A new soccer podcast about the Portland Timbers and a mutual love for the beautiful game. Chris, a Brit, and Matt, an American, who have both watched the team in MLS for more than a decade from the North End, discuss their different perspectives on the team as they traverse the 2026 season, with a focus on analysis.
No press passes here, we will talk openly and honestly about the team, pulling no punches, but also heaping on praise and enthusiasm when it’s earned. Go Timbers!
Send in your questions to: timberstimepod@gmail.com
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A Fond Farewell + Cifuentes Tactics Special - Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake
Season 1 · Episode 19
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Duration 01:24:41
It's Timbers Time and in this episode we report on the home win against RSL as a heartwarmingly emotional Pipe Mora scores both goals in his final game in green and gold to lead the Timbers to victory…. Plus part two of the deep dive on our new coach Marti Cifuentes, this time focusing on his “Cruyffismo” management style and his tactics in his own words, both on and off the ball. Plus a big new striker signing! RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Felipe Mora’s final performance is an appropriate swansong for a Timbers’ legend
Our favorite Mora goals as a Timber
Mora’s replacement is already signed and surprisingly high caliber
Velde’s mercurial performance has us both amazed and frustrated in equal measures
Is Chara getting “reputation” yellow cards?
Concerns about Basset’s defensive contributions
The “expressive, structured, and attacking” style favored by our new coach
Analyzing Cifuentes’ style of football both on and off the ball
How Cifuentes’ well defined press would avoid goals like the Houston winner earlier from this year
Why his style of coaching favors high soccer IQ players
How Cifuentes’ on ball positional rotations should minimize counter attacking threats
Who are the winners and losers on the roster in terms of stylistic fit for what the new coach wants to do?
Why did the Timbers decide to trade Felipe Mora?
How the Timbers got a player of the caliber of new striker Vincent Janssen
(37:12) Marti Cifuentes Special Pt. 2 - High Level Tactical Style
(41:43) Marti Cifuentes Special Pt. 2 - Off The Ball Tactics
(48:56) Marti Cifuentes Special Pt. 2 - On The Ball Tactics
(1:05:11) Listener Question - Cifuentes Tactical Fit Winners and Losers
(1:11:35) Listener Question - Why did the Timbers Trade Felipe Mora?
(1:15:54) Timbers News - A New Striker Signs & T2 Keep Rolling
(1:21:09) MLS News
(1:21:56) Seattle (H) Preview
Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post
The Quadruple Post + New Coach Deep Dive - Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas
Friday, July 24, 2026 • Duration 01:22:15
It's Timbers Time and we have a new coach in Portland with Marti Cifuentes on his way to Rose City after a “vigorous” hiring process… we dig into his coaching history and start to unpack what his hire means for the team! Meanwhile on the pitch there's an exciting, if ultimately frustrating, 2-2 draw with Dallas at Providence Park with plenty to discuss including four post bonks, two penalty shouts and a Santi Moreno boo-fest. RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Marti Cifuentes is the new coach!
The Timbers again live dangerously during a slow start
Should Da Costa or Kelsy have had a penalty?
Antony’s creating problems but there’s frustrated at his final pass
Velde’s introduction changed the game but has he missed a memo?
Should Johansson have been sent off for Dallas?
The choice of position for the vacant U23 DP is interesting in this new 433
The horror backpass from Arravena brings us back to opening day
Was a draw a fair result?
Velde’s positioning map tells an interesting tactical story
Did Santi deserve the same chants from the army as Evander got?
Why was Cifuentes chosen over fellow finalist Thomas Christiansen?
What was “vigorous” about the hiring process?
What Marti’s previous coaching job tells us about his pedigree
Should fans be concerned about his job-hopping history?
How much of Cifuentes’ core coaching style have we already seen?
Lots of big transfers in MLS!
Content Warning: Some s words, some suggestive themes
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:22) Chit Chat - The Timbers Appoint Marti Cifuentes!
“Butch” Cassidy & The Sounders' Crib - Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders
Season 1 · Episode 17
Sunday, July 19, 2026 • Duration 01:22:18
It's Timbers Time and Seattle have taken one hell of a beating! In this episode, in celebratory mood, we break down the action at Lumen Field, take in the immaculate vibes, and do a deep dive analysis of the major systemic changes since Phil’s departure that helped fuel this huge win.
This episode's key talking points include:
The Timbers record an historic victory away in Seattle
Eight Tactical Reasons the Timbers looked so much better than under Phil
The Timberssphere swoons over Handsome Jack “Butch” Cassidy
How Seattle injuries allowed the Timbers to dominate on the left wing
After an early wobble the Timbers settle into a confident on ball display
Jordan Morris’s invisibility in derby games
Putting Da Costa, Chara, Kelsy and other key players, in the right spaces to succeed
Should Rothrock have been booked for simulation on the PK call?
Laughing at the Fireworks celebrating a meaningless late Seattle goal
What perfect timing this would have been for a first Timbers MLS Hat Trick
Was balancing structured and organic movement the key to success?
Kelsy’s impressive statistical production this year
How the Sounders four total headers won sum up the Timbers’ defensive improvements
Is Schmetzer to blame for the Sounders defeat?
Amid some big moves in MLS, is the lack of Timbers transfer activity a surprise?
Is the beginning of Leagues Cup the perfect time for a new manager to bed in?
(Deep Dive Tactical Breakdown of new manager Marti Cifuentes coming in the next episode covering the Dallas home game as the news broke hours after recording)
Content Warning: One or two little "s" words
Midseason Madness - World Cup, Coaching Hire and Transfer Window Special!
Season 1 · Episode 16
Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 01:12:39
It's Timbers Time! With GM Ned Grabavoy speaking recently on the team’s next coaching hire and summer transfer plans, in the shadow of the world cup Matt and Chris get stuck into what’s next for the team in terms of coaching and talk potential roster additions and departures with a full breakdown of Ned’s talking points plus an analysis of team needs, and potential moves, in every part of the pitch… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Coach hire likely in the next few weeks!
World Cup Chat
Why the Timbers may have passed on Jim Curtin
Potential head coach hires coaching at the World Cup
How much say should a coach have on transfers?
Talk of a DP 9 is over, but the hunt for a new U22 DP is on!
What might the frontline and backline reinforcements be that Ned talked of?
How has the World Cup affected Finn Surman’s transfer value?
Why the current midfield roster is a tactical conundrum for the new coach
Jack Cassidy promoted from T2 to run training camp
MLS players at the World Cup & Pants not making the Canada squad
Big MLS Transfers - Lewandowski, Casemiro and Santi Gimenez join the league?
An extra Timbers game is added to the schedule!
Content Warning: One F bomb, some lesser swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:57) World Cup chat
(6:46) Ned Speaks - Moving on from Phil’s Firing
(10:02) Ned Speaks - Coaching Hire Process
(16:03) Ned Speaks - Progress on the Hire
(22:04) Thoughts on Thomas Christiansen
The Last Days of Disco - Phil Neville Departs! - Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes
Season 1 · Episode 15
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • Duration 56:52
It's Timbers Time and Phil Neville is no more! Chris and Matt talk briefly about how a calamitous start sealed his fate as he’s outcoached by Uncle Bruce in the 3-1 home defeat to San Jose with the crowd audibly chanting for his departure in injury time. Then we discuss what's next for the Timbers? Which available coaches might be a good fit? Would Willfriend Nancy work with our roster? Is a Latin coach a requirement? RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Phil Departs!
Who are the obvious names for the Timbers coaching search and who are some left field choices? Would Wilfried Nancy work as Timbers coach?
Is it right or wrong to chant for a coach to be fired?
Can the Timbers turn it around and make the playoffs?
Brutal defensive transition problems summed up Phil’s tactical issues perfectly
Aimless crosses pepper the box and create nothing
Mixed emotions on the Antony goal
Body language tells of a broken team spirit
Phil thoroughly outcoached by Uncle Bruce
Phil’s last roll of the dice is to play no defensive midfielders
Antony’s left foot strikes again
Pipe Mora’s swansong?
Phil’s last press conference is classic Neville
Ned: Phil has “fallen well short of expectations”
It’s perfect timing for a new coach to come in
Does the team need a Latin coach for cultural reasons?
Antony’s Social Media Drama
Timbers DP needs - we need a talented left footer in the final third
Timers Time World Cup Pod Schedule!
Content Warning: One or two little s words
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:46) Phil Neville is Gone!
(2:31) San Jose (H) - Pre-Game
(5:53) San Jose (H) - First Half Analysis
One-Two Punches - Portland Timbers at Inter Miami
Season 1 · Episode 14
Thursday, May 21, 2026 • Duration 59:24
It's Timbers Time! In this week’s episode Chris and Matt discuss Messi undoing the Timbers on a sweaty night in Miami, analyse the possible impact of the under-discussed Private Equity investment in the team and the relative drop-off in roster spend since, catch up on three entertaining T2 games and ask if Phil will survive a home loss to San Jose… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Is Phil just running out the starters to save his job rather than using his capable depth players in a three game week?
Messi’s classic one-two passes take the Timbers apart twice in the first half
Was Chara really taken off because of an injury or was it cover for a poor performance?
Velde’s second half was full of highlights but no goals, was he trying too hard?
Finn’s top tier defending continues to look effortless
Guerra’s magic scoring beard
Pants makes a top tier save from Messi’s free kick, is this a save of the year contender?
Digging into the Private Equity investment in the Timbers in 2021 and the subsequent drop in relative roster investment - correlation or causation?
Why Private Equity loves American Sports over European leagues and why that should be concerning for Timbers fans
T2 are on a tear, updates on their last three gams
Is Mora done as a Timber? Does his departure mean a DP 9 is coming?
San Jose (H) Preview - Will Phil survive a loss?
Content Warning: One or two moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:33) Miami (A) - Pre-Game
(3:59) Miami (A) - First Half Analysis
(17:33) Miami (A) - Second Half Analysis
(30:14) Miami (A) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match
Ego Tripping at the Gates of Stade Saputo - Portland Timbers at CF Montreal
Season 1 · Episode 13
Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 01:08:16
It's Timbers Time! In this episode Chris, a jet-lagged Matt and special guest Carie talk all things Timbers as the team leave Montreal with an entertaining 2-2 tie. Matt reports on the atmosphere at the stadium and hanging out with a large Pantemis entourage, there’s more ego chat, and we dive into the newly released 2026 salary data with Matt getting quizzed on a few surprising paychecks .. RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Is that point enough to save Phil’s job for now?
Why the lack of squad rotation?
Matt hangs out with the Pantemis entourage in Montreal!
Zone 14 defensive problems continue
Handball disagreements
DaCosta looking more and more like Nagbe
The Kelsy hot streak continues!
Were the Timbers lucky to get an equalizer?
Should Mora have come in earlier?
Finn the defensive comfort blanket
Is a draw good enough?
Phil says both goals are due to individual errors, who’s to blame?
Da Costa and Bassett’s offensive rotations
Salary discrepancies in the locker room
Who’s salary is the most surprising?
Does Velde deserve to be an All Star?
Miami (A) Preview
Content Warning: Moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(6:45) Montreal (A) - Pre-Game Press Conferences & Injury Report
(12:05) Montreal (A) - Starting XI
(13:59) Montreal (A)- First Half Analysis
(32:33) Montreal (A)- Second Half Analysis
(44:31) Montreal (A) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match
Six Shooters - Portland Timbers vs Sporting Kansas City
Season 1 · Episode 12
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 01:18:05
It's Timbers Time! In this week’s episode Chris and Matt are in a celebratory mood as the Timbers spank Sporting Kansas City 6-0, with multiple bangers to discuss. After enjoying the win, there’s reflection on what this result means, is it enough to keep Phil in a job? Was it a more dominant win than RSL had over us? We then wrap up with some Pants ceiling chat and a Montreal away preview.
This episode's key talking points include:
What does this result mean for Phil’s future?
How does our domination of SKC compare to RSL’s domination of us?
We look great in possession (when there’s no ball pressure)
Velde scores a long range banger to spite Matt
Best songs for the TA to sing when we’re up 4-0
Is showboating disrespectful to the opposition?
Phil does something pragmatic!
How second half substitutes sprung the team back into life
Another Timbers MLS hat trick goes begging
Kelsy’s redemption arc - Are we still going to go for a DP 9?
How much can you read into individual performances against such poor opposition?
Why Chris thinks it’s worth paying attention to press conferences
Can Pantemis improve his distribution and dribbling?
Chara in a popemobile?
Montreal (A) Preview
What squad rotations do we anticipate for midweek?
Pants on Fire - Portland Timbers at Real Salt Lake
Season 1 · Episode 11
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 • Duration 01:06:11
It's Timbers Time! In this week’s episode Chris and Matt discuss James Pantemis’s heroics in the Timbers 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake as he dreams of the MLS record of saves … not a great sign for our defence! We talk about how our press didn’t stand up to the challenge, why Phil took the blame for the first half and we preview a must win game against UnSporting Kansas Citywhere some “complacent” players are on the block. RCTID!
This episode's talking points include:
Pantemis stands on his head to prevent an embarrassment in Utah
Do the Timbers need to “have a little dance”?
How our hopes the press was improved were dashed at its first real test
The stark difference between the off-ball movement of the two teams
Velde looked frustrated, is his mindset becoming a problem?
Is Diego Luna a true USMNT calibre player or did we just make him look good?
RSL’s first clean sheet of the year, what does that say about our attack?
Phil takes the blame for the first half, but why that psychological approach?
Phil says there's some complacency and implies he’s going to make changes - the established and high paid players are on the block, what lineup do we expect for the next game?
SKC (H) preview
Content Warning: Light to Moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:26) RSL (A) - Pre-Game Press Conferences
(4:25) RSL (A) - Injury Report
(5:11) RSL (A) - Starting XI & Formation Analysis
(6:31) RSL (A) - First Half Analysis
(22:18) RSL (A) - Second Half Analysis
Chaos SD & Zone 14 of Interest - Portland Timbers at San Diego FC
Season 1 · Episode 10
Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Duration 01:37:31
It's Timbers Time! Matt’s back from Europe and there’s plenty to talk about this week - we discuss the late game chaos as the Timbers come back from San Diego with three points, more Antony counterattacking madness, stupid handball rules, and continued improvements in the press. Plus the Timbers are conceding a goal a game (!) from outside the box or thereabouts… Chris does a deep tactical dive into what's going wrong in Zone 14. RCTID!
This episode's talking points include:
Was this the right game to drop Antony from the starting XI?
Why are we conceding from so many long shots? A deep dive analysis! What systemic problems do the Timbers have and who’s to blame?
Why the press continues to improve, but why it’s too early to believe
Why our early turnovers weren’t punished
The penalty law is still stupid
Should Kelsy’s disallowed goal have stood?
How many goals should Cole Bassett be good for this year?
Antony’s left foot strikes again (or doesn’t strike again)
Chara’s golden years get us in our feels
The bizarre last three minutes were tactical madness from Phil
On reflection, how bad was the first half?
Phil reveals his "Weakness"
Losing the Whitecaps would be heartbreaking
RSL (A) preview
Content Warning: "S" Bombs ahoy
Content Links:
Shot Location and Expected Goals in the Premier League:
(50:39) Marti Cifuentes Special Pt. 1 - The Hiring Process
(59:38) Marti Cifuentes Special Pt. 1 - Playing and Coaching Background
(1:16:51) Quick T2 Update
(1:17:18) MLS Transfer New
(1:19:53) Real Salt Lake (H) Preview
Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:00) Chit Chat - The Timbers Dominate in Seattle
(5:16) Chit Chat - World Cup Vibes & Episode Overview
(55:22) Tactical Analysis - Eight Systemic Reasons the Timbers Looked So Much Better
(1:05:49) How Much Of This Win Is On Seattle and Schmetzer?
(1:08:17) Hot Off The Presses - Marti Cifuentes Appointment
(1:08:55) Timbers News - Coach Speculation, T2, A Surprise Lack of Transfer News?
(1:15:04) MLS News - Lots of Big Transfer News and First Round of Matches
(1:19:53) Dallas (A) Preview
Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod
(27:29) Ned Speaks - The Transfer Window
(30:03) Roster Review, Transfer Needs & Speculation - Defence
(40:45) Roster Review, Transfer Needs & Speculation - Midfield
(48:25) Roster Review, Transfer Needs & Speculation - Forwards
(51:55) Timbers News - Jack Cassidy is our Temporary Coach & Exhibition Game
(56:55) MLS at the World Cup
(1:05:53) MLS Transfers and Transfer Rumors
Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod
(17:03) San Jose (H) - Second Half Analysis
(26:23) San Jose (H) - Post Game - Phil’s Press Conference
(28:06) Phil Neville Departs - Official Statements
(32:25) New Coach Hire Process and Timing
(36:23) Does the team need a Latin coach? Was Phil ever the right cultural fit?
(40:59) Potential Names for the Timbers’ Coaching Search
(50:35) Timbers News, MLS News
(54:18) Timbers Time Podcasts during the World Cup Break
Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod
(32:23) Miami (A) - Post Game - Press Conferences - Phil & Finn
(38:16) Analysis - Private Equity Investment in the Timbers
(49:07) T2 Update
(52:38) Timbers News, MLS News
(56:08) San Jose (H) Preview
Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod
(51:02) Montreal (A) - Phil’s Post-Game Press Conference
(55:57) MLS 2026 Salary Review - Higher or Lower?
(1:04:06) Timbers News, MLS News
(1:06:02) Miami (A) Preview
Listener Topics and Questions! Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com
(48:39) What Does This Result Mean For Phil’s Future?
(51:30) Comparing Our Domination of SKC With RSL’s Domination Last Week
(57:04) Listener Question - Can Pantemis Realistically Improve his Distribution and Dribbling?
(1:03:11) How Did Chris, As a Brit, End up in Portland?
(1:06:52) Timbers News, MLS News
(1:10:31) Montreal (A) Preview
Listener Topics and Questions!
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod
(37:17) RSL (A) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match
Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod
