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!

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