It was a rough week for the Timbers as the team struggled again on the road, dropping a 1-0 loss to Chivas USA. Also, the Timbers U-23s on Friday failed to clinch a spot in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as the Kitsap Pumas came into JELD-WEN Field and snatched a 3-2 win. We’ll recap the week that was and also bring you some highlights from the CONCACAF Gold Cup which started Sunday afternoon.
The Timbers are seeking to grow their Latino fan base, something some MLS teams have struggled to do as many Mexican fans already claim loyalties toward a Mexican Primera Division squad with few intentions of taking on another favorite team. The Oregonian’s Rachel Bachman writes about Portland’s effort to bring Latino fans into the fold.
Ex-Timbers defender Ross Smith made the move from the field to the radio booth this season. Stephen Alexander of the Portland Tribune has Smith’s story, including his eye-opening heart surgery.
Saturday night’s 1-0 loss to Chivas USA, the Timbers second league loss in a row, highlighted Portland’s struggles away from JELD-WEN Field so far this season. TimbersArmy.org has their match report, including player ratings, and SoccerbyIves corespondent Jonathan Vera has his game story here.
Two Timbers players were away on international duty this past week. Goalkeeper Jake Gleeson was with the New Zealand National Team as they lost 3-0 to Mexico and 3-0 to rival Australia. Gleeson saw no action against El Tri, but did come on in the 76th minute against the Socceroos. The 20-year-old was solid, but surrendered a penalty kick goal in the 92nd minute. 101greatgoals.com has the video highlights of the match against Australia.
The other Timber on international duty is defender Steve Purdy with El Salvador. Purdy’s side opened the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday night with a 5-0 loss to continental powerhouse Mexico. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez netted a hat-trick while Purdy remained on the bench as an unused sub. The 6-foot-4 defender might see some time in the next match on Thursday against Costa Rica after Salvadoran defender Marvin Gonzalez earned a red-card ejection in the 90th minute against Mexico. Gonzalez, a central defender, must miss Thursday’s match. Video highlights here also courtesy of MLSsoccer.com.
Rapids Redo
Each week, we’ll give you some insight behind enemy lines and show you what they’re saying about the Timbers’ opponent.
Colorado, which beat Portland 3-1 in the season opener, rolled up its sixth straight draw with a 1-1 score against Philadelphia. John Meyer from the Denver Post has the game story. After the defending MLS Cup Champion Rapids grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minute on a goal from University of Portland alum Conor Casey, Oregon State University product Danny Mwanga netted the equalizer in the 66th minute.
