Yesterday it was announced that Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson has submitted his MLS expansion franchise application. MLS plans to add two expansion teams for the 2011 season. We may know by fall our MLS fate.
This announcement may indicate progress in discussions of Beavers stadium plans. Options were discussed in this Tribune article in early July. At that time the discussion focussed on the possibility of replacing Walker Stadium in Lents Park with a new stadium for the Beavers. Another potential site for a baseball stadium is “across the river from the Rose Quarter in an industrial area along the Willamette River.” And then there’s the mysterious third site, which neither City Commissioner Randy Leonard or Paulson would identify in the article.
The Timbers also announced this week that Bryan Jordan, who had a solid rookie season with the Timbers last year (26 appearances, 5 goals, 1 assist), will be loaned to the Timbers for the remainder of the season. His current club, the LA Galaxy, of course reserves the right to yank him back when and if they desire. Sigh.
Also this week Byron Alvarez received USSF and international clearance. Byron Alvarez can score goals. Lots of goals (41 goals in 96 Timbers appearances over the years).
Which brings us to Minnesota.
The Timbers face the Thunder in Minnesota Saturday, sans the services of Chris Brown (red card suspension), Shaun Higgins, and Justin Thompson (yellow card accumulations). This doesn’t worry me as much as it normally would, as I suspect if Alvarez (skill and a nose for the goal) and Jordan (speed and fearlessness) make appearances, we may actually score some goals. I know, crazy!
Which brings us to beer.
Watch the Timbers take on Minnesota Saturday at 5pm at Rogue Distillery & Public House (1339 NW Flanders). Rogue will be hosting the annual Bones and Brew ribs and beer festival, a benefit for the Oregon Zoo, all weekend on Flanders in front of the pub. The festivities include live bands, a Kobe Bleu Ball (Kobe beef meatballs stuffed with
Rogue Creamery Oregon Bleu cheese!) eating contest, tricycles races, and friggin fire dancers!
(I wish Bob would get back from his honeymoon already; this is exhausting, and I’m not half as good at it as he is!)
I’m beginning to feel a glimmer of hope for the Timbers’ season…
That Kobe Blue Ball sounds delicious!
Diane – I sure hope so. I think we might actually score some goals, if Gavin gives Byron a chance to play . . . we’ll see.
How can he not let him play? He would be run out of town by an angry Timbers Army mob.
If Byron doesn’t play this game, I could see GW staying in Minn-e-soda, you betcha. Go Timbers, yea beer!!
-K
Diane, Kip – I’ve been baffled by Gavin’s coaching, on the offensive end, all season. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see Byron and/or Jordan until the 80th minute.
All right now, just stop trying to bring me down!