Timbers open 2006 season at Vancouver Saturday
April 20, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers start the 2006 season on the road against the Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday night at Swangard Stadium. The Timbers will be looking to get off to a strong start by winning their season opener for the third consecutive year. Saturday's match begins at 7 p.m.
The match is the first of eight Cascadia Cup contests. This geographical cup competition began in 2004, and is competed for annually by the Timbers, Whitecaps and the Seattle Sounders. Three points are awarded for a win and one point for a draw every time the three teams play one another. The team with the most points from the head-to-head matches at the end of the season is declared the winner. The Whitecaps have won both the 2004 and 2005 Cascadia Cups.
About the Whitecaps
After a solid 12-7-9 season in 2005, Vancouver returns a number of their key players this season, with Jason Jordan, who led the league in goals and points and was named league MVP last season, returning up front. Martin Nash, who played every regular-season game last year, will again appear in midfield.
The Whitecaps are also boosted by several new signings, including 2006 Timbers draft pick Anthony Noreiga and former MLS midfielder/striker David Testo, who made 33 appearances for the Columbus Crew over the previous two seasons. Vancouver also added league veteran Corey Woolfolk, who was a forward for the Puerto Rico Islanders last season.
About the Timbers
Looking to improve on a 10-9-9 season and a first round playoff loss, Portland adds a mix of exciting new players to a core of key veterans in 2006. Among the returnees is Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, who led the league in assists for the second straight season in 2005. Dynamic striker Byron Alvarez returns up front looking to add to his franchise-leading 37-goal tally. All-league defender Scot Thompson lines up at the back after trials with England's Sunderland AFC and Norway's Ham-Kam last season. Josh Saunders, the Timbers' all-time leader in wins (35), goals-against average (1.17), saves (268) and shutouts (18) will return in goal.
The Timbers have also added exciting new players to the roster, including defender Michael Nsien and forward Mamba Chisoni from the Los Angeles Galaxy and midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer from Real Salt Lake. Portland native and Jesuit High School graduate Josh Brown will line up in defense and former Puerto Rico Islander Drew McAthy will lend his talents at forward.
Timbers Head Coach Chris Agnello on the Match
"This will be our first real test as a team. Vancouver has a tremendous squad, one that I think will be one of the better squads in the league this year. I think (Director of Soccer Operations) Bob Lenarduzzi and (head coach) Bob Lilley have been doing incredible things in Vancouver, and will continue to do so. For us, we are going to have to fight to get a result, but I certainly think that we have the talent to compete."
Whitecaps Head Coach Bob Lilley on the Match
"The Timbers have some great players returning and they're bringing in a solid group of new players as well. The players he has brought in I think fit his system well, and that will make them a tough opponent. But then again, games against the Timbers are always tough. It's a great rivalry that goes all the way back to the old NASL days. Portland's had a tough time getting a result up here lately, but every year is different and it's tough to predict what'll happen."
On the Radio
Saturday's game can be heard at www.portlandtimbers.com, with the play-by-play being handled by Vancouver broadcaster Peter Schaad on MOJO Sports Radio.
Lady Luck?
Fortune has not favored the Timbers on their travels to Vancouver of late, with the team failing to earn a single point up north from the Canadian rivals in 2005. In fact, the Timbers have only won one of their 11 regular-season games played in Vancouver since rejoining the league in 2001. Portland also lost the only post-season game it played at Swangard Stadium, falling 1-0 in 2002.
Up Next
The Timbers open up the home portion of their season by playing host to the Whitecaps at PGE Park on Friday, May 5. Portland then takes on the Minnesota Thunder in the second game of the Opening Weekend on Saturday, May 6. PGE magnet schedules will be given away to the first 1,500 fans both nights as part of the Opening Weekend celebrations. Kickoff for both games is scheduled for 7 p.m.
A variety of season ticket options are available by calling the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. 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.
• Discuss this story on the USL First Division message board...
USL First Division Stories from April 20, 2006
- Silverbacks begin season - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Timbers open 2006 season at Vancouver Saturday - Portland Timbers
- USL First Division 2006 Preview - USL-1
- Charleston Battery teams up with Just Fresh and Bojangles - Charleston Battery
- Mariners Open 2006 Season Saturday Night - Virginia Beach Mariners
- Mariners host opening day at Virginia Beach Sportsplex - Virginia Beach Mariners
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.
