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MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Weekly Update

June 7, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers return home Saturday as they welcome defending-MLS champion the Colorado Rapids to JELD-WEN Field; kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday's match is the second and final meeting of the regular-season series between the two clubs.

The matchup between the Timbers and Rapids will be televised live on ROOT SPORTS and Galavision, with radio broadcasts on 750 AM The Game and in Spanish on La Pantera 940 AM.

The Timbers (5-5-2, 17pts) return home to JELD-WEN Field, where they have posted a league-best five home victories, looking to reverse consecutive losses, including a 1-0 defeat at Chivas USA over the weekend. Portland enters the week tied for sixth place in the Western Conference with Chivas USA.

Portland and Colorado first met during MLS First Kick 2011 on March 19 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Timbers forward Kenny Cooper tallied the club's first MLS goal in that match, but the Rapids opened defense of their 2010 MLS title with three first-half goals to claim a 3-1 victory at home.

The Rapids (4-3-7, 19pts) recorded an MLS-record sixth straight draw last weekend in a 1-1 result with the Philadelphia Union at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. With the draw, however, Colorado extended its unbeaten streak to eight games - the second-longest streak in MLS this season. The Rapids are 1-0-7 during their unbeaten run, which started back on April 30. They enter the week in fifth place in the West and sit just two points ahead of the Timbers in the conference table.

Timbers to wear 'Rose City' red kits at home for the first time Saturday

Against the Rapids on Saturday, the Timbers will don their "Rose City" kits for the first time at home, coinciding with the Grand Floral Parade as part of Portland's famed Rose Festival.

The "Rose City" jersey features a split design of two shades of red, separated by "Rose City" thorns repeated down the middle, and Alaska Airlines script across the chest. Highlights of the jersey include "Rose City" verbiage on the back of the neck and the Rose City logo prominently displayed opposite the team's primary crest on the front of the jersey.

The Timbers first unveiled their "Rose City" kits on the road against Cascadia rival Seattle Sounders FC on May 14.

Fans can purchase "Rose City" red kits, as well as other items in the "Rose City" apparel line, at the adidas Timbers Team Store at JELD-WEN Field in downtown Portland or online at shop.portlandtimbers.com.

Danso reaches No. 3 on May's MLS Castrol Index

Timbers defender Futty Danso was listed at No. 3 among all MLS players on May's MLS Castrol Index, which assesses and ranks MLS players' performances, behind New York's Theirry Henry and Seattle's Alvaro Fernandez.

Castrol's team of performance analysts use the latest technology to objectively analyze every match during the 2011 MLS season, logging an average of 1,800 player movements per match. It tracks every move on the field and assesses whether it has a positive or negative impact on a team's ability to score or concede a goal and in which zone on the pitch the action takes place.

Each month, Castrol's team of performance analysts crunch all the data and award each player a Castrol Index score out of 10 to determine the best performing players in the MLS.

Gleeson makes debut with New Zealand National Team; Steve Purdy's El Salvador falls to Mexico

Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson made his debut with the New Zealand National Team in a friendly against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia, on June 5.

Gleeson, one of three MLS players match-day roster for New Zealand, came on as a substitute in the 77th minute of a 3-0 loss to the Socceroos to earn his first senior cap.

In other international action, defender Steve Purdy's El Salvador National Team opened play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Sunday with a 5-0 loss to Mexico. Purdy, in his first call-up with El Salvador, was on the 18-man, match-day roster, but did not see action against El Tri. El Salvador faces Costa Rica next in group play Thursday in Raleigh, N.C.

Timbers play host to second-annual Bowl-for-A-Goal

The Timbers' second-annual Bowl-for-a-Goal will take place Friday, June 17, at Grand Central Bowl in Southeast Portland. Bowl-for-a-Goal offers fans the opportunity to go bowling with their favorite Timbers players. The fundraising event benefits Timbers' pillar partner Big Brothers and Big Sisters Columbia Northwest.

Among the list of activities during Bowl-for-a-Goal, the Timbers will play host to a silent auction of the official Timbers bowling shirts worn by the players during the event, complete with a meet-and-greet and autograph session following the event.

Fans can sign up for one of two time slots from 4-5:30 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. Joining the fun is mascot Timber Joey as well as some of the Timbers Alumni Ambassadors.

MLS All-Star voting begins Wednesday

The MLS All-Stars are set to face English Premier League champ Manchester United on Wednesday, July 27, at Red Bull Arena in the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game. Fans will have the opportunity to weigh in on their choices for the league's top performers as All-Star voting begins Wednesday.

Fans can vote via three digital platforms to help determine the "First XI" All-Stars through July 5 - online at www.MLSsoccer.com, mobile texting or Twitter. The ballot of 108 eligible players to vote from and official voting details will be announced Wednesday on MLSsoccer.com.

The "First XI" will be announced Sunday, July 10, likely on ESPN during halftime of the Timbers' matchup against Seattle Sounders FC. The final list of 32 All-Stars (4 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 13 midfielders and 7 forwards) will be announced on MLSsoccer.com on July 25.

Timbers team up with Trailblazers' Patty Mills and foundation to help Australia

Portland Trailblazers guard Patty Mills has teamed up with the Timbers to create a new, co-branded t-shirt to help raise funds for Mills' Assist Australia Foundation. He will be at the adidas Timbers Team Store at JELD-WEN Field on Saturday, starting at 12 noon to help with the debut of the special shirt.

Proceeds from the new Stand Together and Assist Australia t-shirt will benefit the Assist Australia Foundation as well as the Portland Timbers Community Fund. Assist Australia Foundation is directly involved in flood relief efforts in Australia; more information about the foundation is available at www.wearsmyshirt.com/pattymills.

Tune in to 'Talk Timbers,' presented by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, on The Game

The Timbers' radio talk show, "Talk Timbers," presented by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, airs Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. on 750 AM The Game. Featuring interviews with coaches, players, club officials and special guests, the show is a prime source for Timbers news and information.

Fans can tune in to the show live on 750 AM The Game or listen online at www.750thegame.com.

Visit Oregon Athletic Clubs and win an Ultimate Fan Package

Visit one of the three Oregon Athletic Clubs in the greater-Portland area during the month of June and you will be entered to win a premier match-day experience, complete with VIP field access and autograph session, KeyBank Club tickets, deluxe River Place Hotel accommodations, dinner at Three Degrees Waterfront Bar & Grill, pre- or post-game champagne and hors d 'oeuvres, Pointe Spa services and signed Timbers gear.

Winners will be announced at each location during a happy hour party on Thursday, June 30; some restrictions apply. Visit www.oregonathleticclubs.com for details.

Argentina's Independiente joins list of Timbers exhibition matches in 2011

The Timbers added a fourth club to its list of exhibition opponents in 2011, announcing that they will play host to renowned South American side Club Atlético Independiente of Argentina in an international exhibition match Tuesday, July 26, at JELD-WEN Field at 8 p.m. (PT).

The winner of 14 first division championships, Independiente is one of the most successful clubs in Argentine club soccer history and ranks third behind notable clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate in the number of total domestic titles won. Additionally, the club has garnered 16 international titles in its history, rivaling the international accomplishments of world-famous clubs AC Milan, Boca Juniors and Real Madrid and earning the nickname "Rey de Copas" or "King of Cups" throughout Argentina.

Single-game tickets start at $8 and are now on sale through the JELD-WEN Field box office, Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Tickets for Timbers' exhibition against Club América on sale now

The Timbers will play host to accomplished Mexican side Club América in an international exhibition on Thursday, July 7, at JELD-WEN Field at 7:30 p.m. Single-game tickets for the exhibition are on sale now.

Starting at $19, tickets are available for purchase through the JELD-WEN Field box office, area Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Based in Mexico City, Club América is one of the most successful clubs in Mexico, having won 33 total championships since its founding in 1916. The club boasts 14 league championships, including five Primera División titles during the 1980s, winning its most recent during the 2005 Clausura season. Club América is a five-time winner of the CONCACAF Champions League and competed in the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup.

The friendly against Club América is one of three international exhibition matches for the Timbers in the month of July. Portland will also play host to EPL side West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, July 20, and renowned Argentine side Club Atletico Independiente on Tuesday, July 26, at JELD-WEN Field.

For ticket information relating to any of the three exhibitions, please contact the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555 or visit www.portlandtimbers.com.

Timbers' home match with Sounders FC July 10 kicks off at 1 p.m.

A reminder for fans that kickoff for the Timbers' home match against Seattle Sounders FC at JELD-WEN Field on Sunday, July 10, has been moved to 1 p.m. (PT).

The Cascadia derby will be televised live on ESPN, with local radio broadcasts on 750 AM The Game and in Spanish on La Pantera 940 AM.

Looking for Timbers season tickets? Join the 2012 season-ticket waitlist

Season tickets for the Timbers' inaugural MLS season in 2011 are sold out. Sign up today for the club's 2012 season ticket waiting list with a $50 per-seat refundable deposit to secure your spot in line. Being on the waitlist has its benefits. Aside from being one of the first in line to purchase season tickets when they become available, you'll have priority for additional mini-game plans released by the team during the 2011 season, access to special event pre-sale opportunities and access to the Fan Loyalty Program.

To secure your priority spot or for more information, call (503) 553-5555 or email ticketsales@portlandtimbers.com.

Catch 'Timbers in 30' on KPTV FOX 12

The Timbers' TV show "Timbers in 30" is a highlight and recap show airing each Sunday on KPTV FOX 12 at 6 p.m. Featuring highlights of previous games, discussion, interviews, player features and more, "Timbers in 30" is the place to get all of the latest club news in 30 minutes. Watch this Sunday for the next chance to text in and win a variety of Timbers prizes, including a team-autographed soccer ball. Previous shows are available to view online at www.portlandtimbers.com.

Do you know a Community MVP? Nominate them today

Know someone who is making a difference in your community? MLS and The Home Depot are teaming up to recognize 18 Community MVPs from around the league this season.

MLS fans throughout the league will have the opportunity to nominate themselves or other individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in their community. One MLS W.O.R.K.S./The Home Depot Community MVP will be selected to represent each of the 18 MLS clubs through a contest ending June 24.

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 7, 2011


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