MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Weekly Update

Published on April 19, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


Timbers return home to face undefeated Sporting Kansas City at JELD-WEN Field

PORTLAND, Ore. - Following a trip to Southern California, the Portland Timbers return home to face Eastern Conference-leading Sporting Kansas City on Saturday at JELD-WEN Field; kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (Pacific).

The matchup between the Timbers and Sporting KC will be broadcast live on ROOT SPORTS. Additionally, radio broadcasts will air on Freedom 970 AM and in Spanish on La Pantera 940 AM.

With a win Wednesday night, Sporting KC (7-0-0, 21pts) became the second team in MLS history to win its first seven match of the season, following the 1996 LA Galaxy, who won the first nine contests to start that campaign. Led by goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen, Sporting KC posted an MLS-record streak of 335 minutes without allowing a shot on goal from March 24-April 14. Midfielder Graham Zusi paces MLS with a league-best six assists.

In the middle of a stretch of three games in eight days, Sporting KC defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 on Wednesday at BC Place. Forward Kei Kamara scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season in the win over Vancouver. Sporting KC is MLS's only club without a loss in 2012.

TIMBERS GAME NOTES vs. SPORTING KANSAS CITY

Saturday marks the third regular-season meeting between Sporting Kansas City and the Timbers, with Sporting KC leading the series 2-0-0. The Timbers are 5-9-5 all-time against MLS Eastern Conference opponents, including 4-3-2 against the East at JELD-WEN Field. Sporting Kansas City is 6-0-1 when French defender Aurelien Collin scores a goal, including 1-0-0 against the Timbers. Following a 3-1 road loss to the LA Galaxy on April 14, the Timbers have lost an MLS club-record four straight matches and are winless in five consecutive games dating to March 17. The Timbers are 0-2-0 this season when scoring the first goal of a match, and 1-2-1 when conceding the first goal - as the team did in the first four games of the season. The Timbers home sellout streak at JELD-WEN Field extended to 20 straight league games with a sold-out crowd of 20,438 for the club's match April 7 against Chivas USA. Sporting Kansas City was 7-4-6 against Western Conference opponents in 2011, including 3-3-3 on the road.

TIMBERS PLAYER NOTES vs. SPORTING KANSAS CITY

Goalkeeper Troy Perkins is one win shy of his 50th career MLS victory; his 49 wins ranks among the league's top 15 all-time. Perkins has made 35 consecutive starts at goalkeeper for the Timbers dating back to April 23, 2011. Striker Kris Boyd became the fourth MLS Timbers player to score a goal in consecutive games with a goal each against Chivas USA (April 7) and the LA Galaxy (April 14). Boyd is tied with Darlington Nagbe for the team-lead with three goals this season. Previously, Rodney Wallace (April 14-17, 2011), Futty Danso (May 6-14, 2011) and Kenny Cooper (Sept. 16-21, 2011) all scored in consecutive games. Midfielder Eric Alexander tied his career high with his third assist of the 2012 season on April 14 against the LA Galaxy. The three assists ties the career-best mark Alexander set during his rookie season with FC Dallas in 2010. El Salvador international defender Steve Purdy made his first start of the 2012 season on April 12 against the LA Galaxy. Purdy, who made eight appearances (all starts) for the Timbers last season, played the full 90 minutes. Midfielder Jack Jewsbury is facing his old team, Sporting KC, for the third time. Jewsbury, a native of Joplin, Mo., registered an assist in a 3-1 loss to Sporting KC on Aug. 17, 2011. Defender Mike Chabala made his first start of the 2012 season on April 14 against the LA Galaxy, playing left back in place of the Rodney Wallace, who was out with a sprained left ankle. Sporting KC defender Lawrence Olum played for the second-division Timbers from 2007-08, making 44 appearances and recording six goals and one assist.

TEAM NEWS

Timbers unveil new, state-of-the-art adidas Timbers Training Center in Beaverton

The Timbers unveiled their new, state-of-the-art adidas Timbers Training Center in Beaverton, Ore., on Thursday as the team conducted its first training session at the new site. Constructed as part of a 10-year partnership with Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD), the $6 million adidas Timbers Training Center will be the primary on-field training ground for the Major League Soccer club, complementing the first-class training and fitness facilities already in place at JELD-WEN Field.

The facility includes a new natural-grass field to be used exclusively by the Timbers and a synthetic, FieldTurf field designated for public use. The adidas Timbers Training Center also features a 6,000-square-foot indoor facility that includes locker rooms for the Timbers first team and development teams, fully equipped training and fitness areas, offices and a spacious lounge/common area for Timbers players.

Timbers acquire forward Sebastián Rincon on loan for 2012 MLS season

The Timbers announced earlier this week that the club had acquired forward Sebastián Rincon on loan for the 2012 season from Uruguayan first-division side Club Atlético Atenas.

He has been training with the Timbers since February and played in club's MLS Reserve League match against the San Jose Earthquakes Reserves on March 27.

Rincon, 18, played in the youth system of Colombian side Deportivo Cali and youth club soccer in the United States before starting his professional career in 2010 at the age of 16 with the reserve team of Colombian club Independiente Santa Fe.

MLS W.O.R.K.S., Continental Tire present Greener Goals Week

Greener Goals Week, presented by MLS W.O.R.K.S. and Continental Tire, are giving fans the chance to learn more about ways to be environmentally friendly and the opportunity to enter to win prizes, including a $50,000 solar panel installation for a deserving school in the city with the greenest fans.

Fans are able to read through eco-tips provided by the Natural Resource Defense Council and Earth Day Canada to learn more ways to be environmentally friendly and then enter to win by sharing their Greener Goals. One grand-prize winner will win a trip for two people to the 2012 MLS AT&T All-Star Game at PPL Park in Chester, Pa., home of the Philadelphia Union, along with a set of Continental tires. Contest submission runs from April 12-June 19, with the winners announced on or before July 6.

Timbers announce ticket details for July 24 exhibition against Aston Villa

The Timbers have announced ticket details for the club's international exhibition match against English Premier League side Aston Villa FC on July 24 at JELD-WEN Field; kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)

Single-game tickets start at $15, and went on sale to the public April 17 at 10 a.m. through the JELD-WEN Field box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phoning (800) 745-3000.

After a recent survey of Timbers season ticket holders, it was voted that the summer friendly against Aston Villa will be included as part of 2012 full-season ticket packages as Exhibition C.

Recognize a Stand Together All-Star for their work in your community

In April, the Timbers launched a new Stand Together All-Star program to recognize fans who tirelessly give back to their community in a variety of ways. The monthly program will honor these community all-stars with a special prize package, including a visit from a Timbers player, tickets to an upcoming match, a Stand Together t-shirt and an autographed Timbers item.

To nominate someone for their work in the community and to be the first Stand Together All-Star, click here to fill out the nomination form; the deadline is Friday.

Stand Together, the Timbers' community outreach platform, represents the relationship between the Timbers and their fans and signifies the strong commitment to supporting and standing by the community both on and off the field. Its mission is to harness the power of sport to improve the lives of children and families in our region through targeted programs, deep partnerships, and philanthropic giving.

TEAM MEDIA SOURCES

TV: "Timbers In 30"

The Timbers weekly television show, "Timbers In 30," features exclusive, inside access to the club and airs each Friday at 6:30 p.m. on KPTV Fox 12. Moved to a new, Friday night time slot this season, "Timbers In 30" will focus on inside access to the inner-workings and personalities of the club and provide detailed team and game analysis with in-studio appearances from Timbers players and coaches each week.

Previously aired shows and "Timbers In 30" features can be found at www.portlandtimbers.com.

Radio: "Talk Timbers"

The Timbers' weekly radio talk show, "Talk Timbers," presented by JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, airs each week on 750 AM The Game. Hosted by John Strong, "Talk Timbers" will feature interviews with club officials, coaches, players and special guests. The show will provide team news and the latest information from around MLS during the 2012 season.

The next three Talk Timbers shows are: Thurs., April 26 at 6 p.m., and Thurs., May 3 at 6 p.m., Thurs., May 10 at 6 p.m.

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

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 19, 2012


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