It’s Timbers Time and Chris and Matt discuss another wild ride this week as the team goes down to Kansas City and come back with a point in an end-to-end 3-3 draw… we talk about midfield rotations, the impact and importance of DP signings, the many Colombian Timbers (is there going to be another?)... and much more… RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• Cole Bassett is finally dropped

• The obvious importance of elite DPs

• Is Good Vibes Only back?

• The first half shows a developing Martiball identity that’s growing every game

• Did Caicedo’s rusty sub appearance cost us the game?

• Marti’s late game shift to 352 is an interesting tactical wrinkle

• Eric Izoita gives another impressive cameo

• Velde over-dribbling in his own half cost the Timbers a huge game state advantage

• Colombian Timbers Trivia

• Go support T2 in the Playoffs!

• Colorado and LA next game previews

  
  

Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:46) Chit Chat - Diction Matters, DP Quiz

(5:05) SKC (A) - Pre-Game Analysis

(12:14) SKC (A) - First Half Analysis

(26:31) SKC (A) - Second Half Analysis

(45:55) SKC (A) Post Game Analysis

(56:24) Timbers News & T2 Update

(1:04:27) MLS News

(1:06:34) Next Episode Preview - LA Galaxy (A), Colorado (H)

Listener Topics and Questions!

Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post

It’s Timbers Time! Chris and Matt always wondered what the Timbers defense would look like without Finn Surman, and now they know… the team break the glass on their emergency 6th choice center back, Eric Miller, and that goes about as well as you might expect in the 3-1 away defeat to San Jose. But there are still positives to be taken from the game, especially the second Timbers appearance from great young hope Eric Izoita, and the boys take a trip down memory lane to pick their favorite three Timbers games, with somehow only one of them being an outright victory… RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• Our two real concerns from recent form

• Are any of the SJ goals on Marti Cifuentes’ tactics?

• The two Millers aren’t’ exactly The Champagne of Defenses

• What makes the most memorable soccer games?

• Marti’s pragmatic tweaks to Pantemis’ distribution patterns and positioning is a wrinkle to keep an eye on

• Comparing this SKC defeat to the home leg that got Phil fired

• Is Eric Izoita ready to start in MLS?

• Is it justified to support Marti throwing players under the bus when we didn’t when it was Phil Neville?

• Matt reveals his hidden timbers tattoos

• Do we need a dedicated space for home and away fan groups to pregame together?

• Go support T2 in the Playoffs!

• Sporting Kansas City next game preview

Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:45) Chit Chat - Miller Time, Ticking off the Five Major Sports

(7:58) Listener Question - Favorite Timbers Games

(16:23) San Jose (A) - Pre-Game Analysis

(23:00) San Jose (A) - First Half + Pants Passing Analysis

(41:24) San Jose (A) - Second Half + Eric Izoita Analysis

(51:05) San Jose (A) - Post Game Analysis

(59:52) Timbers News & T2 Update

(1:04:43) MLS News Roundup

(1:08:02) Next Episode Preview - Sporting Kansas City (A)

Listener Topics and Questions!

Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post

It’s Timbers Time and this week Chris and Matt have very different opinions as to whether we should be concerned or unconcerned by the narrow 1-0 loss to Atlanta United, and recent form in general, with real systemic improvements in the team somewhat overshadowed by poor finishing and a growing sense of frustration against a well organized low block… we look into Cole Bassett’s goalscoring prowess and patterns of scoring, Marti is still mad about something intriguing, Matt has a Providence Park popcorn tip and much more … RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• Was Velde back to his selfish worst this game or did he just have no options?

• Are recent games evidence that Ned let Marti down with a lack of attacking signings in the summer transfer window?

• Should we be concerned or unconcerned about recent form? Matt and Chris disagree…

• Do clean sheets against SKC even really count?

• Are we creating the right kind of chances for Cole Bassett and what attacking statistic is Cole 99th Percentile at this season?

• The Timbers came out with a really strong first thirty minutes on both sides of the ball but struggled with a goal deficit game state

• Waterman is bringing some much needed verbal and organizational leadership to the back line

• Chara makes a lung busting run and miracle block and then takes a quick old man nap to recover

• Finn is angry at his passing error in the lead up to the first goal but he should be proud of the significant improvements in his passing game recently

• Marti says “It’s very clear what we’re missing” - what does he mean?

• T2 Win the Pacific Division!

• Is it fair to annual members to sell deeply discounted tickets?

• San Jose next game preview

  
  

Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:23) Intro Chat - Recent Form - Concerned or Unconcerned?

(5:52) Intro Chat - Clean Sheets

(9:25) Bassetwatch! Cole’s Goalscoring Analysis

(20:08) Atlanta (H) - Pre-Game Analysis

(28:00) Atlanta (H) - First Half Analysis

(44:57) Atlanta (H) - Second Half Analysis

(55:26) Atlanta (H) - Post Game Analysis

(1:01:26) Timbers News & T2 Update

(1:05:27) MLS News Roundup

(1:07:23) Next Episode Preview - San Jose (A)

Listener Topics and Questions!

Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post

It’s Timbers Time and this week we cover the team’s last two fixtures, with a really entertaining 2-2 draw against St Louis followed by a narrow loss to Dallas in Texas, but the team showed a lot of promise if not a lot of points…, are we seeing the positive beginnings of Martiball beginning to form? There’s lots to talk about as Velde has quite the birthday, Kamal Miller continues his regression and Chara looks revitalized… RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• Marti tells us what’s going with the penalty taking battle

• If the best defenders are “Rolls Royces”, what is Kamal Miller?

• We compare terrible footballer tattoos

• St Louis show their appreciation for Janssen’s hold up play by kicking him repeatedly from behind

• Does Bassett officially have the shooting yips?

• Does Chara and Ortiz playing together give us a better balance between attack and defense?

• Velde’s on ball decision making has improved drastically recently, does Marti get the credit?

• Have our near post corner routines been scouted out of effectiveness?

• Chara is having a new lease of life since Neville left and is about to break the MLS record for any appearances by a Timber in the league

• The Timbers broadly defend really well in the heat in Dallas despite 3 changes to the back 4

• Marti has quickly adapted to how to get the best from Gage Guerra

• Antony’s inability to beat his man off the dribble holds the timbers back in Texas

• Finn Surman's passing game is definitely improving, good news for him thriving under Marti’s system

• While individual errors were the obvious problem, a lack of ball pressure in a deep block cost the timbers a goal in both games

• The studs up challenge on Waterman was an obvious red, and the VAR failure to overturn the on field call was mystifying

• The Lassiter / Hernandez right side combination looked promising

  
  

Content Warning: One “f” word, a few “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:00) Chit Chat - Lake Life & Janssen Doubters

(3:38) St Louis (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis

(11:10) St Louis (H) - First Half Analysis

(22:41) St Louis (H) - Second Half Analysis

(30:21) St Louis (H) - Post Game Thoughts - Pressers, MOTM & Notable Performances

(35:25) Dallas (A) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis

(41:28) Dallas (A) - First Half Analysis

(49:52) Dallas (A) - Second Half Analysis

(1:02:44) Dallas (A) - Post Game Thoughts - Pressers, MOTM & Notable Performances

(1:08:29) Timbers News & T2 Update

(1:13:07) MLS News Roundup

(1:15:40) Next Episode Preview

Listener Topics and Questions!

Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post

It’s Timbers Time and the hat-trick curse is FINALLY broken as Vincent Janssen has a magical first start in Portland, taking home the match ball and three log slices for the first time in Timbers MLS history. And it’s part of a wild 5-4 game against Minnesota that was both entertaining and anxiety-inducing! We do our usual match analysis plus a deep dive on the Timbers’ transfer window, we assess the signings, the sales, the state of the roster and Ned’s performance as GM…. RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• After a FIFTEEN year wait, the TImbers finally have a hat trick!

• Digging into Ned’s transfer window press conference revelations

• After Janssen’s insane game, do we need another striker?

• Ned has failed to sign U22 attacker targets in two successive windows, what level of criticism is fair?

• There’s a lot of pressure on the next transfer window now

• Why did the team choose to reject large bids for Finn? Can we keep him long term?

• If Finn doesn’t stay, is Waterman the long term replacement at right CB?

• Homegrown T2 stud Eric Izoita joins the first team and we have a chant ready!

• Ned talked about a contract extension for Pants - how should the team approach that given his erratic performances?

• Is Marti frustrated at the Front Office for the transfer window? Should he be?

• Finally some good injury news!

• Janssen dropping deep to provide an outlet pass was key to ending our struggle to progress the ball from the back

• Marti’s adapting to more direct play at times of high pressure is good pragmatism

• The woodwork still hates us, are we due some luck?

• Lassiter’s strike going down as an OG is a tragedy, should there be a rule change?

• Kamal Miller’s run of improved form comes to a very abrupt end

• Who was to blame for the comically terrible third Minnesota goal?

• Matt’s hat gets a new home

• Open cup is back! We discuss why it’s such an important competition

  
  

Content Warning: A single f bomb, some “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:24) Chit Chat - Holiday Weekend Party In Portland

(1:57) Transfer Window Analysis - Intro

(3:55) Transfer Window Analysis - Strikers

(8:47) Transfer Window Analysis - Wingers & Failed U22 DP Signings

(16:43) Transfer Window Analysis - Defense

(27:18) Transfer Window Analysis - Central Midfield

(29:55) Transfer Window Analysis - Goalkeeper

(33:15) Transfer Windows Analysis - Ned and Marti Speak

(40:08) Minnesota (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis

(47:04) Minnesota (H) - First Half Analysis

(1:02:48) Minnesota (H) - Second Half Analysis

(1:15:19) Minnesota (H) - Post Game Thoughts - Pressers, MOTM & Notable Performances

(1:18:18) Timbers News & T2 Update

(1:21:35) Quiz Corner & MLS News Roundup

(1:25:00) Next Episode Preview: St Louis (H)

Listener Topics and Questions!

Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post

It’s Timbers Time and in this week’s episode we break down the last minute chaos in the 2-1 loss to Austin as the Timbers pull the game back from the brink near the end and then throw it away again in comic fashion, but how much can we learn from this game with key players absent? Was it right to sell Kelsy for that big pile of cash? And are we getting enough defense from our 8s? We look at the numbers and do some analysis… RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• Kevin Kelsy departs for Europe! We rate the sale as our young striker moves to Glasgow for big money

• Austin had the worst away record in the MLS, how did we not see this was a trap game?

• What was Marti trying to achieve by tucking Caicedo into the back 5?

• The lack accuracy of the game day information on mlssocer.com is embarrassing for the league

• Eric Miller’s on ball limitations were painfully felt in attempting to build out from the back and Marti was notably concerned about his right back position in his presser…

• Why we need another striker but this isn’t the game to judge Gage Guerra on

• Do we have the personnel to play out of the back? Will Marti pursue a slow build up or pragmatically shift to more direct play like he did in the second half due to the squad makeup?

• We’re loving the new Fory chant, and need more player specific songs

• The first Austin goal was very nicely done but went wrong in the Portland defense?

• Despite an overall sub-par performance, Velde’s decision making in the final third continues to improve

• With the transfer deadline closing in, will Finn Surman’s insanely good blocks this game be the last we see of him or can we not afford to sell him right now?

• Antony finally shows some fire and commitment in his appearance off the bench… Is this organic or is he trying to impress potential transfer suitors?

• The Timbers finally get some penalty luck but luck has the last laugh minutes later

• The eye test says our two 8s are not giving us much on defense, but what do the numbers say? We ran a statistical analysis on Da Costa and Bassett against some other players in the league…

• The finish to the weekend’s T2 game was one for the ages!

• Ned has a lot of work to do before the deadline closes…

  
  

Content Warning: Some “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:04) Chit Chat - Fall Vibes

(3:02) Transfer Reaction - Kevin Kelsy Departs

(9:46) Austin (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis

(19:50) Austin (H) - First Half Analysis

(32:28) Austin (H) - Second Half Analysis

(52:50) Austin (H) - Full Time Thoughts, MOTM & Notable Performances

(54:54) Austin (H) - Post Game Pressers

(59:11) The Problem With the Timbers 8s - A Statistical Analysis

(1:09:26) Timbers News - Transfers & T2 Update

(1:13:04) MLS News and Transfer Window Activity

(1:18:01) Next Episode Preview: Minnesota (H)

Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post

It’s Timbers Time and in this episode we analyze two good results against San Diego and LAFC as new coach Marti Cifuentes settles in and shows both his tactical nous and his pragmatism with some formational tweaks. Also on the show there’s transfer talk, ACL science, billionaire’s dinner time, and much more… RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• How Cifuentes changed the press against San Diego as a stark contrast to how Neville’s approach saw us take repeated heavy defeats against the same opposition

• The Timbers get their long range shooting boots on with some style

• When Velde shares the ball really, really good things are happening, and post-Neville tactics have provided options around him

• Get well soon Brandon Bye, a crushing injury for our Right Back... Is the turf to blame? Workload? We dig into the science behind ACL injuries

• It’s so refreshing to have a coach that will actually talk tactics in press conferences

• Caicedo’s expansive passing range unlocked our transition offense, but does his defensive side have room to grow? Is Chara the perfect mentor?

• The picture perfect counter attack between Velde and Da Costa has to be a goal of the season contender

• Is Pants a hockey goalie? Those were some crazy kick saves…

• Are a few small possessions of intricate passing at the back a preview of “tiki taka” life under Cifuentes?

• Eric Miller did a really good job against Bouanga but how did his lack of offensive ability affect the team’s play?

• What went wrong for the Bouanga goal? How do we assess the shot’s xG vs xGOT?

• The Timbers’ recent offensive production is eyebrow-raising, and Velde is a big part of that

• What’s to blame for all these ACL injuries in the modern game?

• Merritt confesses he should have sacked Phil Neville sooner

• Ned has a LOT to do between now and the MLS Transfer Deadline on September 2, including making a big decision on increasing bids for Finn Surman

  
  

Content Warning: Some “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:24) Chit Chat

(2:10) San Diego (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis

(5:43) San Diego (H) - First Half Analysis

(10:58) San Diego (H) - Second Half Analysis & Full Time Thoughts

(22:44) LAFC (A) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis

(27:20) LAFC (A) - First Half Analysis

(40:51) LAFC (A) - Second Half Analysis

(51:45) LAFC (A) - Full Time Thoughts - MOTM & Notable Performances

(59:58) LAFC (A) - Cifuentes Post-Game Presser

(1:03:09) Listener Questions!

(1:06:56) Timbers News - Brandon Bye, Turf, and ACL Science

(1:12:46) Timbers News - Cifuentes Introduction Presser & Transfer Speculation

(1:19:11) Timbers News - T2 Update

(1:21:28) MLS News and Transfer Window Activity

(1:28:05) Next Episode Preview: Austin (H)

Listener Topics and Questions!

Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post

It’s Timbers Time and in this episode we analyze Marti Cifuentes' start as Timbers coach as he begins his tenure with a 3-1 home win against Club Tijuana and a 2-1 road loss to the Chicago Fire. We discuss the squad depth as tiredness starts to hit in a tough run of short rest games, and Kevin Kelsy’s value as a big bid from Europe comes in for our in form striker… RCTID!

This episode's key talking points include:

• We bemoan a lack of squad rotation that left the team leggy on the road, and dig into the depth chart to discuss if a shallow roster is to blame and what positions we should target before the transfer window closes in two weeks’ time

• The team bounce back from a drab first half to beat a rotated Tijuana team comfortably with a dominant second 45

• Is Velde having composure problems with his shooting or is it just poor shot selection?

• Has Trey Muse done enough to prove he’s a capable backup?

• We’re very disappointed not to see any Izoita minutes in Leagues Cup, especially as his fine form has led T2 to their first playoff appearance since 2018

• The pitch in Chicago is a disgrace and Cifuentes is right to call it out publicly

• A comedy of defensive errors gives Chicago a two goal lead

• Velde and Fory are carrying a lot of the Timbers’ offensive load down the left recently

• The Bye back post header routine strikes again! The Timbers are making the most of set piece opportunities with their tall roster and volume of dead ball plays

• An astonishing last gasp two on one defensive stop caps an excellent week of play from young left back Jimer Fory

• How bad a loss was the road defeat in Chicago in totality?

• Will Finn’s recent downturn of form cost the Timbers in transfer fees when he moves? Is now the right time to sell him if he won’t sign a new deal in Portland?

• What do we make of Rangers’ $10m bid for Kevin Kelsy? What’s a price we can’t say no to for our in-form young striker?

  
  

Content Warning: Some “s” words and similar moderate swears

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:00) Chit Chat - Grumpy Fans, Heavy Schedule

(4:02) Tijuana (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis

(9:32) Tijuana (H) - First Half Analysis

(16:51) Tijuana (H) - Second Half Analysis & Full Time Thoughts

(27:49) Chicago (A) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis, Field Issues

(31:57) Chicago (A) - First Half Analysis

(41:39) Chicago (A) - Second Half Analysis

(51:44) Chicago (A) - Full Time Thoughts & Man of the Match

(57:12) Chicago (A) - Post Game Pressers

(1:04:41) Do the Timbers have Depth Issues? What Positions Should We Target?

(1:11:05) Timbers News Roundup - Rangers Bid $10 for Kelsy! T2 Make The Playoffs!

(1:17:42) MLS News and Transfers

(1:19:38) Next Episode Preview: San Diego and LAFC

Listener Topics and Questions!

Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post