HCP brings up a good point. For us Soccer novices, how do the Timbers upgrade their roster when they move to MLS? I'm completely interested in following the Timbers, I just don't have a fucking clue how all the different soccer leagues work. Seems extremely convoluted.
The Timbers along Vancouver will participate in an expansion draft, MLS Draft, and then the Timbers can sign anyone who's on their roster now up to 11 players, without that player needing to apply to the the MLS Draft first, or something like that. GM/Technical Director Gavin Wilkinson (who has been with the team since 2001 as a player and then a coach) says he wants to take up to 10 or 11 current players to MLS, but I don't think they have 10 or 11 MLS players on their roster now, but we'll see. Seattle brought six or maybe seven players-including three starters-from their 2nd division roster to MLS.
You'll probably see about 5 or so go up with the team. Basically its an audition for everyone to see who might make the jump with them. Then the rest is rounded out with an expansion draft like Baracuda mentioned.
Oh yeah, technically a new MLS expansion team will be created, and the present team will fold or be sold.
I do know that every game has to be broadcast in HD. So for you all out there, this is a good chance to get to know the team. I do recommend going to the games though, the crowds are great. Love the Timber Army!
Sadly, I don't think Scot is in the plans for MLS next season. The Timbers played hardball in contract negotiations with him this summer, because they didn't want to pay him a starters salary. It's bullshit, but I understand that the team is building a team for the future and Scot will be a whopping 30 years old at the start of next season. It made me smile when Scot had to come in for Quavas Kirk at half time of the Vancouver match, because Kirk absolutely fucking sucked in the first half. I don't think that Quavas Kirk is nearly as good a defender as Scot Thompson, but he's only 21 and a former Generation Adidas player and all that. He has a lot more potential than Scot as an offensive weapon. So basically I'm not sold on Kirk at all, but he has tremendous upside, well at least the Timber think so.
Yeah I dont think Scot will be in their plans but maybe they can convince him to be an assistant or something I hope. I just dont want him shown the curb with all he has done for this town.
I wonder if Frank Costanza will be in the net for Del Boca Vista? At least when someone falls down like they just had a heart attack, it might actually be true this time
+1 for Seinfeld reference... -1 for a weak joke All in all neutral outcome.. but I could give you a +.33 for trying
Technically, The Boca juniors would have George in the net, not Frank. As for the "weak joke", you know it's true. Soccer players take more dives than the DOW Jones after Obama speaks.
The TV contract is up after this season, so it's up for grabs. FSN and Comcast will battle it out. Golub is in charge of the NEW Timbers, so it will be his call.
See thats the MM I have grown to know since I joined your guys' group! Dives are a lot less than I remember from before.. future game suspensions and stuff have lowered the dives IMO. AAt worst I would say its about the same as flopping in the NBA now.
Arsenal rarely travel to the States so I'm not expecting them to play in DC any time soon. They usually get pretty tied up with the Emirates Cup. This will be a good fixture for Portland.
I pray that someday they do come here! Otherwise I might have to make a pretty expensive trip to Emirates
