The Timbers assembled solid month of July, setting a new USL First Division record and hosting some exciting non-league events. Up for July’s Man of the Month are five players who contributed to the team’s efforts last month; vote today in the fan poll.
The Timbers assembled a 2-0-3 record in league games during the month of July and set a new USL First Division record for the longest, single-season unbeaten streak. Nominations for the Timbers Man of the Month for July are midfielder Tony McManus, defenders Scot Thompson, and David Hayes, goalkeeper Steve Cronin and forward George Josten. The poll closes Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m.
Returning from injury on July 1, McManus played in all eight games for the Timbers during the month of July, including the U.S. Open Cup match against Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC and the two international exhibitions. He recorded his first goal and assist of the season and was a two-time USL First Division Team of the Week selection last month.
Thompson appeared in all eight games for the Timbers and contributed in the backline’s three shutouts last month. In July, Thompson set two career milestones in July, becoming the Timbers all-time modern-franchise leader in both minutes and games played. He appeared in his 133rd career game as a member of the Timbers on July 23, against Puerto Rico at PGE Park.
Hayes logged a key goal for the Timbers last month, scoring a late equalizer in the team’s draw against the Miami FC Blues on July 17. With that draw, the Timbers matched the USL First Division’s previous record for the longest, single-season unbeaten streak. The game on July 17 was also Hayes’ 250th career match in the USL First Division. Following the game, he was named the league’s Player of the Week and his strike was crowned the Goal of the Week.
Cronin posted a 2-0-3 record over the Timbers’ five league games in July and recorded back-to-back shutouts in games against the Miami FC Blues and Puerto Rico Islanders. He logged 15 saves and allowed just three goals against USL opponents. In the Timbers’ exhibition match against English club Burnley, Cronin made a save and converted his attempt in the penalty-kick shootout. He ranks among league leaders in wins (8), shutouts (6) and goals-against average (0.59).
Josten scored two goals during the month of July, including one in a 2-2 draw against the English Premier League’s Burnley. His goal in league play broke open a 3-0 win for the Timbers on July 19, over Miami to set a new USL First Division record for the longest, single-season unbeaten streak. Josten, who had another shot rattle off the post against the Austin Aztex, played in all five league fixtures last month and also started the matches against Seattle and Burnley.
