As one era of Timbers soccer comes to an end, a new era of soccer in Portland is set to begin. This week's links roundup looks at what the future of MLS in Portland might provide, and the new opportunities in store for the U.S. Men's National Time.
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The Timbers’ final match as a second-division club begins the team's transition to MLS.
While the Timbers were occupying the University of Portland’s Merlo Field, the Pilots men’s soccer team went 1-1 on a road trip to the University of San Diego and Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. On Friday night, the Pilots got an assist from former Timbers U-23s midfielder Michael Nielsen and a shutout from former U-23s goalkeeper Austin Guerrero in a 1-0 win over USD. On Sunday in Los Angeles, the Pilots got second-half goals from former U-23s Jarad vanSchaik and Ryan Kawulok but could not level the score as they fell 3-2 to LMU.
A former UP Pilot continues to play on the grand stage as defender Heath Pearce received another cap for the U.S. national team Tuesday night in a 0-0 friendly against Colombia in Philadelphia.
Major League Soccer’s “Homegrown Initiative” and the U.S. Soccer Development Academy could ultimately lead to the U.S. winning the World Cup someday.
Current USMNT goalkeeper (and former USL Seattle Sounder) Marcus Hahnemann is considering retiring from the U.S. national team due to limited playing opportunities from coach Bob Bradley.
Might Copa Americas – South America’s premier international tournament – expand the number of North and Central American national teams that it invites to participate?
Photo: Michael Stringfield Last week's links: Paulson Profiled, Mwanga Honored
