Timbers hit the road to take on Minnesota
Published on May 26, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers look to continue their winning ways when they hit the road to take on the Minnesota Thunder Saturday at 5:35 p.m. (Pacific) at the National Sports Center.
The Timbers (2-4-1, 7pts) will be looking to get back-to-back wins for the first time this season after beating the Toronto Lynx last Sunday. The Timbers were led by Oral Bullen, who set up Luke Kreamalmeyer for the opening goal in the 52nd minute, then scored a goal of his own just nine minutes later. Osni Neto shattered hopes of a shutout, however, when his 90th minute shot flew past Josh Saunders and into the back of the net. Neto's goal was the first of the season for the Lynx, who still haven't won a game this season.
About the Thunder
Sixteen-year head coach Buzz Lagos called it a career at the end of last season. While his Thunder had a disappointing 7-11-10 regular season, Minnesota went on a tear in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, defeating three MLS teams on its way to the semifinals. Forward Melvin Tarley recorded seven goals and one assist during the regular season and added another four goals in U.S. Open Cup play, earning a stint with Real Salt Lake of MLS through the rest of the season.
During the off-season, former Thunder standout and assistant coach Amos Magee was named to replace Lagos as head coach. Tarley was released by Real Salt Lake during the preseason, prompting a move back to Minnesota where he will team back up with fellow Liberian international Aaron Paye. The two trail only Johnny Menyongar, who has gone to Rochester, in scoring on the team. Also returning from a stint in MLS is defender Dustin Branan, who will rejoin goalkeeper Joe Warren in the back.
About the Timbers
The Timbers started off the 2006 season under new head coach and general manager Chris Agnello with a 1-0 loss at Vancouver. Portland improved their record to 1-1-1 two weeks later by drawing the Whitecaps then beating the Thunder on consecutive nights at PGE Park. Three straight losses, including setbacks at Miami, at Puerto Rico and at home to Rochester dropped the Timbers down the table, but a victory at home against Toronto has set the team in the right direction.
The Timbers roster features several key veterans, including striker Byron Alvarez, midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, defender Scot Thompson and goalkeeper Josh Saunders. Portland also features a number of key signings, such as former L.A. Galaxy players Mamba Chisoni and Michael Nsien, as well as former Real Salt Lake midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer.
Timbers Head Coach Chris Agnello on the Match
"We're starting to find our rhythm, and once we do that, we're going to be a very good team. Both myself and the players are eager to show that we have the ability to win matches, especially matches on the road. The atmosphere in training this week has been excellent, and the players are excited to continue winning games."
"It certainly helps that we've played Minnesota before. They'll be strong because they're at home, and they'll have had a few weeks to analyze the game they played here. However, if we hold our own at the back and don't allow for any silly mistakes, we'll be fine and the result will take care of itself."
Thunder Head Coach Amos Magee on the Match
"Obviously, we're very disappointed we didn't get the result when we were in Portland a few weeks back; it was a tough pill to swallow. We came into that match fresh and the Timbers had just played the night before, but we're a young team and we were dealing with lots of injuries. Portland kept better possession, kept us chasing and making us defend and we just broke down."
"We're more familiar with Portland now that we've played against them. We're a much different team now than we were three weeks ago, so we'll see what happens. We are eager to be home, and we expect Saturday night to be a great game."
On the Air
There will be no broadcast of this weekend's games. For in-game updates, log on to www.portlandtimbers.com.
Treatment Table
Defender Scot Thompson is still recovering from a head injury suffered on May 12 at Miami. He required five stitches and has experienced some residual swelling, which has improved but has not healed completely. Thompson participated in last weekend's matches against Rochester and Toronto and will likely take part in Saturday's match.
Sharing the Wealth
The Timbers have scored eight goals in seven matches so far this season, and each goal has come from a different player. Chad Bartlomé, Alejandro Gutierrez, Troy Ready, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, Byron Alvarez, Oral Bullen, Luke Kreamalmeyer and Mamba Chisoni have all netted for Portland in 2006, with Bartlomé, Bullen and Ready's goals also being their first as professionals.
Up Next
The Timbers have a home-and-home weekend series against the Seattle Sounders. Portland opens the series with a 7 p.m. match in Seattle. The Timbers will then host the visiting Sounders on Saturday, June 3, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at PGE Park.
A variety of season ticket options are available by calling the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5443. Individual tickets are also on sale at all Ticketmaster box offices, including area Fred Meyer and G.I. Joe's locations, by phone at (503) 224-4400 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
USL First Division Stories from May 26, 2006
- Timbers hit the road to take on Minnesota - Portland Timbers
- Thunder and Lightning to promote tobacco-free sports - Minnesota Thunder
- Whitecaps Battle Seattle Tonight - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Lynx Undone by Romario - Toronto Lynx
- Battery rekindles rivalry with Silverbacks - Charleston Battery
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
