NFL Jerseys Redesigned with a Soccer Flavor

JimmyN64 from Rhode Island has created a crossover series showcasing what NFL teams would probably wear if they played soccer. These kits are well designed and look better than most jerseys out there. He is still working on completing the series, but you can visit his gallery for all his current designs. Really interesting to see his choice of shirt sponsors.

NZ Website: Jake Gleeson Remains a Timber

It appears that Jake Gleeson who played for the Timbers U-23s will be the third goalkeeper signed for the MLS Timbers. In an article posted on the NZHerald website, Gleeson has apparently been given a contract.

"One will go to former New Zealand under-17 goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, who had an excellent season for Portland's title-winning reserve team last year. Gleeson will step up to the MLS squad and Wilkinson has challenged him to be their No 1 goalkeeper in two years."

I'd like to wish Jake all the best as he makes the jump to MLS. He is a great keeper with loads of potential. I couldn't be happier for all these U-23 Timbers moving onto brighter futures. Congratulations Jake. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Jake running me across the field after winning the PDL Western Conference Title

Andres Iniesta Taking Control: CTR360 II

Portland Timbers Reach 11,000 Season Tickets

In this interview from OregonLive, Merritt Paulson lets it slip that the Timbers have sold 11,000 season tickets (1:08 minute mark) for the upcoming season. That leaves only 1,000 left for purchase before we reach our cap. I expect them to raise the bar from 12k to 13k as demand over these last couple months increases, but they do need to leave room for groups, mini-plans, and single game tickets. If you haven't bought season tickets you should really think about putting aside some money and getting them now. I expect every game this season to be a sell-out and it could prove difficult to purchase tickets on match day. Timbers Army tickets can be purchased here for only $360. Believe me, it will be the best money you spend all year.

Timbers 16th in Preseason Rankings

With the amount of parity present in MLS I don't believe in the value of power rankings, but they just released the first edition, and the Timbers start in the 16th position. Vancouver brings up the rear at 18, and Seattle stands at number 6. Take a look at the full list here to get a feel for the key player losses/additions for each squad. It's an interesting read, but don't take it to seriously.

Foggy Training Session

Timbers continued their training today amongst the fog. I expected the Colombian to be announced by today, but plans must be stalled for some reason. Hopefully we haven't run into some complications with his transfer. Instead, the front office announced Adin Brown and Steve Purdy will be returning to the roster. If Adin is healthy he will be a solid back-up to Troy Perkins. I expect the Timbers to sign young Jake Gleeson as their third goalkeeper.

Edison Fonseca: Mystery Forward?

Could Edison Fonseca be the Colombian forward we have been hearing about? MLS Rumors seems to think so. Fonseca has reportably been released by the Iranian club FC Mes Rafsanjan. The front office has hinted at announcing a forward this week, and earlier speculation pointed towards a player of Colombian descent. Word from John Strong (Radio voice of the Portland Timbers) is that the forward deal was "an e-mail away" from being complete. In the image above you can see Fonseca at PGE Park standing on the right side. He actually trialed with the Timbers during the 2010 season, so he is a player Gavin has had his eye on for some time. Check out this highlight reel found at Associated Sports Management (ASM), the agency that represents Fonseca and James Marcelin.

And so it begins...

The Timbers held their first practice today at the Adidas field in Portland. Opening kick is on the horizon and the team will have its work cut out for them in the inaugural season.

Here is a list of the unsigned players attending camp that have been revealed by the coaches: Tony McManus, Josh Cameron, Steve Purdy, Adin Brown, Doug DeMartin, Quavas Kirk, and Freddie Braun.

Stay tuned to the Timbers website for a potential player announcement later today or tomorrow! It could be the mysterious Colombian center midfielder or the other forward that has been signed.

Pitch Black Undercover: MJCC

Inspiration: Take it to the Next Level

Still can't get over how powerful this ad was that released in 2008 for the European Championships. This is the full length director's cut featuring some moments that obviously needed to be cut to shorten the commercial. Take another look and enjoy.

Brian Farber = Indoor Legend

We all know Brian Farber for his play with the Portland Timbers the past two seasons, but he got his real start playing indoor soccer. He has played with the Stockton Cougars, and its predecessor the California Cougars beginning in 2005. He is the franchise record holder for goals (110) and points (175). In this video you can witness one of Farber's insane bicycle kicks. Cut ahead to the 1:16 mark for an example of his athleticism. The height he gets on this leap is pretty ridiculous. Farber has been signed by the San Diego Sockers to a one-year contract.

California Cougars Opening Video

The Official Page of The California Cougars | Myspace Video

Deuce for Dempsey. Goodbye Fulham?

Dempsey continues to have a remarkable 2010/2011 season. His brace today against Stoke City brings his tally to 9 goals in all competitions (8 in league play) along with 3 assists to his name. Goals can be found at the 1:08 and 1:25 marks. The touch he displays prior to being taken down in the box is breathtaking. With all the Liverpool transfer talk floating around, next weeks fixture should be interesting. Fulham plays away at Anfield and many fans fear that Dempsey may have scored his final goal at Craven Cottage.

SoccerPlex Gets Upgraded

If you have been to SoccerPlex in Beaverton recently you have probably noticed the latest upgrade outside the field walls. A patch of turf has been laid down adjacent to the main office to allow players a spot to warm up prior to their games. The turf isn't the best quality, but it's better than nothing. Netting surrounds this area, and I believe I heard it would be used as a batting cage at some point.

Unleash Your Inner Lumberjack

The Portland Timbers front office is giving fans the chance to get their photo taken in the same style as the ongoing billboard/web campaign that has taken the city by storm. I already have plans to show up with my lumberjack jacket and strike a mean pose. Here are the details taken from the Timbers website:

Where:
The Timbers downtown team store located on SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205. The team store is between 6th and Alder.

When:
Thursday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

How:
Step 1: Go to the photo area in the store

Step 2: Sign the sign-up sheet

Step 3: Pick an axe

Step 4: Strike a No Pity pose

About a week later, we’ll send you an email with a link to your pictures, sized for upload to use as your profile pic on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Flickr, Linkedin, wherever.

Vive Le Football Libre: Nike + France

This is why Nike is still the king when it comes to marketing. Not quite as phenomenal as the Write the Future or the Take it to the Next Level commercials, but still amazing.

Fogg Receives Praise From IRWIN FC Manager

I made my debut for IRWIN FC on Sunday and performed admirably during my trial. Our game was held at the MJCC field, and hopefully I will be signed by the manager, Nick Irwin. He thought he would throw me off my game by placing me in goal for the first half. It almost worked. I leaked in 3 goals, but I made countless saves against the relentless attack from the opposing team. In the second half I was switched out to the field where I poured in a hat trick. I guess you could say I felt the need to make up for my mistakes in goal. The manager seemed to notice. Here is what Nick had to say after the game:

"Fogg is a player we certainly need to have a look at in future games. He is welcome to play for Irwin FC anytime. He is a little shaky at the back, but I'm confident he can develop into a premier coed player."

My new manager representing the Timbers green

Congratulations Paul "BIM" Ogunyemi

After the MLS Superdraft I had the pleasure of congratulating Jarad from the University of Portland on being drafted by Real Salt Lake. Today marks another significant day for a former Portland Timber U-23, as Paul Ogunyemi was selected 17th in the Supplemental Draft by FC Dallas. He goes by the name of BIM, and he is a bright young talent. I had the opportunity to watch about 12 games played by the U-23s this summer during my internship, and Bim was an integral part of the squad.

Bim played primarily on the wings for the PDL Timbers. He is extremely confident running at defenders and he plays with a patience that lulls his opponents to sleep. His physical strength is one of his biggest assets. While he is not a towering midfielder, he is able to hold the ball up with his back to goal with ease. I remember watching defenders literally drape themselves over his body, and Bim was strong enough to hold his ground. Bim plays with swagger and puts his heart and soul into every game. He is a unique player, and quickly became a fan favorite of the Timbers Army. Bim started all 20 games for the perfect 20-0 Timbers, and he finished with 3 goals and 6 assists in the regular season (16 games). In the playoffs he had a perfect cross to Tracy Hasson in the PDL Championship for the opening goal, and he scored a goal of his own in the Semifinal against Reading United.

I'm very proud of Bim and I hope he has a great career in Dallas. Ultimately, he still needs to attend pre-season training camp and earn his spot on the roster, but I am confident he will impress. I can honestly say I have never seen a player like Bim. He plays with a style unlike any other, and I was lucky to have witnessed it this summer. Congratulations Bim!

Kenny Cooper, Welcome to Portland

Portland Timbers Press Release

Cooper is a huge signing for the club. His physical presence up top will torment opposing team's defenses all season. The only concern is his recent injury history, but I feel Cooper is returning to MLS with a desire to retain his past form. He has a chip on his shoulder and he wants to return to the main stage. His work rate will win over the Timbers Army, and he should link up nicely with Nagbe. Opening kick can't come soon enough.

Foggy Freestyle Volume V

Lesson #1: Don't Lose at Soccer Tennis

We had a bet and I lost. Whoever won at soccer tennis would have the pleasure of filming the other player suffer as they did 50 push-ups on the wet court. On top of that, the video would get posted on the internet for all to see. Obviously, I didn't take into account our past matches. I have never defeated the Footy Guru at this game... yet. Just as I defeated Fleck in the 1 v 1 side netting challenge, I will eventually overtake him in every aspect of the game. This defeat will only motivate me to push harder to reach new heights.

MLS Considering Northwest Rivalry Week

Amidst the MLS Superdraft Don Garber announced plans to potentially hold a Northwest rivalry week. This would mean a series of games, POR vs. SEA, SEA vs. VAN, and POR vs. VAN, in the span of 7 days. I think this would be a terrible decision for all parties. These high profile games should be spread out over the course of the season. If you blow 3 out of 6 games in one week you won't be maximizing the value of the rivalry. Also from the player's perspective, they put their heart and soul into these derby games. And to give them a 3 day turnaround before having to play their second biggest rival doesn't seem right.

Hopefully MLS comes to the realization that the season is 8 months long, and that they should try to spread these matches out. Let us play a normal season before messing with our schedule. If you want to have a rivalry week make it a weekend where different rivalries take place across the league. For example:

• Chivas USA vs. Los Angeles
• Portland vs. Seattle
• Vancouver vs. Toronto
• Philadelphia vs. New York
• Salt Lake vs. Colorado
• Houston vs. Dallas

The complete MLS schedule for the 2011 season will probably be released in about a month, so stay tuned to see if they pull the trigger on this Northwest rivalry week idea.

Player Announcements Coming Soon

Breaking news from John Strong's twitter feed today as he writes the following:

Timbers source: “we have 2 forwards to announce and **working on** a dynamic playmaking center midfielder. Team is coming together”

Breaking News: Darlington Nagbe Loves Twilight

The Portland Timbers selected Darlington Nagbe out of Akron University today with the #2 overall pick in the 2011 Superdraft. He seems like a great young talent that is MLS ready, but his movie choices are questionable. Not sure how your top two films are Training Day and Eclipse. Seem like polar opposites to me. Regardless, Welcome to Portland Nagbe! You just won over every teenage girl in the Portland area.

Timbers Campaign Spotted on MLSsoccer.com

I spotted another piece of the Timbers marketing campaign today while following the 2011 draft coverage. This young lady is found as an ad on MLSsoccer.com.

I continue to have nothing but praise for this series of ads/billboards. They have captured the attention of Portland residents and MLS fans across the country. Solid marketing efforts are not usually associated with MLS clubs, so it's pretty special that Portland is doing things right.

Congratulations Jarad

I wanted to congratulate Jarad van Schaik from the University of Portland on being drafted today in the third round with the 52nd overall pick. Jarad was chosen by Real Salt Lake, where he will reunite with his old teammate Collen Warner. Jarad and Collen played together at Portland and they also were teammates on the Portland Timbers U-23 (PDL Team). I had the pleasure of meeting Jarad this summer, and I always felt he would be able to make the jump to MLS. He is a solid center midfielder with plenty of confidence on the ball. Very happy for him and wish him all the best in his future career.

Anything is Possible

This is what dreams are made of. Nike gave thousands of players the chance to perform on the big stage and try to achieve the ultimate goal; To earn a professional contract. Some players out there never have that opportunity to showcase their talent. With so many players across the globe, sometimes a raw gem might fall through the cracks. When you do get that chance you need to own it. You never know who might be watching.

2011 MLS Superdraft

Tomorrow at 9 AM Pacific the 2011 MLS Superdraft will kick-off live on ESPN2. The cable network will air the first round of the draft, followed by rounds 2 & 3 on the MLS website. It will be a very important day for the Timbers organization. Having the #2 pick in the draft assures the club of getting a standout performer from the college ranks. The difficult part is selecting the player that has the most room to grow and become a star in our league.

Just for kicks you should check out who ESPN rates as the top 10 value picks in the history of the draft and the worst 10 picks. Pretty interesting.

Also there are some mock-drafts out there that are worth taking a look at. Ives Galarcep with Fox Soccer lays out his first round predictions. And the writers at MLSsoccer.com weigh in on the draft with their selections. The general consensus is that the Portland Timbers will either take Darlington Nagbe or Perry Kitchen, both from Akron. Also noteworthy is Portland holds the 20th and 22nd picks in the draft. This is where the real challenge lies. Will these picks turn into stand-out performers like late selections Brian Ching, Edson Buddle, and Shalrie Joseph? Or will they barely survive training camp and simply ride the pine in MLS? Only time will tell.

Be sure to watch the draft on ESPN2! Just over 2 months left until opening kick!

Barcelona Trio. Who Ya Got?

Today, one of Barcelona's stars will win the Ballon d'OR, given to the world's best player. Xavi, Lionel Messi, and Andres Iniesta are the finalists. Certainly worthy candidates as they have dominated the club football scene together. I'd like to see Messi take home the prize.

7.3 Thousand. Keep the Hits Rolling

Thank you all for supporting my little side project here. Pitch Black was created over 2 months ago to keep me busy during my free time. I had plenty of ideas that I needed to write down, and starting a blog seemed like the best way to showcase these ideas for all to see. Starting a soccer facility has been a dream of mine, and hopefully someday I can make it a reality. I have slowed down lately, but I hope to pick it up again with some fresh content. Keep on visiting and let me know what you think.

New Billboards Spotted in Portland

Rumor: Portland Timbers Sign Kenny Cooper

Kenny Cooper's name has been swirling around the rumor mill lately as it looks likely that he will be making a return to MLS. When 1860 Munich pulled him away from the league a while back they paid a transfer fee, which means FC Dallas no longer holds his rights. Therefore the allocation order comes into effect. With the Vancouver Whitecaps using their #1 spot to take Jay Demerit, the Portland Timbers now hold the #1 position. We have been looking for a striker to partner with either Eddie Johnson, Ryan Pore, or Bright Dike, and Cooper would be a huge signing.

Ian Joy is reporting on his Twitter account that he believes the signing to be a done deal:

"Kicker headline- Cooper goes back to homeland. Then its says he has left 1860 and will sign for Portland Timbers! Looks 100% to me!"

Let's hope he is right!

Boot Spy: Clint Dempsey

A while back Footy Guru noticed how Clint Dempsey traded in his Nike Superflys for a pair of T90 Lasers. He has been wearing the T90s for weeks including a new green colorway as recent as this past weekend. Apparently something made him make the switch, as he is once again sporting the pink Superflys (photo taken 1/4/11) seen below.

New FieldTurf Spotted at Tualatin Indoor

It's been ages since I played at Tualatin Indoor Soccer (TIS), but yesterday I joined another squad and had my first game tonight. TIS has always used an AstroTurf field, which is basically a rough carpet. It was a challenge going back there tonight and playing on that surface after playing at SoccerPlex most of the time. What I did notice tonight were probably a dozen giant rolls of turf sitting outside in the parking lot. After getting a closer look it seems comparable to what other indoor facilities and high school fields have. The artificial grass felt really long, but once they fill it in with the pieces of black rubber it will be more familiar. It will be interesting to see when it gets installed and how it feels during a game.

Dempsey Scores Against West Brom

Fulham go up 2-0 in the second half off a header from Dempsey. Good to see Deuce get back on track and hopefully secure 3 points for the relegation zone club. Clint now has 7 goals in all competitions this season. Here are highlights of of the 3-0 victory.

Portland Timbers Updates: Jan 3

It appears my previous post concerning ticket sales proved accurate. Today the front office officially announced we have surpassed 10,000 season tickets sold. It's a fine achievement especially when you consider that 33 sections have sold out, including all of the $1,500 seats in the KeyBank Club as well as all 23 suites. The club still plans on capping season tickets at 12,000 to allow plenty room for mini-plans and single game tickets.

In other news the FO has released the next edition of We Are Timbers, featuring Pashington Obeng. It's a great read and I continue to appreciate the quality of this marketing campaign used throughout the city and on the web.