2010 Portland Timbers season

Last updated

Portland Timbers
2010 season
President Flag of the United States.svg Merritt Paulson
Head coach Flag of New Zealand.svg Gavin Wilkinson
Stadium PGE Park
Portland, Oregon
(Capacity: 15,418)
Merlo Field (1 game)
Portland, Oregon
(Capacity: 4,892)
D-2 Pro League Conference: 3rd
Overall: 4th (3rd in points)
Playoffs: Quarterfinals
U.S. Open Cup Third round
Cascadia Cup 1st
Top goalscorer Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Pore (15 goals)
Highest home attendanceLeague: 15,418
vs. Rochester (April 17)
vs. Minnesota (August 11)
vs. Baltimore (August 29)
vs. Puerto Rico (September 2)
All: 15,422
vs. Seattle (June 30)
Lowest home attendanceLeague: 5,808
vs. Vancouver (April 29)
All: 2,107
vs. Sonoma County (June 15)
Average home league attendanceLeague: 10,727
All: 10,183
Kit left arm whiteborder.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body white sleeve seams.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm whiteborder.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts whitebottom.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Primary colors
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Secondary colors
  2009
2011  

The 2010 Portland Timbers season was the tenth and final season [1] for the club in the USL Conference of the USSF Division-2 Professional League (D-2 Pro League), the second tier of the United States soccer pyramid. The D-2 Pro League was a temporary professional soccer league created by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in 2010 to last just one season, as a compromise between the feuding United Soccer Leagues (USL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL). An expansion club retaining the Timbers name began play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011.

Contents

The first competitive game of the 2010 season was played on April 17 at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon against the Rochester Rhinos. The Timbers won 1–0 on a Ryan Pore penalty in the 85th minute in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,418. [2]

Background

The Portland Timbers started shaping the squad for the 2010 season on December 7, 2009 when they announced the signing of Quavas Kirk from the Minnesota Thunder while also naming nine players from the 2009 squad who would not be returning. [3]

On January 15, head coach Gavin Wilkinson was named the 2009 FieldTurf USL Division 1 Coach of the Year for the second time. [4] Three days later, the Timbers appointed Wilkinson Technical director of the Portland Timbers MLS club which was scheduled to begin play in 2011. [5]

Also in January, Portland held an open tryout followed by an invite-only combine for potential new players. Major League Soccer rules allow the organization to sign several players from the 2010 2nd division squad for the 2011 MLS squad, bypassing the league's complicated allocation process, so many ex-MLS players and prospects turned out for the tryouts.

Although not taking part in the tryouts, Haitian national team midfielder James Marcelin [6] and Canadian defender Ross Smith [7] were signed by the Timbers in early February. The club also revealed that defender Takuro Nishimura had been transferred to Crystal Palace Baltimore.

Preseason

Trialists and training

2010-02-17 Portland Pilots (NCAA) 0–2 Portland Timbers trialists Portland, Oregon
19:00 PST Report Soccerball shade.svg62', 64' DeMartin Stadium: Merlo Field
Attendance: 1,142

The Timbers began their preseason schedule on February 17 against the Portland Pilots men's team at Merlo Field in a match to benefit Mercy Corps and their relief efforts in Haiti. The match featured mostly trialists for the Timbers including Doug DeMartin who scored both goals to lead the Timbers to a 2–0 victory over the off-season university squad. [8] DeMartin, as well as former St. Pauli defender Ian Joy, rookie goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski and midfielder Derek Gaudet, were signed to contracts by the Timbers after featuring in the match. [9] [10]

Although just coming off of foot surgery, former U.S. national team goalkeeper Adin Brown was signed on February 23. [11] After serving as a consultant with the Timbers for the past year, former Portland Trail Blazers executive Mike Golub was named chief operating officer of the Portland Timbers MLS club on March 1. [12]

The returning players from the 2009 season saw their first action in a training match versus the Oregon State Beavers men's team in Corvallis on March 6. On March 11 it was announced that Alex Nimo would once again be acquired on loan from Real Salt Lake for the season. [13]

Seattle Sounders FC Community Shield

Five days after their first game action together, the team traveled to Seattle on March 11 for the inaugural Seattle Sounders FC Community Shield. Trialist O. J. Obatola scored the only goal as the Timbers defeated Seattle Sounders FC of MLS, who were also in their preseason, in front of 18,606 spectators at Qwest Field. [14]

Final preparations

On March 20, the Timbers went on the road to play the San Jose Earthquakes, their second MLS opponent in succession. The match ended in a 1–1 draw with long-time Timbers defender Scot Thompson scoring the 80th-minute equalizer. [15] After winning two closed-door training matches on back-to-back days in different states versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC [16] and the Portland Pilots men's team once again, Portland signed former FC Dallas defender Steve Purdy on April 2. [17]

On April 3, Portland were on the road once more in Bremerton, Washington to face the Kitsap Pumas of the Premier Development League. Kitsap defeated Portland 3–2 in a competitive match which saw Rodrigo López sent off by receiving two yellow cards in rapid succession after coming on as a substitute.

The Timbers made their final preseason player additions on April 7 when forwards O. J. Obatola and Bright Dike were signed to contracts. [18] The preseason culminated with another closed-door training match versus the Seattle Redhawks men's team in Seattle which the Timbers won thanks to goals from Obatola and returning first team midfielder Ryan Pore.

Regular season

April

2010-04-17 D-2 Portland Timbers 1–0 Rochester Rhinos Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Pore Soccerball shade.svg85' (pen.) Report Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 15,418 (SO)
2010-04-22 D-2 Portland Timbers 3–0 AC St. Louis Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Pore Soccerball shade.svg1', 45+2'
Obatola Soccerball shade.svg62'
Report Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 5,893
2010-04-25 D-2 Montreal Impact 1–1 Portland Timbers Montreal
11:00 PDT Pizzolitto Soccerball shade.svg81' (pen.) Report Soccerball shade.svg67' Pore Stadium: Saputo Stadium
Attendance: 13,034 (SO)

The Portland Timbers began their 10th and final season in 2nd division soccer on April 17 by hosting the Rochester Rhinos at PGE Park. A sell-out crowd of 15,418 watched as a Ryan Pore penalty in the 85th minute was enough to earn Portland an opening day victory. [2] The club continued their positive start to the season by downing expansion club AC St. Louis 3–0 in a match which saw Pore score two goals and new signing O. J. Obatola get his first competitive goal for the Timbers. [19]

After earning a 1–1 draw with Montreal Impact in Portland's first road game of the year, [20] the Timbers rounded out a successful April with a 2–1 victory over Cascadia Cup rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC. [21] Pore scored all three Timbers goals in the final two matches of April to give the midfielder six goals in four games as the Timbers stood atop the league.

May

2010-05-01 Friendly Portland Timbers 1–3 Flag of Costa Rica.svg Puntarenas Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Dike Soccerball shade.svg22' Report Soccerball shade.svg33' Leal
Soccerball shade.svg54' Díaz
Soccerball shade.svg57' Peña
Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 7,478
2010-05-15 D-2 Portland Timbers 1–1 AC St. Louis Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Keita Soccerball shade.svg66' Report Soccerball shade.svg90+1' Ambersley Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 10,057
2010-05-29 Friendly Portland Timbers 3–2 Flag of Argentina.svg Boca Juniors Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Pore Soccerball shade.svg16'
Keel Soccerball shade.svg74'
López Soccerball shade.svg90+1'
Report Soccerball shade.svg50' Giménez
Soccerball shade.svg52' Blandi
Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 14,106

Portland's four league matches in May were flanked by exhibition games featuring top Latin American competition. On May Day, Puntarenas of Costa Rica came to Portland and handed the Timbers a 3–1 loss. [22] League play continued on May 13 with a loss at home to Crystal Palace Baltimore, [23] a club in its first year in the 2nd division after moving up from the 3rd division following the 2009 season. That loss would be the start of an eight-game winless streak in the league for the Timbers.

Mandjou Keita, Portland's leading scorer from 2009 and recently returned from a loan spell in India, scored the opening goal against AC St. Louis in a rematch at PGE Park on May 15, but a stoppage time goal from Mike Ambersley meant the Timbers had to settle for a draw. [24] Montreal Impact then traveled to Portland and took all 3 points from the suddenly struggling Timbers. [25]

A disappointing May in the league was concluded when Crystal Palace Baltimore hosted the Timbers on May 22. Portland lost to Baltimore 2–1 after giving up another goal in second half injury time. [26] The club's fortunes seemed to take a turn for the better when storied Argentinian club Boca Juniors came to town on May 29. In an exciting, back-and-forth game, the Timbers rallied to pull out a 3–2 victory thanks to a 91st minute free kick goal from Rodrigo López. [27]

June

2010-06-27 D-2 Portland Timbers 1–0 FC Tampa Bay Portland, Oregon
17:00 PDT Dike Soccerball shade.svg73' Report Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 8,892

Hoping to build on their exhibition win versus Boca Juniors, [28] the Timbers returned to league play as they hosted Carolina RailHawks FC on June 6. Ryan Pore again continued his scoring streak but Portland were thwarted by yet another stoppage time goal as Carolina earned a draw in the dying seconds of the match. [29] The Timbers then traveled to Texas where they drew 0–0 with league leading Austin Aztex FC. [30] Forward O. J. Obatola, who started six of the first seven league games and scored just one goal, had not played since the May 19 loss to Montreal and was released from his contract by mutual consent on June 10. [31] Portland concluded their road trip on June 12 at Miami FC but lost 1–0 as their league winless streak was extended to seven games. [32]

The second half of June would prove to be a congested affair as the 2010 edition of the U.S. Open Cup kicked off on June 15 with the Timbers hosting amateur side Sonoma County Sol of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in the first round. The teams had met previously in the second round of the 2009 U.S. Open Cup and Portland were again victors by the same 3–0 scoreline. [33]

Just two days later, the Timbers were back in league play as they welcomed expansion club NSC Minnesota Stars to Portland for the teams' first ever meeting. Former Los Angeles Galaxy and University of Washington midfielder Ely Allen opened the scoring for the visitors in the 20th minute and Timbers midfielder James Marcelin was sent off in the 52nd minute helping Minnesota to the surprise victory. [34] Portland had an immediate opportunity for payback as they traveled to Minnesota to face the Stars again two days later. An early penalty goal from Pore and the first career goal for defender Josh Cameron in the 89th minute were enough for the Timbers to record a 2–0 victory. [35] This halted a nearly two month stretch in the league without a win for the Timbers, a span covering eight games.

A busy June continued as Portland made the trip to face PDL side Kitsap Pumas in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on June 22. Rookie forward Bright Dike recorded a hat-trick as the Timbers defeated the Pumas 4–1, ensuring Portland would meet long-time rival Seattle Sounders FC in the third round. [36] Returning to league play on June 27, Portland continued its new-found momentum as the Timbers hosted expansion club FC Tampa Bay and came away 1–0 winners. [37]

Cup play resumed for the Timbers on June 30 as Portland played host to Seattle Sounders FC of MLS in the third round of the competition once again. A sold-out crowd of 15,422 watched as the Timbers played the Sounders to a 1–1 draw. In extra time, Seattle defender Taylor Graham was sent off for bringing down Dike just outside the penalty area. Portland failed to capitalize on the man advantage, however, and the match would be decided by penalty kicks. Sounders FC and former U.S. national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller made two saves during the shootout to help Seattle win 4–3 on penalties and knock the Timbers out of the cup for the second year running. [38]

July

2010-07-10 D-2 Portland Timbers 2–0 Miami FC Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Smith Soccerball shade.svg48'
Pore Soccerball shade.svg90+1'
Report Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 12,189

The Timbers had little time to rest after playing a draining 120 minutes against Seattle Sounders FC in the Open Cup as fellow Pacific Northwest rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC returned to PGE Park for league play just three days later. [39] Due to fatigue, head coach Gavin Wilkinson made eight changes to the side that faced Seattle and the reserves were able to earn a 0–0 draw to maintain their lead over Vancouver in the 2010 Cascadia Cup standings. [40] After their first full week without a game for over a month, a refreshed Portland team played host to struggling Miami FC on July 10. Canadian defender Ross Smith scored his first league goal for the club and Ryan Pore got his tenth goal of the season to lead the Timbers to a 2–0 win. After the match, while celebrating on the way out of PGE Park, two long lost elementary school chums were reacquainted. Three-and-a-half years later they married and now are expecting a child. [41]

A twelve-day break in league play allowed the Timbers to schedule back-to-back exhibition games versus foreign opponents. Just one day after defeating Miami, Mexican club Atlas visited Portland. A 77th minute George Josten goal seemed to be enough for the Timbers to grab a narrow victory until Quavas Kirk brought down an Atlas player in the penalty area, earning the Mexicans a penalty. Luis Robles converted the kick in the 91st minute meaning the match would be decided by a penalty shootout. Portland Timbers U23's goalkeeper Jake Gleeson made two saves during the shootout as the Timbers defeated Atlas 4–2 on penalties. [42]

Due to PGE Park being unavailable because of a Portland Beavers baseball game, Portland faced English Premier League club Manchester City at Merlo Field on the campus of the University of Portland on July 17. A sold-out crowd of Timbers season ticket holders watched as Portland matched up well against the famous club during most of the first half. However, City closed out the half with two quick goals from Steven Ireland and Emmanuel Adebayor to take a 2–0 lead. Both teams made wholesale changes at the half and the Timbers again started well. An individual goal by Brazilian in the 68th minute would finish off the scoring, however, as Portland lost to Manchester City 3–0. [43]

The Timbers played the first game of a four-game road trip in Burnaby, British Columbia against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Vancouver came into the game with a nine-game unbeaten streak and sitting atop the NASL Conference standings. The Whitecaps took the lead in the 51st minute as Nizar Khalfan beat Timbers goalkeeper Steve Cronin near post. Momentum swung Portland's direction as Pore was taken down inside the penalty area by Vancouver defender Greg Janicki. Janicki received a straight red card for the foul. Pore converted the ensuing penalty kick to level the game at 1–1. Portland took advantage of being a man up when Timbers defender Mamadou Danso found the back of the net after a 72nd minute scramble in the penalty area. Portland was able to hold on for the 2–1 victoryonly their 2nd win in Vancouver since the Timbers reformed in 2001. [44] With the win, Portland secured the Cascadia Cup for the second year in a row.

The second game of the road trip saw the Timbers in Fenton, Missouri to take on last place AC St. Louis. Earlier in the day, head coach Gavin Wilkinson was in Houston, Texas at the MLS All-Star Game in his role as Technical director of the MLS club to take part in a coin toss between the 2011 MLS expansion clubs, Portland and Vancouver. Vancouver won the toss and the right to choose first between several player acquisition mechanisms for each team's first season in Major League Soccer, including the MLS SuperDraft and MLS Expansion Draft. [45] Portland took the field against AC St. Louis without their head coach. In a disappointing game for the Timbers, St. Louis midfielder Mike Ambersley scored a hat-trick to lead AC to a 3–0 win over Portland, bringing an end to a five-game unbeaten streak in the league for the Timbers. [46]

Portland closed out the month of July by visiting FC Tampa Bay. Bright Dike opened the scoring for the Timbers in the 16th minute but Tampa Bay equalized eleven minutes later. In the second half, a free kick goal by Ricardo Sánchez in the 57th minute gave Tampa Bay the lead. They were unable to hold off the Timbers, though, as forward Takayuki Suzuki tallied his first league goal of 2010 in the 81st minute to give Portland a hard-fought 2–2 draw on the road. [47]

August

2010-08-11 D-2 Portland Timbers 2–2 NSC Minnesota Stars Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Dike Soccerball shade.svg44'
Pore Soccerball shade.svg63' (pen.)
Joy Red card.svg 64'
Report Soccerball shade.svg24' Allen
Soccerball shade.svg73' Bracalello
Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 15,418 (SO)
2010-08-26 D-2 Portland Timbers 1–1 Austin Aztex FC Portland, Oregon
19:00 PDT Dike Soccerball shade.svg4'
López Red card.svg 90+4'
Report Soccerball shade.svg26' Silva
Red card.svg 56' Bernard
Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 14,985
2010-08-29 D-2 Portland Timbers 3–0 Crystal Palace Baltimore Portland, Oregon
18:00 PDT Pore Soccerball shade.svg15'
Dike Soccerball shade.svg42', 53'
Report Red card.svg 88' Veeder Stadium: PGE Park
Attendance: 15,418 (SO)

Portland traveled to Rochester, New York for the fourth and final game of their road trip on August 4. Before the game, the Timbers announced the signing of Dutch forward Ibad Muhamadu for the remainder of the season. [48] The team was to end the road trip on a sour note, however, as an early goal by Rochester was enough to defeat Portland 1–0. [49]

On August 10, former Rangers and Chelsea forward John Spencer was named head coach of the Portland Timbers MLS club. [50] Spencer had long been rumored to be the front-runner for the job after leaving his job as assistant coach for Houston Dynamo.

Spencer was in attendance as the Timbers were back at PGE Park to host NSC Minnesota Stars on August 11. A sold-out crowd watched as Minnesota took an early lead, but a third league goal from Bright Dike meant the score was tied 1–1 at halftime. In the second half, Ryan Pore was brought down inside the penalty area by a Stars defender and the Timbers were awarded a penalty. Pore scored with the penalty kick in the 63rd minute for his league-leading twelfth goal of the season. The celebrations were short-lived as one minute later Portland captain Ian Joy received a straight red card after a tackle on Stars midfielder Geison Moura. The Timbers, playing a man down, were unable to hold off Minnesota who equalized in the 73rd minute to draw with Portland 2–2. [51]

After the game, it was revealed that Portland forward Mandjou Keita failed to show up for the game and had also missed two previous practices without notice. Keita last played a league game for the Timbers in the July 10 win over Miami, coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute. After missing a third practice, the Timbers placed Keita on personal leave to give the forward time to decide his future. [52]

Hoping to avenge a July 28 3–0 loss in Missouri, the Timbers faced AC St. Louis for the fourth and final time of the season on August 14. Ibad Muhamadu made his first start for Portland but it was Bright Dike that got the only goal of the game in the 41st minute to give the Timbers a much-needed 1–0 victory on the road. [53]

Head coach Gavin Wilkinson's scouting trip to Ghana earlier in the season proved fruitful as the Timbers announced the signing of Ghana U-20 national team member Kalif Alhassan from Ghanaian club Liberty Professionals on August 19. Alhassan had also been a member of the Ghana U-17 national team. [54]

The Timbers enjoyed a rare week-long break between games as they prepared to face NSC Minnesota Stars for a fourth time with the series between the two teams even at 1–1–1. Reserve goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski made his first start of the year for Portland. A fairly even contest was decided when, in the 66th minute, Stars goalkeeper Joe Warren brought down Dike inside the box. A penalty kick was awarded to the Timbers and Warren was shown a straight red card for the foul. Pore stepped up and buried the penalty for his 13th goal of the season. With a man advantage, Portland's defense closed out the game and Pyzdrowski was credited with his first professional win and clean sheet as the Timbers won 1–0 in Minnesota. [55]

On August 25, Portland announced the signing of defender Kevin Goldthwaite, who had recently been released by New York Red Bulls, for his second stint with the Timbers after a loan spell in 2005. [56] The next day, the Timbers hosted second place Austin Aztex at PGE Park. A quick goal from Bright Dike gave Portland the lead in the 4th minute but the Aztex equalized 22 minutes later. Portland seemed to gain the upper hand in the second half when Austin's Kieron Bernard was sent off in the 56th minute. However, the Timbers failed to capitalize on the man advantage and had to settle for a 1–1 draw. [57]

Revenge was on the mind of the Timbers players as they hosted Crystal Palace Baltimore, the only team in the league to defeat Portland twice, on August 29. In front of another sold-out crowd in a game thoroughly dominated by the Timbers, Ryan Pore scored his first non-penalty goal since July 10 and Bright Dike scored a brace on either side of halftime to give the emerging striker six goals in his last seven games. Baltimore played the last minutes of the game with 10 men as Portland recorded a comfortable 3–0 victory over their unlikely new rivals. [58]

September

2010-09-25 D-2 Crystal Palace Baltimore 1–3 Portland Timbers Towson, Maryland
13:30 PDT Fusilier Red card.svg 57'
Brooks Soccerball shade.svg73' (pen.)
Report Soccerball shade.svg3', 41' Dike
Soccerball shade.svg86' Josten
Stadium: Paul Angelo Russo Stadium
Attendance: 1,538

The Timbers entered September on a five-game unbeaten streak, having not lost since August 4. Due to scheduled renovations of PGE Park for the 2011 Major League Soccer season, Portland would have to finish out the season on the road making the September 2 game versus Puerto Rico Islanders the last ever 2nd division soccer game for the Timbers in Portland. On the morning of the game, the Timbers announced they had reached a deal with Alaska Airlines to be the MLS shirt sponsor for the 2011 season. [59]

The team would be without starting defender Mamadou Danso as he was called into camp with the Gambian national team for a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier versus Namibia. [60] On a special night, in which the Timbers Army presented each player with sunflowers and a personalized banner, [61] the Timbers left it to a late Ryan Pore goal in the 83rd minute to record a 1–0 victory over the Islanders in front of a sold-out stadium. [62] After the game, the Timbers announced that attendance for the 2010 season set a new modern-franchise record which included a record five sell-outs of PGE Park. [63]

With the win against Puerto Rico and help from other results around the league Portland secured a playoff berth for the second year in a row. [64] In the first game of their season-ending road trip and without leading scorer Ryan Pore, the Timbers extended their unbeaten streak to seven games as they earned a 0–0 draw with the Carolina RailHawks. [65]

One week later, Portland traveled to Puerto Rico to face the Islanders for the second time during the month. In his first start for the Timbers, new signing Kalif Alhassan chipped the ball over Islanders keeper Bill Gaudette in the third minute of second half stoppage time to record his first goal for the club and ensure the Timbers came away with a 1–0 victory. [66]

On September 25, Portland were in Maryland for their fourth meeting of the season versus last place Crystal Palace Baltimore. Forward Bright Dike scored his eighth and ninth league goals of the season and forward George Josten added a third as the Timbers defeated Baltimore 3–1 to finish undefeated for the month of September. [67]

October

Postseason

2010-10-07 Playoffs QF1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2–0 Portland Timbers Burnaby, British Columbia
19:30 PDT Koffie Soccerball shade.svg1'
Nash Soccerball shade.svg13' (pen.)
Report Stadium: Swangard Stadium
Attendance: 5,018
2010-10-10 Playoffs QF2 Portland Timbers 1–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC Portland, Oregon
18:00 PDT Marcelin Soccerball shade.svg49' Report Stadium: Merlo Field
Attendance: 4,884 (SO)

Competitions

USSF Division-2 Professional League

The D-2 Pro League consisted of twelve teams from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The league was divided into two conferences of six teams each. At the conclusion of the regular season, eight teams qualified for the playoffsa seeded knockout tournament to determine the league champion. The 2010 regular season ran from April 10 to October 3. The Portland Timbers competed in the USL Conference along with five other teams. The NASL Conference contained the league's remaining six teams. The league schedule was weighted so that each team played more games against the three teams in their geographical region (called a pod), regardless of conference affiliation. Each team was also paired with one other team outside their pod for additional games.

The teams in the same pod as the Portland Timbers were NSC Minnesota Stars, AC St. Louis and Vancouver Whitecaps FC and faced the Timbers four times each (two home and two away) during the regular season. The Timbers were also paired with Crystal Palace Baltimore, who were outside of Portland's pod, for four games. The remaining seven teams were played two times each (one home and one away). This resulted in a thirty-game league schedule.

USL Conference table

USL Conference
PosTeamPldWLTGFGAGDPtsQualification
1 Rochester Rhinos 3016863824+1454Conference leader, qualified for playoffs
2 Austin Aztex 3015785340+1353Qualified for playoffs [lower-alpha 1]
3 Portland Timbers 30137103423+1149
4 NSC Minnesota Stars 30111273236440
5 Puerto Rico Islanders 30911103735+237
6 FC Tampa Bay 30712114146532
  1. The remaining six teams with the highest point totals, regardless of conference, also advance to the playoffs.

Results summary

OverallHomeAway
PldPtsWLTGFGAGDWLTGFGAGDWLTGFGAGD
3049137103423 +11735189 +96451614 +2

Last updated: October 2, 2010
Source: ussoccer.com
Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference

Round123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930
StadiumHHAHHHHAHAAHAHHHAAAAHAAHHHAAAA
ResultWWTWLTLLTTLLWWTWWLTLTWWTWWTWWT
Conference421112334555533333334333333333
League631113567899855545556554444444
Updated to match(es) played on October 2, 2010. Source: D-2 Pro League Results & League table
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; L = Loss; T = Tie

D-2 Pro League Playoffs

The 2010 D-2 Pro League playoffs were a seeded knockout tournament to determine the 2010 D-2 Pro League champion. Eight teams from the twelve team league qualified for the playoffs. The top team in each conference automatically qualified while the next 6 teams with the highest point totals, regardless of conference, also qualified.

Playoff bracket

Each round is a two-game aggregate goal series. Home teams for the first game of each series listed at the bottom of the bracket.
Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
               
1 Rochester Rhinos 0 2 2
8 Puerto Rico Islanders 2 1 3
5 Vancouver Whitecaps 0 0 0
8 Puerto Rico Islanders (aet) 0 2 2
4 Portland Timbers 0 1 1
5 Vancouver Whitecaps 2 0 2
2 Carolina RailHawks 0 1 1
8 Puerto Rico Islanders 2 1 3
3 Austin Aztex 0 2 2
6 Montreal Impact 2 3 5
2 Carolina RailHawks 0 2 2
6 Montreal Impact 1 0 1
2 Carolina RailHawks 0 4 4
7 NSC Minnesota Stars 0 0 0

Quarterfinals


Leg 2
Portland Timbers 1–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Marcelin Soccerball shade.svg49' Report
Attendance: 4,884 (SO)

U.S. Open Cup

Cup bracket

Second Round winners advance to play one of 8 MLS clubs in 16-team knockout tournament
Home teams listed on top of bracket

First round

Portland Timbers 3–0 Sonoma County Sol (NPSL)
Nimo Soccerball shade.svg58'
Suzuki Soccerball shade.svg88'
Marcelin Soccerball shade.svg90+1'
Report
Attendance: 2,107

Second round

Kitsap Pumas (PDL)1–4 Portland Timbers
Christner Soccerball shade.svg90' Report Soccerball shade.svg34' Smith
Soccerball shade.svg37', 47', 63' Dike
Bremerton Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 1,205

Third round

Cascadia Cup

The Cascadia Cup is a trophy that was created in 2004 by supporters of the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. It is awarded to the club with the best record in league games versus the other participants. Since 2009, when Seattle joined Major League Soccer, the cup has been contested between Portland and Vancouver only. In 2011, when the Timbers and the Whitecaps joined the Sounders in MLS, all three Cascadia rivals again vied for the cup.

The Timbers secured the 2010 Cascadia Cupthe club's secondon July 22 after defeating Vancouver 2–1 in a league match at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia.

2010 table

TeamPldWLTGFGAGDPts
Portland Timbers420264+28
Vancouver Whitecaps40224622
Source: [ citation needed ]

Match results


Match 1
Portland Timbers 2–1 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Pore Soccerball shade.svg7', 86'
Danso Red card.svg 85'
Report Soccerball shade.svg11' Akwari
Attendance: 5,808

Match 2
Portland Timbers 0–0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Report
Attendance: 9,017

Match 3
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1–2 Portland Timbers
Khalfan Soccerball shade.svg51'
Janicki Red card.svg 65'
Report Soccerball shade.svg66' (pen.) Pore
Soccerball shade.svg72' Danso
Attendance: 5,387 (SO)

Match 4
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2–2 Portland Timbers
Dunfield Soccerball shade.svg27'
Arnoux Soccerball shade.svg68'
Report Soccerball shade.svg46' Alhassan
Soccerball shade.svg56' Dike
Attendance: 5,435 (SO)

Club

Coaching staff

PositionStaff
Head coach Flag of New Zealand.svg Gavin Wilkinson
Assistant coach Flag of the United States.svg Amos Magee
Assistant coach Flag of the United States.svg Jim Rilatt
Goalkeeper coach Flag of the United States.svg Adam Smith

Updated to match played May 24, 2011
Source:[ citation needed ]

Management

Majority Owner & President Flag of the United States.svg Merritt Paulson
General Manager Flag of New Zealand.svg Gavin Wilkinson
Ground (capacity and dimensions) PGE Park (15,418 / )

Updated to match played May 24, 2011
Source:[ citation needed ]

Squad

Kits

Kit left arm whiteborder.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body white sleeve seams.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm whiteborder.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts whitebottom.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Primary
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Secondary
Kit left arm whiteborder.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body white sleeve seams.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm whiteborder.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts whitebottom.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Third

Final roster

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
0 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Steve Cronin
1 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Matt Pyzdrowski
2 MF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  CAN Derek Gaudet
4 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Josh Cameron
5 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Quavas Kirk
6 DF Flag of New Zealand.svg  NZL Cameron Knowles (inactive)
7 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Brian Farber
8 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Rodrigo López
11 MF Flag of Sweden.svg  SWE Johan Claesson
12 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Tony McManus
13 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Stephen Keel
14 MF Flag of Haiti.svg  HAI James Marcelin
15 DF Flag of Scotland.svg  SCO Ian Joy (captain)
16 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Alex Nimo (on loan from Real Salt Lake)
No.Pos.NationPlayer
17 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Scot Thompson
18 FW Flag of the United States.svg  USA Doug DeMartin
19 FW Flag of the United States.svg  USA George Josten
20 DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  CAN Ross Smith
21 MF Flag of Ghana.svg  GHA Kalif Alhassan
22 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Keith Savage
23 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Ryan Pore
24 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Adin Brown
25 DF Flag of El Salvador.svg  SLV Steve Purdy
27 FW Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA Bright Dike
29 FW Flag of the Netherlands.svg  NED Ibad Muhamadu
30 FW Flag of Japan.svg  JPN Takayuki Suzuki
33 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Kevin Goldthwaite
98 DF Flag of The Gambia.svg  GAM Mamadou Danso

Recognition

D-2 Pro League Most Valuable Player

PlayerLink
Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Pore D-2 Pro League Postseason Awards Day 2

D-2 Pro League Goal Scoring Champion

PlayerLink
Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Pore D-2 Pro League Postseason Awards Day 1

D-2 Pro League Best XI

PlayerLink
Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Pore D-2 Pro League Postseason Awards Day 2

D-2 Pro League Player of the Month

MonthPlayerLink
April Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Pore D-2 Pro League April PotM

Statistics

Appearances and goals

Last updated on October 11, 2010.
No.PosNatPlayerTotal D-2 Pro League Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
0 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Steve Cronin 33028+002+003+00
1 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Matt Pyzdrowski 302+100+000+00
2 MF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  CAN Derek Gaudet 907+100+001+00
4 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Josh Cameron 1117+310+001+00
5 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Quavas Kirk 18012+600+000+00
6 DF Flag of New Zealand.svg  NZL Cameron Knowles 000+000+000+00
7 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Brian Farber 805+200+001+00
8 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Rodrigo López 2304+1500+200+20
(9) FW Flag of Nigeria.svg  NGA O. J. Obatola (released)616+010+000+00
(10) FW Flag of Guinea.svg  GUI Mandjou Keita (transferred to Flag of India.svg Pune FC)1319+110+001+20
11 MF Flag of Sweden.svg  SWE Johan Claesson 18011+601+000+00
12 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Tony McManus 31014+1201+102+10
13 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Stephen Keel 26018+502+000+10
14 MF Flag of Haiti.svg  HAI James Marcelin 29222+302+012+01
15 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Ian Joy 25021+002+002+00
16 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Alex Nimo 25117+500+003+01
17 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Scot Thompson 1507+500+003+00
18 FW Flag of the United States.svg  USA Doug DeMartin 2408+1102+001+20
19 FW Flag of the United States.svg  USA George Josten 1817+1110+000+00
20 DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  CAN Ross Smith 20216+011+003+01
21 MF Flag of Ghana.svg  GHA Kalif Alhassan 823+322+000+00
22 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Keith Savage 1008+200+000+00
23 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Ryan Pore 341528+1152+003+00
24 GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Adin Brown 100+100+000+00
25 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Steve Purdy 27019+502+000+10
27 FW Flag of the United States.svg  USA Bright Dike 271419+4102+002+04
29 FW Flag of the Netherlands.svg  NED Ibad Muhamadu 1206+400+200+00
30 FW Flag of Japan.svg  JPN Takayuki Suzuki 2825+1910+202+01
33 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Kevin Goldthwaite 301+001+100+00
98 DF Flag of The Gambia.svg  GAM Mamadou Danso 27120+410+003+00

Top scorers

Players with 1 goal or more included only.

Last updated on October 11, 2010
Rk.Nat.PositionPlayerTotal D-2 Pro League Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
1 Flag of the United States.svg MF Ryan Pore 151500
2 Flag of the United States.svg FW Bright Dike 141004
3 Flag of Ghana.svg MF Kalif Alhassan 2200
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg DF Ross Smith 2101
Flag of Japan.svg FW Takayuki Suzuki 2101
Flag of Haiti.svg MF James Marcelin 2011
7 Flag of the United States.svg DF Josh Cameron 1100
Flag of The Gambia.svg DF Mamadou Danso 1100
Flag of the United States.svg FW George Josten 1100
Flag of Guinea.svg FW Mandjou Keita 1100
Flag of Nigeria.svg FW O. J. Obatola 1100
Flag of the United States.svg MF Alex Nimo 1001
TOTALS433418

Disciplinary record

Players with 1 card or more included only.

Last updated on October 11, 2010
No.Nat.PositionPlayerTotal D-2 Pro League Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
Yellow card.svgRed card.svgYellow card.svgRed card.svgYellow card.svgRed card.svgYellow card.svgRed card.svg
0 Flag of the United States.svg GK Steve Cronin 20200000
4 Flag of the United States.svg DF Josh Cameron 20200000
5 Flag of the United States.svg DF Quavas Kirk 20200000
8 Flag of the United States.svg MF Rodrigo López 31310000
(9) Flag of Nigeria.svg FW O. J. Obatola 10100000
12 Flag of the United States.svg MF Tony McManus 10100000
13 Flag of the United States.svg DF Stephen Keel 20100010
14 Flag of Haiti.svg MF James Marcelin 51510000
15 Flag of the United States.svg DF Ian Joy 91811000
16 Flag of the United States.svg MF Alex Nimo 40400000
17 Flag of the United States.svg DF Scot Thompson 20100010
19 Flag of the United States.svg FW George Josten 10100000
20 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg DF Ross Smith 10100000
23 Flag of the United States.svg MF Ryan Pore 30201000
25 Flag of the United States.svg DF Steve Purdy 30300000
27 Flag of the United States.svg FW Bright Dike 60600000
29 Flag of the Netherlands.svg FW Ibad Muhamadu 40400000
30 Flag of Japan.svg FW Takayuki Suzuki 40300010
98 Flag of The Gambia.svg DF Mamadou Danso 41410000
TOTALS5945442030

Goalkeeper stats

Last updated on October 11, 2010.
No.Nat.PlayerTotal D-2 Pro League Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
MINGAGAASVMINGAGAASVMINGAGAASVMINGAGAASV
0 Flag of the United States.svg Steve Cronin 2989260.78922509220.798118021.00430020.607
1 Flag of the United States.svg Matt Pyzdrowski 18310.49518310.495000000
24 Flag of the United States.svg Adin Brown 800.000800.000000000
TOTALS3180270.76972700230.778618021.00430020.607

Player movement

Transfers in

Permanent

DatePos.NamePrevious clubFee
December 7, 2009 DF Flag of the United States.svg Quavas Kirk Flag of the United States.svg Minnesota Thunder Free [3]
February 11, 2010 MF Flag of Haiti.svg James Marcelin Flag of Puerto Rico.svg Puerto Rico Islanders Free [6]
February 15, 2010 DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Ross Smith Flag of England.svg Ebbsfleet United Free [7]
February 18, 2010 DF Flag of the United States.svg Ian Joy Flag of Germany.svg Ingolstadt 04 Free [9]
February 23, 2010 GK Flag of the United States.svg Adin Brown Flag of Norway.svg Aalesund Free [11]
February 26, 2010 FW Flag of the United States.svg Doug DeMartin (R) Flag of the United States.svg Michigan State Spartans
Flag of the United States.svg Michigan Bucks
Free [10]
February 26, 2010 MF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Derek Gaudet Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Halifax Dunbrack Free [10]
February 26, 2010 GK Flag of the United States.svg Matt Pyzdrowski (R) Flag of the United States.svg Marquette Golden Eagles
Flag of the United States.svg Chicago Fire Premier
Free [10]
April 2, 2010 DF Flag of the United States.svg Steve Purdy Flag of the United States.svg FC Dallas Free [17]
April 7, 2010 FW Flag of Nigeria.svg O. J. Obatola Flag of Singapore.svg Gombak United Undisclosed [18]
April 7, 2010 FW Flag of the United States.svg Bright Dike (R) Flag of the United States.svg Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Flag of the United States.svg Indiana Invaders
Free [18]
August 4, 2010 FW Flag of the Netherlands.svg Ibad Muhamadu Flag of the Netherlands.svg Dordrecht Free [48]
August 19, 2010 MF Flag of Ghana.svg Kalif Alhassan Flag of Ghana.svg Liberty Professionals Undisclosed [54]
August 25, 2010 DF Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Goldthwaite Flag of the United States.svg New York Red Bulls Free [56]

Loan

DatePos.NameFromReturn Date
March 11, 2010 MF Flag of the United States.svg Alex Nimo Flag of the United States.svg Real Salt Lake End of Season [13]

Transfers out

Permanent

DatePos.NameToFee
December 7, 2009 FW Flag of the United States.svg Jason McLaughlin N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 FW Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Forrest N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 FW Flag of Sweden.svg Antouman Jallow N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 DF Flag of the United States.svg David Hayes N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 DF Flag of the United States.svg Cameron Dunn N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 DF Flag of Mexico.svg Ivan Becerra N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 MF Flag of the United States.svg Shaun Higgins N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 MF Flag of the United States.svg Tom Poltl N/AContract expired [3]
December 7, 2009 GK Flag of the United States.svg Brian Visser N/AContract expired [3]
February 11, 2010 DF Flag of Japan.svg Takuro Nishimura Flag of the United States.svg Crystal Palace Baltimore Undisclosed [6]
June 10, 2010 FW Flag of Nigeria.svg O. J. Obatola UnattachedReleased [31]
September 1, 2010 FW Flag of Guinea.svg Mandjou Keita Flag of India.svg Pune FC Undisclosed [68]

Loan

DatePos.NameToReturn Date
November 11, 2009 [69] FW Flag of Guinea.svg Mandjou Keita Flag of India.svg Salgaocar April 28, 2010 [70]

Notes

  1. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (April 15, 2010). "Portland Timbers: The past and the future provide motivation for 2010 team". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved May 24, 2010.
  2. 1 2 Arnold, Geoffrey C. (April 17, 2010). "Season opener -- Portland 1, Rochester 0: Timbers send 15,418 fans home happy". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Timbers sign Quavas Kirk for 2010". The Oregonian. Portland. December 7, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
  4. "Wilkinson earns FieldTurf Coach of the Year" (Press release). Portland Timbers. January 15, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  5. "Timbers name Wilkinson Technical Director of MLS club" (Press release). Portland Timbers. January 18, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  6. 1 2 3 "Timbers sign Haitian midfielder James Marcelin" (Press release). Portland Timbers. February 11, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  7. 1 2 Wilson, Mike (February 15, 2010). "Timbers sign defender Ross Smith". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
  8. "Timbers, Pilots raise nearly $8,000 for Haiti relief" (Press release). Portland Timbers. February 17, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  9. 1 2 "Timbers add defender Ian Joy for 2010" (Press release). Portland Timbers. February 18, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Timbers add three more to 2010 roster" (Press release). Portland Timbers. February 26, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  11. 1 2 "Timbers sign veteran goalkeeper Adin Brown" (Press release). Portland Timbers. February 23, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  12. Canzano, John (March 1, 2010). "Canzano: Mike Golub will be Portland Timbers' chief operating officer". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  13. 1 2 "Timbers acquire Alex Nimo on loan from Salt Lake" (Press release). Portland Timbers. March 11, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  14. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (March 12, 2010). "Portland Timbers 1, Seattle Sounders 0: Defense shines in preseason victory over MLS team". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  15. "Portland 1, San Jose 1: Timbers earns come-from-behind draw with Earthquakes in preseason exhibition". The Oregonian. Portland. March 20, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  16. "Timbers beat Whitecaps 2-0 in exhibition game". The Oregonian. Portland. March 26, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  17. 1 2 "Timbers add defender Steve Purdy for 2010" (Press release). Portland Timbers. April 2, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  18. 1 2 3 "Timbers sign Obatola, Dike for 2010 campaign" (Press release). Portland Timbers. April 7, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  19. Gjurgevich, Brian (April 22, 2010). "Portland 3, St. Louis 0: Timbers welcome coach home with win". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  20. "Portland 1, Montreal 1: Impact's late penalty kick ties Timbers". The Oregonian. Portland. April 25, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  21. Gjurgevich, Brian (April 29, 2010). "Portland 2, Vancouver 1: Pore strikes twice as Timbers survive foul-filled match". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 2, 2010.
  22. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (May 1, 2010). "Puntarenas FC 3, Portland 1: Timbers' backups get chances to show boss what they can do". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  23. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (May 13, 2010). "Timbers: Baltimore stuns Portland with 1-0 victory". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  24. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (May 15, 2010). "AC St. Louis 1, Portland 1: Timbers throw away advantage, settle for a draw". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  25. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (May 19, 2010). "Montreal 1, Portland 0: Plenty of shots but no goal for Timbers against Impact". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  26. "CP Baltimore beat Timbers 2-1; Portland's Ryan Pore scores seventh goal of the season in loss". The Oregonian. Portland. May 23, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  27. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (May 29, 2010). "Portland Timbers 3, Boca Juniors 2: Timbers stay mentally tough with late goals". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  28. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (May 31, 2010). "Timbers looking to re-launch their season after big win; news, notes and links". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  29. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (June 6, 2010). "Missed opportunities, late goal take toll as Timbers settle for draw against the Carolina RailHawks". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  30. "Portland 0, Austin 0: Timbers earn point in draw with Aztex". The Oregonian. Portland. June 9, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  31. 1 2 "Timbers release forward O. J. Obatola" (Press release). Portland Timbers. June 10, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  32. "Miami 1, Portland 0: Blues' first-half goal stands up against Timbers". The Oregonian. Portland. June 12, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  33. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (June 15, 2010). "Timbers start slow, finish with authority to top Sonoma County, 3-0". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  34. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (June 17, 2010). "Timbers lose to Minnesota 1-0 in another poor performance, prompting talk of a 'different direction'". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  35. "Timbers back on track with 2-0 win over Minnesota". The Oregonian. Portland. June 20, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  36. "Bright Dike notches hat trick as Timbers down Kitsap 4-1". The Oregonian. Portland. June 22, 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  37. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (June 27, 2010). "Timbers down Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0, look ahead to showdown against Seattle". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  38. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (June 30, 2010). "U.S. Open Cup: It all comes down to one PK for Timbers, Sounders". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  39. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (July 2, 2010). "Soccer rivalry week: Portland Timbers come off tough loss to Seattle to face Vancouver". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  40. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (July 3, 2010). "Portland 0, Vancouver 0: Fresh legs help Timbers earn point". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  41. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (July 10, 2010). "Portland 2, Miami 0: Cronin comes up big for Timbers". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  42. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (July 11, 2010). "Portland 1, Atlas 1 (Portland wins 4-2 on penalty kicks): Timbers' Lopez gets better of old rivals". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  43. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (July 17, 2010). "Manchester City 3, Portland 0: Premier Leaguers strike in a hurry". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  44. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (July 22, 2010). "Portland 2, Vancouver 1: Second-half goals earn Timbers a win on the road". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  45. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (July 28, 2010). "Portland Timbers: Round One of the MLS rivalry with Vancouver goes to Whitecaps". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  46. "St. Louis 3, Portland 0: Timbers open trip with loss". The Oregonian. Portland. July 28, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  47. "Portland 2, Tampa Bay 2: Early, late strikes even the score for Timbers on road". The Oregonian. Portland. July 31, 2010. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  48. 1 2 "Timbers sign Dutch forward Ibad Muhamadu" (Press release). Portland Timbers. August 4, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  49. "Rochester 1, Portland 0: Timbers fire away, can't score". The Oregonian. Portland. August 4, 2010. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
  50. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (August 10, 2010). "Timbers select John Spencer to coach MLS team in 2011". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
  51. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (August 11, 2010). "Timbers 2, Minnesota 2: Timbers play to a tie in front of MLS coach". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
  52. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (August 14, 2010). "Timbers Insider: Keita likely done in Portland". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
  53. "Portland 1, St. Louis 0: Timbers end 4-game winless stretch with victory over AC St. Louis". The Oregonian. Portland. August 14, 2010. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
  54. 1 2 "Timbers sign Ghanaian midfielder Kalif Alhassan" (Press release). Portland Timbers. August 19, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  55. "Portland 1, Minnesota 0: Pore's penalty kick all the Timbers need". The Oregonian. Portland. August 21, 2010. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
  56. 1 2 "Timbers sign defender Kevin Goldthwaite for 2010" (Press release). Portland Timbers. August 25, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  57. "Portland 1, Austin 1: Timbers get opportunities, fail to take advantage". The Oregonian. Portland. August 26, 2010. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
  58. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (August 29, 2010). "Portland 3, Baltimore 0: Timbers' game starts to crystallize". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  59. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (September 2, 2010). "Timbers announce Alaska Airlines as sponsor for MLS jerseys". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  60. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (August 30, 2010). "Timbers Insider: 'Futty' to miss Thursday's game". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  61. "Timbers down Puerto Rico on late goal by Pore" (Press release). Portland Timbers. September 2, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
  62. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (September 2, 2011). "Portland Timbers top Puerto Rico 1-0, leave PGE Park with a bang". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
  63. "Timbers set new attendance records in home finale" (Press release). Portland Timbers. September 3, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2011.
  64. Arnold, Geoffrey C. (September 10, 2010). "Portland Timbers start long road trip with eye on playoffs". The Oregonian. Portland. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  65. "Timbers extend unbeaten streak in 0-0 draw with Carolina". The Oregonian. Portland. September 11, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  66. "Portland 1, Puerto Rico 0: Alhassan's first goal is a winner". The Oregonian. Portland. September 18, 2010. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  67. "Timbers defeat Baltimore 3-1 behind Dike's brace" (Press release). Portland Timbers. September 25, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
  68. "Breaking News: PFC sign Keita" (Press release). Pune FC. September 1, 2010. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  69. "Timbers loan Keita to top-flight club in India" (Press release). Portland Timbers. November 11, 2009. Retrieved November 22, 2010.
  70. "Forward Mandjou Keita returns to Portland" (Press release). Portland Timbers. April 28, 2010. Retrieved November 22, 2010.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Providence Park</span> Sports stadium in Portland, Oregon, United States

Providence Park is an outdoor soccer venue located in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. It has existed in rudimentary form since 1893, and as a complete stadium since 1926. Providence Park is currently the oldest facility to be configured as a soccer-specific stadium for use by a MLS team, and is one of the most historic grounds used by any United States professional soccer team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cascadia Cup</span> North American soccer trophy

The Cascadia Cup is the name of the trophy created in 2004 by supporters of the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps, which is awarded each season to the best soccer team in the Pacific Northwest. The cup is named for the Cascadia region. The Timbers, Sounders, and Whitecaps have roots dating to the days of the original North American Soccer League. It was first contested in 2004, and was claimed by the Whitecaps. In 2011 the competition continued with the now Major League Soccer (MLS) sides Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers (2001–2010)</span> Soccer team

The Portland Timbers were an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of the 2010 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers–Seattle Sounders rivalry</span> American soccer rivalry

The Portland Timbers–Seattle Sounders rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC, both based in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, with both cities reviving expansion teams, and has carried into lower-level leagues, including the A-League and USL First Division. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer, the top division of soccer in the United States, in 2011, where it has grown into one of the largest in American soccer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers</span> Soccer club in Portland, Oregon, United States

The Portland Timbers are an American professional men's soccer club based in Portland, Oregon. The Timbers compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member club of the league's Western Conference. The Timbers have played their home games at Providence Park since 2011, when the team began play as an expansion team in the league.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bright Dike</span> Nigerian international footballer

Chinedu "Bright" Dike is a retired footballer who played as a forward. Born in the United States, he played for the Nigeria national team.

The Seattle Sounders FC Community Shield was a club soccer match hosted and organized by the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS). The preseason exhibition match was contested by the Sounders and a selected club to raise money for local charities in the Seattle area. In 2010, the Sounders raised $82,000 and the money was split between the Boys & Girls Clubs of America of Washington, Seattle SCORES, Soccer Saves, and Washington Youth Soccer.

The 2009 Portland Timbers season was the ninth season for the club in the United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1), the second tier of the United States soccer pyramid. The first competitive game of the 2009 season was played on April 25 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC which the Timbers lost 1–0. Following that loss the Timbers went on a 24-game unbeaten streak in the league on their way to securing the Commissioner's Cup for finishing the regular season atop the table. In a hard-fought, two-legged series, Vancouver Whitecaps FC knocked Portland out of the playoffs in the semifinals by an aggregate score of 5–4. In the U.S. Open Cup the Timbers hosted Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer in the third round but were eliminated by their bitter rivals 2–1 in front of 16,382 spectators at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon.

The 2011 Portland Timbers season was the debut season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. As the fourth incarnation of a professional soccer club to bear the Portland Timbers name, the MLS version of the Timbers began the 25th season in club history with three games on the road due to ongoing renovations to Jeld-Wen Field.

The 2012 Portland Timbers season was the 2nd season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The season ended with a 1–1 tie with San Jose on October 27, an MLS record of 8-10-16, and elimination from the MLS Cup at 8th place in the western conference and 17th in the overall MLS regular season standings. The Timbers won the 2012 Cascadia Cup with a record of 3-1-2 against Seattle and Vancouver. Including all previous teams in the area to bear the "Timbers" name, this is the 26th season in the history of the Portland Timbers franchise.

The 2005 Portland Timbers season was the 5th season for the Portland Timbers—the 3rd incarnation of a club to bear the Timbers name—of the now-defunct USL First Division, the second-tier league of the United States and Canada at the time.

The 2012 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season was the Whitecaps' second season in Major League Soccer, the top tier of soccer in the United States and Canada. In 2011, the expansion Whitecaps FC struggled to find the results and finished at the bottom of the league table winning just six matches with none on the road. By finishing last overall in the regular season the Whitecaps FC received the 2nd overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft and 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft that were held in January 2012.

The 2013 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season was the Whitecaps' third season in Major League Soccer, the top tier of soccer in the United States and Canada.

The 2014 Vancouver Whitecaps FC season was the Whitecaps' fourth season in Major League Soccer, the top tier of soccer in the United States and Canada.

The 2016 Portland Timbers season was the sixth season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The Timbers began this season as 2015 MLS Cup champions, but failed to qualify for the 2016 playoffs after a 4–1 away defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on the final league day, also resulting in them failing to win the Cascadia Cup.

The 2017 Portland Timbers season was the 31st season in their existence and the 7th season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The season covers the period from November 16, 2016 to the end of MLS Cup Playoffs.

The 2018 Portland Timbers season was the 32nd season in their existence and the 8th season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. The season covers the period from the end of MLS Cup 2017 to the end of MLS Cup 2018.

The 2020 Portland Timbers season was the 34th season in their existence and the 10th season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry</span> American soccer rivalry

The Portland Timbers–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, both based in the Cascadia region of United States and Canada. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, and later carried into successor leagues through the 1980s and the 2000s, including the A-League and USL First Division, with both cities reviving expansion teams. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer, the top division of soccer in the United States, in 2011, where it has grown into one of the largest in North American soccer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLS Cup 2021</span> 2021 edition of the MLS Cup

MLS Cup 2021 was the 26th edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS) at the conclusion of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. The soccer match was played on December 11, 2021, at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was contested by hosts Portland Timbers and New York City FC to determine the champion of the 2021 season.