Despite surpassing all expectation in their maiden season in the MLS, it looks unlikely that the Portland Timbers will make it into the playoffs. Although, the Timbers do stand a mathematical chance of making it to the postseason, they will have to rely on results elsewhere to go their way as well.
Despite surpassing all expectation in their maiden season in the MLS, it looks unlikely that the Portland Timbers will make it into the playoffs. Although, the Timbers do stand a mathematical chance of making it to the postseason, they will have to rely on results elsewhere to go their way as well.
At the time of print, the Timbers were on their way to play their penultimate away game against D.C. United. Having lost 0-2 to Houston at home last weekend, the Timbers will be counting on winning their two games and the New York Red Bulls dropping points in their final away game against the Philadelphia Union. The Timbers can also make the playoffs if they win and draw their last two games, and New York and Columbus Crew both lose their final games.
“It has been a good first season for the Timbers,” post-baccalaureate biology student Chris Osman said. “I have been to soccer games in Europe, and I get the same feel from the crowd at the Timbers games. It is good to see people out supporting them. They have done really well for an expansion team.”
“You get the feeling of an international team looking at the way the supporters cheer at the home games,” health studies and community health senior Javiera Pobanz said. The Timbers surpassed a 97 percent renewal rate for the 2012 season.
Psychology senior Kaitlyn Alavi added, “Watching games at Jeld-Wen is exciting because the Timbers Army gets everyone pumped up. It’s just cool to see so many people excited about soccer.”
Timbers head coach John Spencer wants to gain the maximum possible points from what is left of the MLS regular season. “I’m still telling them, we’re going to try to get maximum points in the next two games whether we’re 20 points out of the playoff race or not,” Spencer said, according to the Timbers website. “We’ll not be changing our philosophy. For us, we’re going to try and look to get as many points this year as possible.”
Spencer understands the importance of each game and the pressure associated with being a MLS coach, but he also realizes the importance of setting a good example off the pitch.
“Every game here is a pressurized game,” Spencer said in an interview. “We don’t play small games, no disrespect to anybody. We’re one of the best clubs in the country off the field.”
Off the field, the Timbers have been very active in community building, another reason the team has resonated with the Portland fans so much this season. During the past month, the Timbers have participated in the Adopt-a-Club program for young players, Portland Fashion Week and a fund raiser for breast cancer research, awareness and treatment.
The Adopt-a-Club program is designed to increase collaboration between the Timbers players and coaching staff and various youth soccer initiatives in the Portland area. The participating clubs receive training and advice from the Timbers players and staff. The Mt. Tabor Soccer Club took part in a Adopt-a-Club clinic earlier this month.
“We’re a recreationally centered club. Our main objective is to get as many kids as possible playing soccer,” Mt. Tabor Soccer Club coach Dale Montgomery said. “It’s a great lifestyle as well as a sport.”
Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson recognizes the importance of this exercise. “The earlier you can learn a skill, the more time you have to perfect it,” Gleeson said, according to the Timbers website. “Getting out here and teaching these young kids is important. I feel like some of them have a good starting point, but obviously starting earlier the more time you have to learn it.”
Earlier this month, Portland players Mike Chabala, Rodney Wallace and Sal Zizzo took part in a sustainable fashion show at the Portland Fashion Week. They did a runway show in apparel made from recycled plastic, organic cotton and natural wool.
“What an incredible statement these players are making about who they are and how they care about the community in which they live,” CEO of Earthtec Dennis Randall, who provided the apparel, said.
Last month, the Timbers committed to the MLS program to raise awareness and treatment for the league’s breast cancer research initiative as a part of Soccer Kicks Cancer campaign. The Timbers will conduct one night of local activation to raise awareness and funds for the cause in October.
JoAnn Neale, executive vice president of MLS, said, “Through Soccer Kicks Cancer, MLS is committed to raise awareness and funds for important research and treatment for cancers affecting men, women and children.”
The Timbers will hold their awards banquet as a celebration of their inaugural season in the MLS on Oct. 23 at the Nines Hotel. The team’s last regular season match will take place this Saturday when the team hits the road to take on Real Salt Lake.
