Rookie goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski checks in with the latest "The Clean Sheet." Along with his thoughts on the World Cup, Matt previews the U.S. Open Cup match against Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC at PGE Park.
Hello Portland!
It’s been a long time coming but we have managed to put together a few quality results as of late. This has driven us back into playoff position, exactly where we want to be. Also, two of these wins have been in the US Open Cup and have given us the opportunity to play our favorite rivals in the Seattle Sounders. This Wednesday is going to be a heck of a game and I am certainly looking forward to the support of you all. Playing at home in front of these huge crowds you all spoil us with is nothing short of spectacular. These are the type of games you dream about as a kid and that you continue dreaming about even once you are a professional. Ever since we beat Kitsap last week there has been a buzz in the locker room about getting revenge on the Sounders for the result last season. Guys have been so focused and especially ready for this game and it has reflected in our training sessions. I can tell you know this is going to be an amazing game for us all!
Like I mentioned in the previous “Clean Sheet” finally the World Cup is here! We are now in the knockout stage and gotten down to the best of the rest. Unfortunately as most of us know the United States was eliminated last Saturday by Ghana. The US team put together some strong performances that kept us on the edge of our seats. They did a wonderful job of advancing out of group play and taking first place in the group for only the 2nd time in history. That right there is a huge accomplishment for soccer in our country. Be that as it may I still feel that it was very disappointing that we didn’t advance farther. We had such a great draw in the knockout stages and there was no limit on how far we could have gone. We just made one too many mistakes and they cost us in the end. However I am very proud of our boys and the determination and never say die attitude they showed throughout the entire tournament. I can say that I have never enjoyed watching our wonderful sport more than the last few weeks. This was a moment I had been waiting for for so long and it certainly has not disappointed.
Moving forward I am looking forward to the second half of this season and what it has to bring us all as an organization. We are getting into the heart of this season and potentially the most crucial part of our season. We need to continue to put quality performances together and get maximum points as often as possible to put us into the best position going into the playoffs. Once we are there we all know that anything can happen and it is our goal to bring a championship to this city. Here is to a great summer of Timbers football! Let’s Go Timbers!
- Matt Pyzdrowski
