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MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Weekly Update

September 19, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


Timbers play host to Rapids Friday on NBC Sports Network

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers play host to the Colorado Rapids on Friday at JELD-WEN Field in a nationally televised matchup between playoff contenders on NBC Sports Network; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Pacific).

The match will also feature local radio broadcasts on 750 The Game and in Spanish on La Pantera 940 AM.

The Timbers (10-5-13, 43pts), in fifth place, currently sit six points back of first place in a tightly contested Western Conference playoff race with six regular-season matches remaining. The Rapids (12-8-9, 45pts) are currently third in the Western Conference, but have just a two-point lead over Portland; the Timbers have a game in hand on the Rapids.

Entering Friday's fixture, the Timbers are unbeaten in their last 11 regular-season matches at JELD-WEN Field, one of the longest home unbeaten streaks in the league this season. The clubs' 26 goals scored at home this season is the second-highest total in the Western Conference.

Overall, Portland ranks among MLS leaders in goal-scoring with 44 goals this season, and also rank among the best defensive teams in MLS having allowed just 31 goals in 28 matches.

Friday marks the third, and final, regular-season matchup between Portland and Colorado in 2013. The Timbers are 1-0-1 against the Rapids this season and have scored a total of five goals against their Western Conference counterparts. Behind a three-assist performance from Rodney Wallace, the Timbers defeated the Rapids 3-0 at JELD-WEN Field on June 23. In their first meeting of the season on March 30, midfielder Will Johnson scored twice to help Portland claim a 2-2 draw on the road. While the Timbers are 2-4-1 in the all-time MLS series against the Rapids, they have claimed results in three of their last four meetings with Colorado dating back to 2012.

Winners of two straight, the Rapids make their second visit to the Rose City during the 2013 regular season. Since their last visit in June, Colorado went on a nine-match unbeaten streak from June 29-Aug. 17, and has suffered just one loss in its last 12 games. The Rapids capitalized on an own goal in the second half to capture 2-1 win over FC Dallas in their last match on Sept. 14 at home. Forward Edson Buddle has scored in three of the club's last four games, and rookie striker Deshorn Brown leads Colorado in scoring with seven goals and four assists.

Additionally, the Timbers Reserves play the first of their final two home matches of the 2013 MLS Reserve League season Saturday against the Rapids Reserves at 6 p.m. (Pacific) at JELD-WEN Field. Tickets are available through the JELD-WEN Field box office and online at www.portlandtimbers.com .

TEAM NEWS

Portland's Andrew Jean-Baptiste named to MLSsoccer.com's 24-Under-24

Throughout the week, MLSsoccer.com has unveiled its 24-Under-24 for 2013, and Timbers defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste was announced to the list Tuesday at No. 16. The 24-Under-24 series annually spotlights the top young talent in Major League Soccer under the age of 24.

Jean-Baptiste, 21, has played in 26 matches for the Timbers in 2013, scoring one goal and recording one assist.

Timbers' 50/50 raffle on Friday to help raise funds for flood victims in Colorado

In an effort to assist those affected by the recent floods in Colorado, the Timbers will donate half of the proceeds earned during the 50/50 Raffle during Friday's match against the Colorado Rapids at JELD-WEN Field. Proceeds from the raffle will go directly to the Red Cross to ensure that those affected by flooding receive help. Additionally, fans are able to text 90999 to give $10 directly to the Red Cross. Click here for further details on how to help.

The Timbers and AC Portland have teamed with Pointstreak 5050 on a new innovative platform to raise funds for the Portland community and region through a new, electronic 50/50 raffle at Timbers home matches at JELD-WEN Field. Fans have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets from the time gates open until the 60th minute, and jackpot totals will be displayed in real time on the scoreboard and at the AC Portland 5050 kiosk located near Gate 4. One winning ticket will be selected and announced at the 70th minute of the match with the winner taking home half of the evening's net proceeds.

No "Timbers in 30" show this week, returns Friday, Sept. 27 on KPTV

With the Timbers match against the Rapids on Friday at 7 p.m. (Pacific), there will not be a "Timbers in 30" show this week. The show returns Friday, Sept. 27, on KPTV at 6:30 p.m. (Pacific).

Timbers Reserves play host to Rapids Reserves Saturday at JELD-WEN Field

The Timbers Reserves return home to begin their final home stretch of the MLS Reserve League season, playing host to the Colorado Rapids Reserves on Saturday at JELD-WEN Field; kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (Pacific).

Tickets are available for purchase at the JELD-WEN Field box office and online at www.portlandtimbers.com .

The Rapids Reserves (4-7-2, 14pts) edged the Timbers Reserves (4-5-3, 15pts) 1-0 in their previous meeting back in March in Commerce City, Colo. Following Saturday's contest, the Timbers Reserves have one final match in the 2013 MLS Reserve League season on Oct. 14 against the Seattle Sounders FC Reserves at JELD-WEN Field.

Timbers Academy teams play first home matches of the 2013-14 season this weekend

The Timbers Academy teams make their home debut this weekend at the adidas Timbers Training Center, playing host to the Chivas USA Academy on Saturday; the U-18 sides kick off at 12 noon and the U-16s play at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific). The LA Galaxy Academy visits the Timbers Academy on Sunday, with the U-18 teams playing at 10 a.m. and the U-16 teams at 12:30 p.m. (Pacific).

The Timbers Academy team's opened the 2013-14 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season last weekend with a two-game road trip to California.

TEAM MEDIA SOURCES

Television: "Timbers in 30"

With the Timbers match against the Rapids on Friday at 7 p.m. (Pacific), there will not be a "Timbers in 30" show this week. The show returns Friday, Sept. 27, on KPTV at 6:30 p.m. (Pacific).

Throughout the season, "Timbers in 30" will offer inside access to the inner-workings and personalities of the club and provided analysis with in-studio appearances from Timbers coaches and players. 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 every Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. (Pacific) on flagship station 750 The Game. "Talk Timbers," provides team and league news as well as interviews with Timbers coaches and players during the season, and will also feature regular updates on Portland Thorns FC.

Fans can submit questions, provide comments or simply follow the conversation on the show on Twitter with the hashtag #TalkTimbers.

Fans can tune in to the show live on 750 The Game or listen online at www.750thegame.com . Available podcasts can be downloaded at www.portlandtimbers.com/timbers-podcast-network .

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