicks and his defensive cohorts:

Portland Tribune – Goalie counts his four blessings

“The best back four I’ve ever had,” Wicks says. “They work hard the full 90 minutes, and every once in a while a shot comes in and I do my part to play up to their level.”

The Oregonian – Wilkinson’s future costs Timbers coach for game

Instead of guiding the Portland Timbers through their first playoff game tonight in Vancouver, B.C., coach Gavin Wilkinson expects to watch the match online as a spectator, holed up alone in his home office in Gresham.

The Columbian – Timbers develop into playoff team this year

 “The old saying goes: ‘Defense wins championships,’ ” said veteran midfielder Andrew Gregor. “We’re going to stick with that, play hard for each other. I’m very confident we can get the job done.”

The Vancouver Sun – Wicks playing for keeps

It wouldn’t be fair to the Vancouver Whitecaps to say they let the best goalkeeper in the United Soccer League’s First Division get away. But it is fair to say Josh Wicks might come back to haunt them.

The Province – Bid to defend USL title begins in earnest

A key for Vancouver will be solving Portland goalkeeper Josh Wicks, the USLFD goals-against leader who stoned Caps Tony Donatelli and Dave Morris on Sunday.