Timbers look to win second straight
August 17, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers aim to win their second straight game as they host the Puerto Rico Islanders Friday night at PGE Park. Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Timbers (6-12-6, 24pts) will be hoping to gain ground in the playoff race as they face off against the Islanders (8-7-6, 30pts), who currently sit five places ahead of the Timbers in fifth in the USL First Division standings. The top six teams in the 12-team league advance to the playoffs.
About the Islanders
The Islanders are hoping to solidify their position in the USL First Division playoffs after just missing out on the postseason last year. Puerto Rico will be building off of their previous win against the Timbers this season, a 3-1 victory on May 14 at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel. The Islanders' lineup has been boosted by the acquisition of former Timber Edwin Miranda, who will make his first appearance at PGE Park since his departure from the team in early June.
About the Timbers
The Timbers were able to snap an 11-game winless streak when they downed the Virginia Beach Mariners for the first time in franchise history on Aug. 10. With four games to play and only five points separating the Timbers from a playoff position, Portland will be trying to get the most out of its home-field advantage. All four of the Timbers' remaining league games will be played at PGE Park, and the matches all will be against opponents currently higher than the Timbers in the league standings.
Timbers Head Coach Chris Agnello on the Match
"We were embarrassed when we played them the first time; we were beaten 3-1 down at their place. Our players have remembered that, and they will be out to prove something when Puerto Rico comes to town. We also have to win all of our remaining games to have a shot at the playoffs, so there will be a lot riding on this game. Our team looks very solid right now, though, and after beating Virginia Beach last week, team morale is high and the previous result is our motivator."
On the Air
Friday's game and all of the remaining regular-season games can be heard at www.portlandtimbers.com, with veteran broadcaster Andy McNamara behind the mic to provide the play-by-play.
Gordon's Galaxy
Forward Alan Gordon, who was loaned by the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLS) to the Timbers prior to the Timbers' match against Minnesota on Aug. 4, has seen some playing time at the MLS level since being recalled by the Galaxy. Gordon returned to L.A. shortly after Portland's 1-0 loss to the Thunder, and has yet to return to the Timbers. Since returning to Los Angeles, Gordon has appeared in two matches for the Galaxy, playing for six minutes as a sub against the Houston Dynamo on Aug. 9 and subbing in for 19 minutes against the Colorado Rapids.
Thompson Returns
Defender Scot Thompson has returned from his trial with Coventry City of England's Coca-Cola Championship. However, Thompson suffered a thigh strain during his trial, which forced him to return to the United States earlier than expected. Thompson's injury is expected to sideline him at least two weeks, although he will return to Coventry when he has returned to full fitness to continue his trial.
Treatment Table
Midfielder Oral Bullen suffered a groin injury and will likely miss the rest of the season ... defender Scot Thompson is still recovering from the thigh strain he suffered while a trialist with England's Coventry City. Thompson is expected to miss at least the next two weeks, and team officials hope he will be available for selection for Portland's Sept. 3 match vs. Charleston.
Up Next
The Timbers continue their season-ending run of home games when they host the Montreal Impact on Thursday, August 31. Kickoff for the match is set for 7 p.m.
USL First Division Stories from August 17, 2006
- Timbers look to win second straight - Portland Timbers
- Cicchini Scores For Canada - Toronto Lynx
- Silverbacks take on Romario and Miami FC in pre-playoff clash - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Playoff Implications In Whitecaps Match Saturday - Seattle Sounders
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