Freestyle with Production Value

The Peruvian Maradona. Future Timber?

The Portland Timbers have been evaluating Roberto Merino Ramirez during camp. This guy has some mad skill and would instantly be a fan favorite. There may be some concerns due to his size (5 ft 5 in), but his sheer skill is impressive. Watch this clip here from the Portland Timbers Facebook page where Merino breaks the ankles of a Montreal player before sending in a perfect cross for the winning goal.

UPDATE: Roberto appears to no longer be in camp. He has been removed from the online roster. It looks like he may be returning to a club in Peru. It's a shame... would have been fun to watch.

Timbers Stadium SnapShot: 2/23

3 major updates have taken place at PGE Park this week. Here are photos of the recent changes compliments of Portlandreigns in the order of significance. With the exception of the South End seating (where I'll be located) the bulk of the work now lies in the interior structures. This includes the press box, locker rooms, Key Bank Club, Providence medical center, and concessions/restrooms.

#1: The turf pitch has been rolled out. Awaiting the rubber infill.

#2: P O R T L A N D. All the seats have been placed in the new stands.

#3: State of the art video board has been constructed beneath the MAC Club balcony.

Golazo Review Round-Up

I posted my review of Golazo about a week ago, but I wanted to provide some other reviews for reference. The general consensus from these sites is that the drink gets the job done and it has a great taste. Here is where you can order yourself a six-pack with free shipping.

Pitch Black Underground Review + Freestyle

BevReview.com

Caffeine A Holic

Screaming Energy

Viva Futbol Volume #68

Video compliments of Alarazboy

Timbers Stadium SnapShot: 2/18

What The F....AST

Finally, adidas cranks out a soccer commercial that catches my attention. This is how it's done. It's edgy, unique, and features some impressive camera work. The climax of the ad with the play by play announcer is what knocks this out of the park. Keep it up adidas.

Player Watch: Bim Ogunyemi

Excerpt + Photo from FC Dallas website:

Roster Watch 2011: "The 20-year old midfielder from Lake Orion, Michigan was selected by FC Dallas in the first round of the Supplemental Draft. After missing the first week of preseason while awaiting completion of his physical, Ogunyemi watched while other trialists began to stake their claim. At 5’9” the Schoolcraft College product has been eager to show his ability while lining up at left midfield, but with a crowded and versatile midfield, the window to seal a place on the Western Conference Champions roster is a difficult task."

It also appears that Bim scored a goal in a 3 v 3 training game helping his team win the contest. He then played in a full 11 v 11 match with his team getting the 1-0 victory.

Golazo Energy Review + Freestyle

Golazo, Born to Score. This week I took the opportunity to crack into my 6-pack of the soccer branded energy drink. I gave 3 cans to friends, but the others I used on three separate occasions (pictured below). First, I want to say I love the design of the can. The green, black and white color combination makes for a unique presentation that should stand out on store shelves.

After taking my first sip I was surprised by the flavor. It's unlike any drink I've tried in the energy drink category. The mango flavor jumped out to me right off the bat, and eventually I was able to notice the lime. Golazo has less carbonation than other drinks and lacks the amount of sugar as well. These are both positives in my book, because the drink's marketed as providing both energy and hydration.

In terms of results, I had a positive experience. I started drinking my can about 25 minutes before an indoor game, making sure to drink slowly. My performance in the game was great. I was running the length of the field and I could feel an extra bit of jump in my step. We had multiple subs, and I wasn't about to hog minutes, so I didn't get to test how my stamina would hold over the full 44 minutes. However, I left the game feeling fresh and without the common stomach pain I get when I drink a Red Bull or AMP. The second can I drank before a long shift at work. Retail can be a boring and exhausting job, and having the Golazo certainly helped. I did crash towards the end of my shift, but that is expected. It's retail... it puts you to sleep.

Overall, I'm really impressed with Golazo. They have a solid product and they certainly know how to create a buzz. Hopefully I can get my hands on some more soon!

Trial #1: Started drinking 25 minutes before an indoor soccer game

Trial #2: Pounded a can before working a shift at my retail job

Trial #3: Drank before playing some soccer tennis and practicing some freestyle. Here is my roommate the Footy Guru putting on a display in the background.

Foggy Freestyle Volume VI

Trying to look cool with a soccer ball... not really working. Here are my latest freestyle clips taken today at our secret soccer tennis location in Lake Oswego.

U-23s Get Promoted! Congrats Freddie + Jake

It's official folks. I knew it was bound to happen eventually, but today the press release came out. Freddie Braun and Jake Gleeson will be members of the Timbers in 2011. These two deserve everything they get. I had the pleasure of watching them perform this summer for the U-23s and they are both class individuals. They were always willing to lend a hand and they made me feel welcome amongst the team. We had some good times hanging out at the stadium and our trip to Kitsap was a blast. Freddie will add to our depth at the CM position, and Jake has the potential to be our number 1 keeper in the next few years. Big ups to these guys, can't wait to see them take the field.

Photos courtesy of Portland Timbers

Rumor: Brian Umony Loan Deal

A while back I suspected Brian Umony would be one of the players signed by the Portland Timbers as a replacement for the injured Bright Dike. I figured we needed one more forward option, and Umony is a young talented footballer who has had a productive preseason.

Now there are reports that a loan deal for Umony is imminent. I found this report at MLS Rumors, so it's not official by any means. However, I think most people would argue that Umony is a solid signing. I expect the next round of player signings to be announced following the teams trip to Arizona.

MIA: Kerrea Gilbert

Out of 20 signed players, Kerrea Gilbert is the only member of the Portland Timbers that has yet to report to training camp. A report came out on OregonLive on February 9th that Gilbert was having trouble securing a visa.

Hopefully he is able to join the team as they venture to Arizona. Gilbert is falling behind in gaining match fitness and familiarity with the rest of the players. He was one of the signings most Timbers fans have been extremely excited about. A young player who came up in the Arsenal system with loads of potential. We hope to see you in Timbers green soon!

Foggy Creations: Portland Timbers Jets

Here are the final designs we submitted for the Portland Timbers Paint the Plane contest. My dad is a photoshop guru, so I basically went along for the ride offering my opinion and potential design ideas. Ultimately these were the last two concepts standing. The final day for submissions was yesterday, Feb. 15th. No word on how long it will take for the Timbers FO and Alaska Airlines to pick the winners. Competition should be tough, with all the talented artists and designers living in the Portland area. Let me know what you think of the designs. Be sure to click on the images for a full size view. Just for kicks here was my dad's original jet design he produced prior to the jersey unveiling in December.

Our first jet is a simple design using some dynamic lines that flow from the tail to the nose. I felt this would be a good entry, because ultimately Alaska Airlines will need to paint this plane, and a toned down design could win over the judges. The lines make for a sleek looking jet emphasising speed and grace.

The second jet design was all my Pops. Only he could put a tilted soccer pitch across the side of a jet. I love the thick lines that flow across the field and continue onto the yellow tail and nose. If this design doesn't get chosen because of all the detail involved, I think it could have a good chance of winning a runner-up or honorable mention, simply based on its creativity.

Let us know your thoughts on both designs. Should we have incorporated the "Rose City" red into the design? Would you prefer a simple or complex design? Would you risk putting players faces/numbers on the plane considering the chance of injuries or trades? How about a giant chainsaw across the body of the plane? Thanks everyone! Hopefully we can nab one of the prizes.

Dear Football World. Happy Valentine's Day.

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I'm very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

- Bill Shankly

Special Delivery: Golazo Energy

Valentine's Day came early for Pitch Black this year. I found this little package on my doorstep before leaving for work today. Bought a six pack online a few days back for $14.99 with shipping free of charge. Not a bad deal. I still haven't given it a try yet, but I conveniently have an indoor soccer game tonight with Joe Public FC. I want to put Golazo to the test. Energy drinks like Red Bull and AMP tend to have an equal amount of positive/negative effects on my body. Obviously, they provide tons of energy, but after the games I tend to feel sick to my stomach. Golazo is marketed as a sports energy drink that is designed to provide "ounce per ounce the same level of hydration as the worlds leading hydrating drink, and at the same time delivers the same level of energy as the leading energy drink." Look forward to a review on the taste and performance soon.

Free coasters and stickers with every purchase

Fridge is stocked

Portland Timbers Street Team

Portland Timbers Street Team

Follow the link above and apply now. Sounds like a fun opportunity if you just need a 5-10 hr/week job on the side. If you don't have season tickets to the Timbers, this could get you inside the park... and then we can hang out.

Meet the Timbers Billboard Models

Great story found on OregonLive today. Benjamin Brink and Lee Williams tracked down five of the billboard models to find out how their lives have changed. Video profiles on each individual can be found via the links.

PS... I have a major crush on Katie Dober. Lets see. She is 25 years old, absolutely beautiful, grew up playing soccer, and drives a giant truck. Add in the fact that she is a Timbers fan and loves the outdoors. Doesn't get much better than that.

Eugenie Frerichs

Abram Goldman-Armstrong

Cian McCann

Katie Dober

Fernando Machicado

SNEAK PEAK: Timbers Jet Sketch

Spent the evening at the Fogg Design Laboratory in Milwaukie. My pops is whipping up some sleek designs for the Portland Timbers Paint-The-Plane contest. Final submissions are due by February 15th. At that time we will unveil our final mock-ups. Until then here is a sneak peak!

That Boy Clint Dempsey

He scores with his left,

He scores with his right,

That boy Clint Dempsey,

Makes Drogba look sh*te

"Rose City FC" Merchandise

Today marked the release of the Timber's secondary jersey, now called the "Rose City FC" kit. Along with it comes a whole line of merchandise featuring the secondary rose crest. How do you all feel about this alternate brand they are pushing? Let me know what you think.

Official 2011 Portland Timbers Schedule

It's official folks. We have the 2011 Portland Timbers schedule!! The whole process of bringing MLS soccer to Portland has been a long and difficult road, but we are almost there. Just over a month to be exact. Click on over to the Timbers website for a look at the full schedule.

As I've told some of you, I want to let as many people experience MLS this season as I can. I have purchased 2 season tickets in the south end of PGE Park. My second ticket will go out to those who express interest in coming to a game and experiencing pure passion that surrounds Portland soccer. Let me know if there is a match-up that you are dying to see, and I can make note of it.

Timber's Trialist Brian Umony

Yesterday the Timbers played the LA Galaxy in a training game at the Home Depot Center. It was a well fought battle between two clubs still trying to gain fitness and team chemistry. The Galaxy struck first in the second half, but the Timbers were able to equalize through Brian Umony. With Bright Dike out for the next 6-9 months I suspect the Timbers will look into signing Umony to fill out their depth chart at striker.

• Age 24. Born December 12, 1986
• Often regarded as one of the finest talents Ugandan soccer has produced
• Previously played for Kampala City Council, Supersport United, and the University of Pretoria FC
• Debut for Uganda came in 2009, and has received 8 caps while scoring 8 goals
• Ugandan Super League Golden Boot: 2007-2008
• Ugandan Footballer of the Year: 2008
• CECAFA Cup Golden Boot: 2009

IRWIN FC REMAINS UNDEFEATED TO CLAIM COED INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP

The club concludes a perfect season with a 9-0 record

2/8/2011

Reported by: Shiloh Rodriguez

PORTLAND, Ore. – Irwin FC won the Winter 1 Sunday Coed League Championship February 6, defeating the Thundercats 9-5 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) Indoor Soccer facility. The clash of the two undefeated teams was a mouth-watering fixture enjoyed by the many spectators in attendance. Irwin FC showed tremendous character by rebounding from an early 3-1 deficit.

Irwin FC manager/goalkeeper Nick Irwin gave his team praise after the match, “I could not be more happy for our squad, we showed grit coming back from an early deficit” He later went on to say, “the players left everything out on the pitch, this win is huge for the club and most importantly for our fans.”

The final was nothing short of entertaining with five lead changes. It was the Thundercats that found the back of the net first scoring shortly after the kickoff. Joe Fleckenstein (also know as Footy Guru in the blogging world) equalized for Irwin FC, striking a strongly driven low shot to the far post, leaving Thundercats’ keeper Max (hospital-ball) Schuetze dumbfounded. During the first half Irwin FC continued to pressure the defense creating numerous opportunities; however, this would soon backfire. The Thundercats punished Irwin FC for committing too many players forward scoring off of a counterattack and went into the halftime with a 2-1 lead.

At the beginning of the second half the Thundercats picked up right where they left off, capitalizing on the counterattack to take a 3-1 lead. It was at this point that Irwin FC seemed to hit a higher gear, essentially scoring six unanswered goals. The final score line of 9-5 does not accurately reflect the evenly contested match.

Irwin FC was collectively disappointed that star striker Steve Strand could not suit up for football on Super Bowl Sunday. “I blame our sluggish start on Steve’s absence, if he was here, it would have been an entirely different game,” Nick said after the game. Strand was in San Francisco over the weekend on a recruiting/business trip with adidas.

Striker Ross Schunk, who won the MLS Cup Championship with the Colorado Rapids in November, put on an impressive performance scoring twice (the league’s scoring limit for males).

Alissa Russell, the former Portland State University Women’s Soccer player, had her best game of the season netting four goals. Her critics were initially skeptical, there were rumors that she indulged in pre-game drinking; critics were silenced after her inspirational performance.

The club will continue its undefeated trek next week in the MJCC Indoor Soccer Coed League. Nick will announce what day the team will be playing in the next couple of days.

Irwin FC lineup:
Mike Fogg, Joe Fleckenstein, Jessica Ehlers, Bryan Irwin, Alissa Russell, Juan Mercado, Nick Irwin, Shiloh Rodriguez, Ross Schunk

Notes:

· Jessica Ehlers has yet to take a shot on goal.

· Juan Mercado started the match off a bit sluggish; rumors suggest he ate excessively before the game, four bratwurst sausages to be exact.

· Mike Fogg (aka Fogg Machine) showed tremendous heart, taking a ball to the face causing his nose to bleed. He was forced to leave the pitch but returned moments later.

· There will be another team photo taken at the first match of next session to makeup for absent players (Steve Strand)

Golazo Energy Sampling Party: Coming Soon

I don't want to brag, but back in the day I used to be an energy drink fiend. While I was at college my buddy lived next door to a 7-11, and whenever we got bored we naturally wanted sweets and drinks. It's human nature. So we would walk on over to the store and gaze at the splendors that resided within the coolers. Energy drinks always seemed to be located directly between the soda and beer. As if to say that if you weren't quite ready to party (beer), but you didn't want to look like a kid (soda), why not go crazy with some liquid energy.

Nowadays I limit myself, but that might all change with the introduction of Golazo Energy. The first and only energy drink that celebrates the sport of soccer. The drink is currently only available in the Seattle area, unless you order from their website. They have plans to expand to Portland, but I couldn't wait to get my hands on some cans!

I just purchased a 6-pack online and will have a sampling party as soon as they arrive. I'm not sure who will be the privileged few to taste the beverage, but if you follow my blog you might get some bonus points. I'll be sure to get my opinion of the drink up on the blog as soon as possible. I also plan to test its performance as a pre-game drink before one of our indoor soccer games. Let me know if you want to join!

Darlington Nagbe's Goal vs. VC Fusion

Video was taken by Alan Cassinelli

Dempsey vs. Bradley

Today marks the first match-up between Dempsey and Bradley. Fulham and Aston Villa are kicking off right now (10 am ET). Find yourself a live stream and catch the epic showdown. Should be some good battles with Bradley playing CDM, and Dempsey either lining up at forward or on the wing.

My prediction. Final score 2-1 in favor of Fulham. Dempsey will score.

Timber Fogg. Future Billboard Model

Here it is folks. My official shot from the Timbers fan photo shoot. I only had one take and managed to pull off this look. Pretty impressive. Haha, I told me father I was waiting on this photo and he took a shot of me earlier today outside their house. Apparently this photo shoot wasn't much of a stretch. I think I might have a future here. Watch out Timber Joey.

Timbers Fan Photo Shoot Results

Here are some of the photos the Timber's front office have released. These were taken at the downtown Portland Timbers merchandise store last week. Fans were given the opportunity to have their photo taken with props in similar fashion as the billboards around town. These were some of my favorite photos from the batch they just released on Facebook. As soon as my picture gets emailed to me I will post it... unless it's too embarrassing for public view.

Inspiration: Golazo Energy

So I'm visiting some of my favorite blogs when I came across this video. My jaw literally dropped. Golazo is an energy drink company that is focused on the sport of soccer. They are located in Seattle, but have plans of expanding to Portland in the future. I've known about the beverage through a friend, but I had no idea they were throwing parties of this magnitude. In this video they are showcasing a recent 3v3 soccer event that was held in order to promote the beverage. I couldn't help but think about Pitch Black as I watched this clip. It was great to see some of my ideas incorporated into the event. The graffiti murals on the walls, painted team crests, and the hard court surface are all features that I have discussed here on this blog. To see an event of the same style really gets me excited for the possibility of creating a permanent destination for this brand of soccer.

Fogg in the OPSL? Work in Progress...

Tonight I got a taste of the skill, stamina, and soccer IQ required to play in the OPSL (Oregon Premier Soccer League). My roommate and I were invited to play with members of FC Swoosh in a training game against a talented U-18 club team from Oswego Southside Soccer Academy. These boys were young, but they won the state championship last year and technically are very good. I had a decent game and I didn't make many mistakes. My tackling was on point and I had some good moments moving the ball around the field. However, there are a few areas that I need to work on in the coming weeks if I want to see playing time in this league.

1. First Touch: I often make the mistake of keeping my eye on the ball as it's played to my feet without having a look over my shoulder. As soon as the ball is played I should be having a look at my surroundings and playing my first touch into space. The pace of the game is so much quicker in this league and you can't afford to take 3 or 4 touches before passing the ball. In this training game I played my first touch into trouble sometimes, and if I was playing stronger/quicker opponents I could have cost my team.
2. Defensive Shape: I need to be available at a better position when we swing the ball across the back. I often found myself pushed to high and my fellow CB was left to send the ball himself. I need to be confident playing the ball up from the back and be ready to switch the field when necessary.
3. Quickness: Not much needs to be said here. I'm not the fastest player out there, but I work hard and run for every ball. I need to be ready for a foot race when a ball is played over the top and it's up to me to get in front of my man and shield the ball to safety.
4. Fitness: Playing 90 minutes at a brisk pace is no easy task. Equally difficult is coming into a game knowing your only going to get maybe 20-30 minutes and leaving everything you have on the pitch. This would likely be my role if I ever get to play in this league, and I will have to make an impact in some way.