Timbers Insider

With a strange schedule this week, the show previews Portland’s game at Houston with Houston soccer writer Zach Woosley; in particular the introduction of BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston’s physical style and the balance between rest and a full schedule. Kelly and mao also chat about the goings on of former Timbers players, the travel plans of front office staff and give predictions on the Timbers’ game against the Dynamo.

Without a game this weekend, the show spends a bit of time chatting about the benefits or drawbacks of the time off. The main portion of the show is a conversation with Kenny Cooper about how he has adjusted to New York, his thoughts on his time in Portland and his success after moving on.

On the heels of a 0-0 draw, mao and Kelly cover the return of Futty Danso, Jack Jewsubury’s move to right back, the strengths and weaknesses of the wide midfielders and inadvertently completely ignore Mike Fucito’s debut. Additional time is spent on Bright Dike’s loan to LA Blues and what impact, if any, it has on the club.

Kelly and mao break down John Spencer’s comments about the expected style of play for tomorrow’s game against Columbus Crew. Updates on who’s healthy and available, which changes the show thinks might be made and to what degree those changes could be effective are all topics of discussion. James Marcelin’s move to Dallas is highlighted as well, not to mention the usual Friday predictions.

The show attempts to explain why the Timbers played the formation and line-up they did against Montreal Impact, but fails entirely. Questions are raised about Steven Smith’s debut, whether field conditions are in any way responsible for the loss and whether or not John Spencer should be worried about his job. All told, a show of very little praise and many questions without adequate answers.

Kelly mourns the loss of James Marcelin and mao chimes in with a few thoughts on the midfielder’s dismissal from the team. Patrick LeDuc, long-time Impact midfielder and reporter at RDS joins the show to talk about Montreal and his expectations for Saturday’s game. The question by the end of the show is whether or not John Spencer will try to create a repeat performance or shift back into a more familiar look.

The majority of Episode 31 is devoted to a tactical discussion revolving around Lovel Palmer’s Zusi-Zone™ and John Spencer’s break from his usual habits. Outside backs are again in question, particularly as injuries mount and trialists disappear. Meanwhile, Mike Fucito has arrived and Kelly and mao discuss where he might fit in as well as [...]

The day’s biggest stories are dissected as mao and Kelly try to understand the Mike Fucito trade and lament Eddie Johnson’s retirement. Sporting KC is also previewed with particular attention paid to their midfield and the Timbers’ chances at exploiting counter attacks despite myriad injuries.

Despite Portland’s 3-1 loss to LA Galaxy, mao and Kelly have good things to say about Eric Alexander, Hanyer Mosquera, Kris Boyd and the Mike Chabala/Steve Purdy outside back combination. Significantly further down the spectrum of praise was Lovel Palmer. John Spencer’s substitution is questioned and the Galaxy’s three goals are discussed in detail to [...]