Defender
Justin Thompson
returns for another season of the Road Report, detailing his thoughts and experiences from the road. In the season's first edition, Thompson provides a front row seat to the team's recent trip to Miami and Puerto Rico.
Here is his report from the road:
Thurs., May 15 - 9a.m.
Welcome back to another season of titillating Timbers soccer!! We've started the season off on the right foot by staying undefeated in our first 5 games. It's now time to pack our bags and hit the road. On this trip we'll test our luck against the early season basement dwellers in Puerto Rico and then Miami.
Thurs., May 15 – 11:30 p.m.
After a long day of travel, we finally arrived at 10:30 p.m. into San Juan, Puerto Rico. Even at 10:30 p.m. we were all sweating from the humidity by the time we loaded our bags into the rental vans. We have prepared for what we consider to be two very tough games this weekend. The Timbers have never earned a point in Puerto Rico and anytime you play two games in three days the second game is always tough. Having said that, our confidence is high and we have to expect to win every game.
F
ri., May 16 – 11 a.m.
After our standard pre-game walk and stretch this morning, led by Kiki Lara, we will be relaxing in our rooms until game time. We beat Puerto Rico at PGE Park in the opening game of the season, but we know this game will be very different. The fans are so passionate about their Islanders down here and they always seem to perform well at home. If we can limit their chances, we know our forwards will cause them lots of problems and that should be enough to get a result.
Sat., May 17 – 12 noon
Well, it wasn't pretty but we got a point! We drew 2-2 last night in an uncharacteristically open game. We started the game on the back foot and spent most of the first half that way. Early on, we conceded two goals on crosses - something that hasn't happened since I've been part of the Timbers. It felt like it was going to be a long night. But it didn't take long for our survival mode to kick in and we began to fight back. First it was Lawrence Olum rising high at the far post to head home a Miguel Guante cross. And then it was Chris Brown who found space to head his third goal of season on a cross from Brian Little. We probably could have won the game in the end, but either way, last night was a great character builder for our team. To come back from a two goal deficit and get a point where no other Timbers team ever has is a success in our books.
Sun., May 18 – 11a.m.
There is no time for the faint hearted … We're back on the war-path with another big game tonight against Miami FC. They have scored often this season and we know their performances don't warrant their current league position. Our bodies are sore and the sun is beating down, but we will rally the troops and fight hard for all three points tonight.
Sun., May 18 – 9 p.m.
Arggghhh … another tie! We completed the road trip tonight with a 0-0 draw. Anytime you take a point on the road, you can't be too disheartened. But I would be lying if I said that the boys weren't disappointed. We did everything right tonight, except put that silly little ball into that silly net. We outplayed, out-shot, and out-worked our opponents. We created chances and limited theirs. We deserved all three points but in the end, that is why we all love soccer. Anything can happen, and tonight it just didn't happen for us.
At the end of the day, we are still unbeaten this season. At this stage of the contest, we are looking more at the actual team performances, rather than the results. We know if we continue to put good performances together, the results will come. We have a lot of work to do, but Gavin has brought in another good group of guys who are beginning to come together. This weekend sets up a huge clash with Vancouver on Saturday night, and then we'll get a chance at revenge when Miami rolls into town on Memorial Day Monday.
We have the best fans in the league and we'll need you this weekend as we look to get back on top of the table! Hope to see you at PGE Park!
Posted by: Justin Thompson
