With Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Minnesota, the Portland Timbers are on a winning streak! Sure it’s only two games long, but that’s the most league wins the Timbers have strung together all year (they’ve now managed the feat three times). Ryan Pore got the goal (his league leading 13th) on a penalty kick earned by Bright Dike when Minnesota’s keeper Warren took him down in the box.
The Timbers (9-7-7) are currently in third place in the USL Conference and fourth place over all. The second place Austin Aztex make their first visit to Portland on Thursday, August 26. They have the best offense in the league, averaging almost two goals a game. Join the Oregon soccer community at PGE Park early on Thursday for the Jimmy Conway testimonial match at 5pm. Timbers and Aztex go at it at 7:30pm.
In MLS related news, Monday the Portland Timbers were awarded the first pick in the MLS Expansion Draft. The Vancouver Whitecaps get the first pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
Will the Timbers secure a Designated Player in 2011? That’s an open question, but Merritt Paulson has expressed the desire to acquire a US National Team player, if he decides to sign a DP, who can help the team in a fundamental way, not just as a ticket selling draw (because obviously, in 2011 every match will be sold out anyway). How about Jay Demerit?
Local talent Brent Richards could also end up with the Timbers.
And don’t forget, the auction to raise money for the Timbers Army Van ends Saturday!
Dave-
I saw this in the news, and thought about your blog and several other great Portland blogs I read. Any idea if the city of Portland has considered making bloggers fall under local business regulations?
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS309462000920100824