MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Weekly Update

Published on October 3, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Unbeaten in four straight games and with the chance to strengthen their case for clinching a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Portland Timbers travel to face Cascadia-rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday at BC Place in Vancouver, B.C.; kickoff is set for 5 p.m. (Pacific).

The Cascadia Cup fixture between two clubs still in the mix to qualify for the postseason, will be broadcast on ROOT SPORTS and will also feature local radio broadcasts on 750 The Game and in Spanish on La Pantera 940 AM.

With a win over the LA Galaxy last week, the Timbers (12-5-13, 49pts) strengthened their standing in the Western Conference and enter the week just two points back of first place in the conference and three points back of the Supporters' Shield leader. Whitecaps FC (11-11-8, 41pts) are currently in seventh place, four points adrift of the final playoff spot with four matches remaining on the schedule.

While Portland is unbeaten in its last 13 regular-season matches at JELD-WEN Field, the third-longest, home unbeaten streak in MLS this season, it also claims one of the better road records in MLS. Portland owns the fifth-best road winning percentage (.433) overall, and second-best among Western Conference teams. The Timbers have recorded shutout victories in consecutive home matches against the Colorado Rapids (Sept. 20) and the LA Galaxy (Sept. 29), and are unbeaten in four straight games, going 3-0-1 during the month of September and conceding just one goal during the month.

Overall, the Timbers sit among league leaders with 46 goals this season, and are the only club in MLS with five or more players that have registered six or more goals this season. Midfielder Diego Valeri leads the club in scoring with eight goals and 12 assists; his assists total is tied for the league lead. Recently acquired forward Maximiliano Urruti tallied his first goal for the club, netting the game-winner in the 52nd minute of a 1-0 victory over the LA Galaxy last Sunday. Portland's plus-15 goal differential is tied for the league lead with Real Salt Lake and the Timbers just completed their fourth undefeated month of the season in September. Portland previously had undefeated months in April, May and June.

Defensively, Portland ranks among league leaders having conceded just 31 goals, the third-fewest total in MLS. The Timbers set an MLS club single-season record with their 12th shutout of the season in the win against the Galaxy and have conceded a total of just nine shots on goal over the last four matches. Portland's five losses is the fewest in MLS and currently ranks fourth all-time for fewest losses in a single season in MLS history.

Sunday's match is the third meeting of the regular season between the two clubs, and the second at BC Place in Vancouver. Portland and Whitecaps FC have registered two draws, a 2-2 draw at Vancouver on May 18 and a 1-1 deadlock at JELD-WEN Field on Aug. 3. The Timbers lead the all-time MLS series with an undefeated mark of 4-0-3 since 2011, including a 2-0-1 record at BC Place.

The 2012 Cascadia Cup champions, Portland is currently in third place in the Cascadia Cup standings, with three points through four games. Seattle maintains the overall lead with seven points in four games, while Vancouver is second with five points. Each team has two remaining Cascadia Cup matches left on the schedule. The Timbers can defend their title with wins against Vancouver on Sunday and Seattle on Oct. 13, coupled with a Seattle loss or draw against Vancouver on Oct. 9.

The Timbers make their second trip north of the border this season on Sunday. The last time Portland faced Whitecaps FC at BC Place, forward Jose Valencia registered the game-tying goal in the 84th minute of a 2-2 draw on May 18. Despite playing the last nine minutes with 10 men following a red card to defender Futty Danso, the Timbers managed to remain unbeaten in Vancouver. More recently, the two sides battled to a physical 1-1 draw at JELD -WEN Field on Aug. 3. Forward Ryan Johnson netted the go-ahead goal for Portland in the 49th minute, but 20 minutes later Vancouver equalized on a Jordan Harvey strike.

Whitecaps FC enter Sunday's match searching for a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs for the second consecutive season. Vancouver has registered just two wins in its last 11 games, yet still remains only four points shy of fifth-place Colorado for the final playoff berth. With four matches remaining on the schedule, Whitecaps FC are still mathematically in contention for a spot in the playoffs. Head coach Martin Rennie's squad has earned a 1-1-1 record in their last three games, including a 3-0 shutout against Canadian rival Montreal on Sept. 21 at Stade Saputo in Montreal. Last week, Vancouver conceded an early goal to Real Salt Lake in a 1-0 setback against the frontrunners in the Western Conference. Sunday's game marks the second consecutive home game for Whitecaps FC, who are led by forward Camilo Sanvezzo's 16 goals this season.

TEAM NEWS

Urruti's game-winning goal against the LA Galaxy up for MLS Goal of the Week for Week 31

Forward Maximiliano Urriti scored his first career MLS goal last Sunday, redirecting a Will Johnson corner kick that stood as the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over the LA Galaxy at JELD-WEN Field. Urruti's goal, along with four others, is nominated for MLS Goal of the Week for Week 31. Click here to cast a vote; poll closes Thursday night.

It is the second straight week that a Timbers player has been nominated for Goal of the Week. In Week 30, midfielder Diego Valeri won the honor with a superb chip-shot that was the game-winning goal against the Colorado Rapids on Sept. 20. It was Valeri's third Goal of the Week win of the season, having previously earned the distinction in Week 1 and 15. Overall, Timbers players have won MLSsoccer.com's Goal of the Week 10 times in 2013.

MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week for Week 31 includes Diego Chara, Urruti

With his performance against the Galaxy, midfielder Diego Chara was named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week for Week 31. He has been selected to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week two times this season in Weeks 12 and 16, while also earning honorable mentions in Weeks 12 and 30.

Urruti was named honorable mention on the Team of Week for Week 31; click here for the complete list of players.

Additionally, Urruti - who has made three appearances for the Timbers - was one of four players nominated for FutbolMLS.com's Latino de la Jornada for Week 31. Click here to vote; poll closes Thursday night.

Support your local Timbers Pub Partners this week in the "Timbers Neighborhood Watch"

As part of this weekend's "Timbers Neighborhood Watch," Timbers Pub Partners will be hosting viewing parties across Portland for Sunday's match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Timbers fans are encouraged to visit the official Timbers Pub Partner in their neighborhood this weekend. The match will be televised on ROOT SPORTS, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. (Pacific).

Eligible season ticket holders for this weekend's viewing parties can gain 15 Rose City Rewards points by emailing a photo of themselves located at an Official Timbers Pub to their ticket services rep. Photos must be submitted before Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m.

Last chance to participate in the 76 Road Trip contest

Sunday's away match against Vancouver Whitecaps is the last chance for Timbers fans to participate in the "76 Fuel for Road Trip Rivalry" contest. Fans can become immediately eligible to win a $100 gas card from 76 and an autographed Timbers jersey just by taking an Instagram photo of traveling to Sunday's match in Vancouver using the hashtag #76roadtrip.

Instagram photos with the hashtag #76roadtrip must be in by Oct. 8 at 11:59 a.m. (Pacific).

CenturyLink Community Game Changer: Recognize youth making a difference in your community

Is there a high school student you know that makes a difference in his or her community? CenturyLink is looking for that community game-changer. Through Sunday, Oct. 6, Timbers fans can nominate their community game-changer, who could potentially win an in-school visit from Timber Joey as well as four (4) VIP pre-game passes and four (4) tickets to the final, regular-season Timbers home game on Oct. 19 against Real Salt Lake.

For full details, and additional information from Timber Joey, visit www.portlandtimbers.com/centurylink.

Timbers Reserves play season finale Monday, Oct. 14 at JELD-WEN Field

The Timbers Reserves close out their 2013 MLS Reserve League season Monday, Oct. 14, against the Seattle Sounders FC Reserves at JELD-WEN Field; kickoff is 2 p.m. (Pacific). Tickets are available for purchase at the JELD-WEN Field box office and online at www.portlandtimbers.com .

Timbers Academy teams host Earthquakes Academy and Cal Odyssey this weekend

The Timbers Academy teams play their second straight weekend of games at home this Saturday and Sunday at the adidas Timbers Training Center. The Timbers Academy will play host to the San Jose Earthquakes Academy on Saturday; the U-18 sides kick off at 12 noon (Pacific) and the U-16s play at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific). Cal Odyssey visits the Timbers Academy on Sunday, with the U-18 teams playing at 12 noon (Pacific) and the U-16 teams at 2:30 p.m. (Pacific).

Click here for this week's complete Development Update, which includes news on a local goalkeeper from adidas Timbers Alliance club, Washington Timbers, named to the U.S. U-17 Women's National Team.

TEAM MEDIA SOURCES

Television: "Timbers in 30"

This week's episode of "Timbers in 30" will air Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Pacific) on KPTV FOX 12, with defender Futty Danso as the in-studio guest.

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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Major League Soccer Stories from October 3, 2013


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