The warm afterglow from the MLS2PDX announcement hasn't worn off yet for me. Three years ago Timbers fans got themselves excited about the new season in any number of asinine ways, but back then, we knew nearly little about the future: the absentee owners, who likely thought hard about drowning the Timbers franchise like a sack full of kittens, rarely put out much effort to find talent. When Merritt Paulson took over in 2007, the franchise was born again with shocking speed, like someone combined baptism with a dunk-tank.

The faithful (old and new) are impatiently awaiting Opening Day, April 25th in Vancouver, or April 30th at PGE Park

We have a team, we have a few matches under our belts, and we have that —now supercharged—collective sense of purpose after the MLS2PDX announcement. Fuck all the haters, this season continues a Soccer Renaissance in Portland that will shock the world. We're loud, we're proud, and we're Portland.

Pre-Season games in the bag
1-0 @ San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) — The SJ Earthquakes got a measly squirter of a goal past backup keeper (and rookie) Brian Visser in his first minute of action. The Timbers struggled to create chances, but it was far from a poor showing for their first runaround against top flight competition.

0-0 vs Red Bull New York (MLS) at Merlo Field -- The Red Bulls got smacked around by the Shittle Sounders the day before, and barely managed a 0-0 result against the Timbers, who were playing only their second preseason game. The Timbers had lots of great chances, but couldn't find the back of the net. Soda Pop New York has some serious problems to address.

0-0 vs. U of P at Merlo Field — A good runout for the trialists: Nishimura earned his contract in this game, and we saw McManus flying around the pitch like there was something tangible, even action movie-esque on the line, perhaps the fate of a Steve Cronin's girlfriend. Poor finishing remains the problem, a 13 shot game with zero goals against a University side isn't all that encouraging.

1-1 @ Whitecaps Johann Claesson scored from a Takuro Nishimura cross. An opening day preview, several trialists got chances to impress and the goal was apparently a thing of beauty.

Roster news:
-Miguel Guante was waived to continue recovering from microfracture surgery.

-Kiki Lara, despite re-signing with the Timbers in late 2008, has left the team.

-Alex Nimo is on a season long loan from Real Salt Lake. The diminutive midfielder is only 18 and was a standout at Benson HS.

-Stephen Keel brings his crazy haircut to Portland after falling off the bottom of the Colorado Rapids roster.

-Takuro Nishimura signed with the Timbers after great showings in preseason matches. He was last seen playing for Omiya Ardija (Go Squirrels!) in the J-league.

So here's the squad as of today:
Squad:

Keepers:
Steve Cronin, Brian Visser
Defenders:
Cameron Knowles, Scot Thompson, Cameron Dunn, Dieumerci Vua, David Hayes, Takuro Nishimura, Stephen Keel.
Midfielders:
Johan Claesson, Tony McManus, Brian Farber, Keith Savage, Josh Cameron, Tommy Poltl, Shaun Higgins, Alex Nimo, Ryan Pore.
Forwards:
Takayuki Suzuki, Antou Jallow, Jason McLaughlin, Mandjou Keita, George Josten.That's 23 players. The USL rules allow for 26 signed players, so there are still trialists in the mix elbowing fiercely for the final few roster spots. I'm not up to date with the passport and visa status of the current players under contract, but I believe there is one international spot left (the USL allows 7 foreign players per roster, 5 on any gameday roster). There's plenty of depth everywhere, and the six returning Timbers from last season may be fighting harder than they expected for starting jobs. Competition is healthy and injuries happen (especially on FieldTurf), so I am excited to see this strong of a bench, and I'm curious to see who makes the starting XI on the 25th.

USL News: USLLive, the video on demand broadband service that brings Timbers Away matches into homes and pubs around Portland (last year's viewing spots: Beulahland & Slabtown) has arisen from the ashes and will return for the 2009 season. Huzzah! For Timbers fans like me who are far afield, USLLive is our only shot at video, though I will certainly be listening to John Strong do play by play on 95.5 The Game for all home and away matches.

MLS News: I just wanted to share some good advice with Freddy Montero, Shittle Sounders' new starlet, from his friends in the Timbers Army:

Thanks to TA messageboard user Panda for the art
Sex crimes are never a joke, and I hope he's prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, if he's guilty. But whatever, he plays for Shittle: he's guilty.

To close on a high note, the Portland Timbers are seeking nominees for their Youth Soccer Coach and Volunteer of the Year awards. Every year two very worthy community leaders are justly rewarded, as they all should be.

I'd nominate Matt Davis for his excellent coverage MLS2PDX saga, but sadly he doesn't qualify.