Portland Timbers & Thorns beat writer at The Oregonian // Email: RClarke@Oregonian.com
Sat down with Evander for an interview in Palm Springs, where he discussed his soccer journey, how family provides a strong foundation, and why he had to quit playing FIFA.
Get to know the man who could shift Portland soccer on its axis. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/02/evander-brings-magic-competitive-fire-to-portland-timbers-i-have-a-big-objective-here.html
The Timbers are headed to Coachella.
Some injury/fitness updates from camp, along with thoughts from Gio + Larrys Mabiala ahead of Portland’s trip to the desert. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/02/portland-timbers-ready-to-ramp-up-preseason-with-trip-to-coachella-valley-invitational.html
The offseason was filled with joy for Sebastián Blanco, as he and his family celebrated Argentina’s historic World Cup victory.
But 2022 was a painful year for Seba, more than Timbers fans knew. Chronic knee pain made daily life an uphill battle. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/01/portland-timbers-veteran-sebastian-blanco-finds-joy-in-offseason-after-difficult-injury-hinders-2022.html
The Portland Timbers and Thorns have hired Heather Davis as the club’s CEO.
Davis is the 5th woman leading club ops in MLS & takes on the task of leading PTFC out of a dark chapter. She previously worked for the NFL and Clinton White House. #RCTID #BAONPDX
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/01/portland-timbers-hire-former-general-counsel-heather-davis-as-first-ever-female-ceo.html
BREAKING: The Portland Thorns have fired trainer Pierre Soubrier and asst coach Sophie Clough.
#NWSL investigations found Soubrier gave codeine to players w/o prescriptions, and Clough kissed a player’s neck during the championship celebration. #BAONPDX
https://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2023/01/portland-thorns-fire-head-athletic-trainer-assistant-coach-following-nwsl-investigations-into-misconduct.html
@JFWellsPDX yes.
The Timbers will face Tigres UANL and the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2023 Leagues Cup group stage.
A source confirmed Portland will host its group stage matches at Providence Park. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/01/portland-timbers-group-stage-opponents-set-for-2023-leagues-cup.html
NEW: Eryk Williamson is getting the call-up to #USMNT.
The U.S. plays Serbia on Jan. 25, and Williamson could face Timbers teammates Santiago Moreno and Juan Mosquera when they take on Colombia Jan. 28. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/01/timbers-midfielder-eryk-williamson-called-up-to-us-mens-national-team.html
@iMike I’d say the fact Eryk is 1. here and 2. in good spirits leads me to believe that things are better than they were.
NEW: Some news and notes from the first open Timbers training of 2023 today, including local media’s introduction to Evander and some shoe game discussion from Eryk Williamson. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/01/portland-timbers-in-the-early-stages-of-preseason-training-ahead-of-trips-to-arizona-california.html
Comprehensive preview of Thursday’s #NWSL draft for the Portland Thorns: What do they need (if anything?), and who should they target? #BAONPDX
https://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2023/01/portland-thorns-nwsl-draft-preview-needs-potential-top-targets-how-to-watch.html
A source confirms what Tom Bogert first reported: The Portland Timbers will name Ned Grabavoy as GM and Chief Soccer Officer on Wednesday.
Grabavoy had been the interim CSO since Gavin Wilkinson’s firing in October. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/01/portland-timbers-to-promote-ned-grabavoy-to-general-manager.html
Timbers great Diego Valeri and longtime local announcer Jake Zivin have joined Apple’s broadcast team for MLS Season Pass. #RCTID
https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/2023/01/portland-timbers-legend-diego-valeri-joins-apples-broadcast-team-for-mls-season-pass.html
The Portland Thorns introduced Mike Norris as head coach on Monday. After a tumultuous 2022, they’re hoping Norris can provide stability as players seek a championship repeat and try to process the year gone by. #BAONPDX #NWSL
https://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2023/01/new-portland-thorns-coach-mike-norris-brings-stability-and-trust-as-club-charts-path-forward-after-challenging-2022.html
The #NWSL/PA investigation is out.
It reaches many of the same conclusions about the Portland Thorns as the U.S. Soccer investigation, with several new details that further illustrate the club’s repeated failures regarding Paul Riley. #BAONPDX
https://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2022/12/nwsl-investigation-reiterates-details-of-portland-thorns-mishandling-of-paul-riley-allegations.html
A couple Timbers news tidbits before I head on vacation:
-Zac McGraw is negotiating a contract extension. Wouldn’t be surprised if that crosses the finish line soon.
-Former Timbers player George Fochive is in negotiations with several clubs, including multiple MLS teams.