A soccer fan 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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Decision Day Build Up with Diego Valeri - Portland Timbers at Austin FC
Season 1 · Episode 33
Friday, November 6, 2026 • Duration 37:27
It’s Timbers Time and everything is on the line for Decision Day! Chris and Matt are joined by Timbers legend Diego Valeri to discuss the weekend’s game against Austin, his love for the club, potential Cascadia matchups, favorite playoff memories and much more… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Diego remains very much a Portland Timbers supporter at heart
How Jack Cassidy’s tenure helped change the season
What should the Timbers’ mentality be against an Austin team with nothing to play for?
With the potential for Austin to overcommit their midfielders, the Timbers should look to expose their opponents on the counter attack
The Galaxy’s inconsistency might help the Timbers on Decision Day
Analyzing potential playoff matchups against Vancouver and Seattle
Fond playoff memories from Diego’s Timbers career
How the Timbers’ MLS Cup performance in 2018 in Atlanta was affected by the Kansas City weather
Who should the Timbers pick in Midfield for the crucial Austin game?
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:21) Diego Valeri joins the pod for Decision Day!
(4:09) Diego on Watching the Team this Season
(6:57) Decision Day Analysis - Timbers at Austin FC
(16:58) Decision Day Analysis - LA Galaxy at Real Salt Lake
(20:01) Potential Playoff Matchups - Vancouver and Seattle
(23:13) Diego’s Playoff Memories
(26:43) Decision Day Analysis - Picking the Timbers XI vs Austin
(35:14) Potential Timbers Playoff Dates
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
Winning With House Money + Decision Day Preview - Portland Timbers at St Louis City, vs Houston Dynamo
Season 1 · Episode 32
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 • Duration 01:31:42
It’s Timbers Time and the Timbers are SO back, with three straight wins and a packed Providence Park, things are suddenly looking much more rosy in the Rose City! In this episode Chris and Matt talk deadline day playoff scenarios, recap and analyze the last two wins, scowl at an abysmal refereeing performance and delight in our goalscoring form… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Timbers and Sounders have diverging form at a critical point in the season
The many permutations of Decision Day where the timbers can finish 7th or be eliminated
Pants’ lack of recent turnovers close to goal is a boon of Cifuentes’ coaching
Did St Louis defend Velde badly or did the threat of early passes from that wing create more space for him than usual?
How do the Timbers hotheads Blanco and Velde compare in attitude?
The Kamal Miller second yellow was a joke
It’s SO good to have Finn Surman back
Janssen makes up for an abysmal miss with by far his best game in Green and Gold since his magic hat trick
A new counter attacking planned play has been very effective in recent games
Waterman’s passing game against Houston was impressive
Drew Fischer’s refereeing performance was baffling
Why VAR couldn’t intervene when Velde was blocked in the penalty area
We love Cole Bassett as a “super sub”
Marti takes the heat off Caicedo after another bad error
In peak Portland soccer-enjoyer style, Chara’s late yellow gets almost as much of a cheer as any of the goals
Austin away Decision Day Preview
Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears
Timestamps:
Ari & Alex Bring Their A Game - Portland Timbers vs Charlotte FC
Season 1 · Episode 31
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • Duration 01:03:41
It’s Timbers Time and in thrilling fashion the Timbers break their winless streak with a dramatic goal from the very last kick of the game! Matt and Chris have mostly recovered their hoarse voices from a rollercoaster of a Saturday night game and dig into the details of the play including a key tactical wrinkle from Marti that perhaps won them the game… then there’s talk of a melancholy Chara announcement, T2’s fine season coming to an end and remaining hopes of a last minute play in push… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
How Marti mirrored his wing and 8 rotations to create more balanced danger on both sides of the pitch
Caicedo’s concerning form continues
Marti’s brave decision to play homegrown Izoita rather than fit again Bassett in a must win game is rewarded handsomely
Finn is back from injury early!
The team continues to concede early goals at an almost league-leading level
Why is Janssen mostly avoiding the criticism Kelsy got for missing chances?
Lassiter passes the “Bergkamp Test”
Cole’s energy drives the team forward in the last half hour
The classic Basset near post flick on routine wins the game at the death to the jubilation of Providence Park
How plausible is the team scraping into the playoffs?
The Chara swansong is a whole half season
T2 bow out of the playoffs after an impressive season
St Louis and Houston next game previews
Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:02) Chit Chat
(2:38) Charlotte (H) - Pre-Game Analysis
Does Marti Deserve More Time? - Portland Timbers vs LA Galaxy, Colorado Rapids
Season 1 · Episode 30
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • Duration 01:14:21
It’s Timbers Time and as the team picks up just a point from two games, with a rare clean sheet the stand out positive, Chris and Matt discuss a series of criticisms leveled at coach Marti Cifuentes on social media, and the potential causes of the Timbers slump in form… They review the positives and negatives of the player performances against LA Galaxy and Colorado where we see a lot of “almosts” in the attacking third, penalty drama and a post-whistle fight… Matt reports from Providence Park as 8,000 fans watch T2 win in the playoffs, and much more… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Which social media criticisms of Marti are valid?
Are we struggling because he’s too stubborn to change his system?
Was Marti to blame for the LA set piece goal?
What’s even the point of a systems coach?
Velde sets a new earliest flop record
After a bright 15 minutes of dynamic passing and movement the team showed a brittle confidence in LA
Caicedo’s lack of ability to win duels is a huge problem in a single pivot system
Why has Velde stopped scoring?
Who gets the credit for Pantemis’ new found decisiveness?
Is Jimer Fory’s poor crossing a long term concern?
The Omir Fernandez penalty drama
Did Izoita show he's not ready to start?
A really positive defensive performance gets lost in the narrative of poor form
Merritt has a “charming” response to a critical fan
T2 grind out a scrappy playoff win in front of an impressive and excitable crowd
Has the teams’ poor form and lack of investment negated their ability to attract fans from the world cup boost?
Charlotte next game preview
Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears
Checkbook and Pens - Portland Timbers at Sporting Kansas City
Season 1 · Episode 29
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 • Duration 01:13:03
It’s Timbers Time and Chris and Matt discuss another wild ride this week as the team goes down to Kansas City and come back with a point in an end-to-end 3-3 draw… we talk about midfield rotations, the impact and importance of DP signings, the many Colombian Timbers (is there going to be another?)... and much more… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Cole Bassett is finally dropped
The obvious importance of elite DPs
Is Good Vibes Only back?
The first half shows a developing Martiball identity that’s growing every game
Did Caicedo’s rusty sub appearance cost us the game?
Marti’s late game shift to 352 is an interesting tactical wrinkle
Eric Izoita gives another impressive cameo
Velde over-dribbling in his own half cost the Timbers a huge game state advantage
Colombian Timbers Trivia
Go support T2 in the Playoffs!
Colorado and LA next game previews
Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:46) Chit Chat - Diction Matters, DP Quiz
(5:05) SKC (A) - Pre-Game Analysis
(12:14) SKC (A) - First Half Analysis
(26:31) SKC (A) - Second Half Analysis
(45:55) SKC (A) Post Game Analysis
(56:24) Timbers News & T2 Update
(1:04:27) MLS News
(1:06:34) Next Episode Preview - LA Galaxy (A), Colorado (H)
Double Miller Time + Favorite Timbers Games - Portland Timbers at San Jose Earthquakes
Season 1 · Episode 28
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 01:16:10
It’s Timbers Time! Chris and Matt always wondered what the Timbers defense would look like without Finn Surman, and now they know… the team break the glass on their emergency 6th choice center back, Eric Miller, and that goes about as well as you might expect in the 3-1 away defeat to San Jose. But there are still positives to be taken from the game, especially the second Timbers appearance from great young hope Eric Izoita, and the boys take a trip down memory lane to pick their favorite three Timbers games, with somehow only one of them being an outright victory… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Our two real concerns from recent form
Are any of the SJ goals on Marti Cifuentes’ tactics?
The two Millers aren’t’ exactly The Champagne of Defenses
What makes the most memorable soccer games?
Marti’s pragmatic tweaks to Pantemis’ distribution patterns and positioning is a wrinkle to keep an eye on
Comparing this SKC defeat to the home leg that got Phil fired
Is Eric Izoita ready to start in MLS?
Is it justified to support Marti throwing players under the bus when we didn’t when it was Phil Neville?
Matt reveals his hidden timbers tattoos
Do we need a dedicated space for home and away fan groups to pregame together?
Go support T2 in the Playoffs!
Sporting Kansas City next game preview
Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:45) Chit Chat - Miller Time, Ticking off the Five Major Sports
(7:58) Listener Question - Favorite Timbers Games
Born of Frustration + Bassettwatch! - Portland Timbers vs Atlanta United
Season 1 · Episode 27
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 01:16:29
It’s Timbers Time and this week Chris and Matt have very different opinions as to whether we should be concerned or unconcerned by the narrow 1-0 loss to Atlanta United, and recent form in general, with real systemic improvements in the team somewhat overshadowed by poor finishing and a growing sense of frustration against a well organized low block… we look into Cole Bassett’s goalscoring prowess and patterns of scoring, Marti is still mad about something intriguing, Matt has a Providence Park popcorn tip and much more … RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Was Velde back to his selfish worst this game or did he just have no options?
Are recent games evidence that Ned let Marti down with a lack of attacking signings in the summer transfer window?
Should we be concerned or unconcerned about recent form? Matt and Chris disagree…
Do clean sheets against SKC even really count?
Are we creating the right kind of chances for Cole Bassett and what attacking statistic is Cole 99th Percentile at this season?
The Timbers came out with a really strong first thirty minutes on both sides of the ball but struggled with a goal deficit game state
Waterman is bringing some much needed verbal and organizational leadership to the back line
Chara makes a lung busting run and miracle block and then takes a quick old man nap to recover
Finn is angry at his passing error in the lead up to the first goal but he should be proud of the significant improvements in his passing game recently
Marti says “It’s very clear what we’re missing” - what does he mean?
T2 Win the Pacific Division!
Is it fair to annual members to sell deeply discounted tickets?
San Jose next game preview
Content Warning: A few “s” words and similar moderate swears
Martiball Shows Promise - Portland Timbers vs St Louis City & FC Dallas
Season 1 · Episode 26
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:18:23
It’s Timbers Time and this week we cover the team’s last two fixtures, with a really entertaining 2-2 draw against St Louis followed by a narrow loss to Dallas in Texas, but the team showed a lot of promise if not a lot of points…, are we seeing the positive beginnings of Martiball beginning to form? There’s lots to talk about as Velde has quite the birthday, Kamal Miller continues his regression and Chara looks revitalized… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Marti tells us what’s going with the penalty taking battle
If the best defenders are “Rolls Royces”, what is Kamal Miller?
We compare terrible footballer tattoos
St Louis show their appreciation for Janssen’s hold up play by kicking him repeatedly from behind
Does Bassett officially have the shooting yips?
Does Chara and Ortiz playing together give us a better balance between attack and defense?
Velde’s on ball decision making has improved drastically recently, does Marti get the credit?
Have our near post corner routines been scouted out of effectiveness?
Chara is having a new lease of life since Neville left and is about to break the MLS record for any appearances by a Timber in the league
The Timbers broadly defend really well in the heat in Dallas despite 3 changes to the back 4
Marti has quickly adapted to how to get the best from Gage Guerra
Antony’s inability to beat his man off the dribble holds the timbers back in Texas
Finn Surman's passing game is definitely improving, good news for him thriving under Marti’s system
While individual errors were the obvious problem, a lack of ball pressure in a deep block cost the timbers a goal in both games
The studs up challenge on Waterman was an obvious red, and the VAR failure to overturn the on field call was mystifying
The Lassiter / Hernandez right side combination looked promising
The Hat-Trick Game + Transfer Window Analysis - Portland Timbers vs Minnesota United
Season 1 · Episode 25
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 01:29:04
It’s Timbers Time and the hat-trick curse is FINALLY broken as Vincent Janssen has a magical first start in Portland, taking home the match ball and three log slices for the first time in Timbers MLS history. And it’s part of a wild 5-4 game against Minnesota that was both entertaining and anxiety-inducing! We do our usual match analysis plus a deep dive on the Timbers’ transfer window, we assess the signings, the sales, the state of the roster and Ned’s performance as GM…. RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
After a FIFTEEN year wait, the TImbers finally have a hat trick!
Digging into Ned’s transfer window press conference revelations
After Janssen’s insane game, do we need another striker?
Ned has failed to sign U22 attacker targets in two successive windows, what level of criticism is fair?
There’s a lot of pressure on the next transfer window now
Why did the team choose to reject large bids for Finn? Can we keep him long term?
If Finn doesn’t stay, is Waterman the long term replacement at right CB?
Homegrown T2 stud Eric Izoita joins the first team and we have a chant ready!
Ned talked about a contract extension for Pants - how should the team approach that given his erratic performances?
Is Marti frustrated at the Front Office for the transfer window? Should he be?
Finally some good injury news!
Janssen dropping deep to provide an outlet pass was key to ending our struggle to progress the ball from the back
Marti’s adapting to more direct play at times of high pressure is good pragmatism
The woodwork still hates us, are we due some luck?
Lassiter’s strike going down as an OG is a tragedy, should there be a rule change?
Kamal Miller’s run of improved form comes to a very abrupt end
Who was to blame for the comically terrible third Minnesota goal?
Matt’s hat gets a new home
The Weird Derby + Analyzing 8s - Portland Timbers vs Austin FC
Season 1 · Episode 24
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 01:22:17
It’s Timbers Time and in this week’s episode we break down the last minute chaos in the 2-1 loss to Austin as the Timbers pull the game back from the brink near the end and then throw it away again in comic fashion, but how much can we learn from this game with key players absent? Was it right to sell Kelsy for that big pile of cash? And are we getting enough defense from our 8s? We look at the numbers and do some analysis… RCTID!
This episode's key talking points include:
Kevin Kelsy departs for Europe! We rate the sale as our young striker moves to Glasgow for big money
Austin had the worst away record in the MLS, how did we not see this was a trap game?
What was Marti trying to achieve by tucking Caicedo into the back 5?
The lack accuracy of the game day information on mlssocer.com is embarrassing for the league
Eric Miller’s on ball limitations were painfully felt in attempting to build out from the back and Marti was notably concerned about his right back position in his presser…
Why we need another striker but this isn’t the game to judge Gage Guerra on
Do we have the personnel to play out of the back? Will Marti pursue a slow build up or pragmatically shift to more direct play like he did in the second half due to the squad makeup?
We’re loving the new Fory chant, and need more player specific songs
The first Austin goal was very nicely done but went wrong in the Portland defense?
Despite an overall sub-par performance, Velde’s decision making in the final third continues to improve
With the transfer deadline closing in, will Finn Surman’s insanely good blocks this game be the last we see of him or can we not afford to sell him right now?
Antony finally shows some fire and commitment in his appearance off the bench… Is this organic or is he trying to impress potential transfer suitors?
The Timbers finally get some penalty luck but luck has the last laugh minutes later
(0:00) Introduction
(0:24) Chit Chat - Timbers Thrives, Seattle Dives
(4:35) Playoff Permutations
(12:50) St Louis (A) - Pre-Game Analysis
(18:38) St Louis (A) - First Half Analysis
(27:46) St Louis (A) - Second Half Analysis
(42:01) Houston (H) - Pre-Game Analysis
(47:44) Houston (H) - First Half Analysis
(59:48) Houston (H) - Second Half Analysis
(1:15:12) Houston (H) - Post Game Analysis
(1:22:37) Timbers News, Sprint Season Fixtures
(1:25:05) MLS News
(1:27:36) Decision Day Preview - Austin (A)
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
(15:38) Charlotte (H) - First Half Analysis
(28:10) Charlotte (H) - Second Half Analysis
(43:46) Charlotte (H) - Post Game Analysis
(52:50) Timbers News & T2 Update
(57:20) MLS News
(58:36) Next Episode Preview - St Louis (A), Houston (H)
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
(0:22) Chit Chat
(1:36) Marti’s Coaching - Social Media Talking Points Breakdown
(18:50) LA Galaxy (A) - Pre-Game Analysis
(21:16) LA Galaxy (A) - First Half Analysis
(29:14) LA Galaxy (A) - Second Half Analysis
(39:08) Colorado (H) - Pre-Game Analysis
(41:52) Colorado (H) - First Half Analysis
(52:53) Colorado (H) - Second Half Analysis
(1:00:28) Colorado (H) - Post Game Analysis
(1:03:38) Timbers News & T2 Update
(1:08:54) MLS & World Soccer News
(1:10:44) Next Episode Preview - Charlotte (H)
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
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
(16:23) San Jose (A) - Pre-Game Analysis
(23:00) San Jose (A) - First Half + Pants Passing Analysis
(41:24) San Jose (A) - Second Half + Eric Izoita Analysis
(51:05) San Jose (A) - Post Game Analysis
(59:52) Timbers News & T2 Update
(1:04:43) MLS News Roundup
(1:08:02) Next Episode Preview - Sporting Kansas City (A)
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
(0:23) Intro Chat - Recent Form - Concerned or Unconcerned?
(5:52) Intro Chat - Clean Sheets
(9:25) Bassetwatch! Cole’s Goalscoring Analysis
(20:08) Atlanta (H) - Pre-Game Analysis
(28:00) Atlanta (H) - First Half Analysis
(44:57) Atlanta (H) - Second Half Analysis
(55:26) Atlanta (H) - Post Game Analysis
(1:01:26) Timbers News & T2 Update
(1:05:27) MLS News Roundup
(1:07:23) Next Episode Preview - San Jose (A)
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
Content Warning: One “f” word, a few “s” words and similar moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:00) Chit Chat - Lake Life & Janssen Doubters
(3:38) St Louis (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis
(11:10) St Louis (H) - First Half Analysis
(22:41) St Louis (H) - Second Half Analysis
(30:21) St Louis (H) - Post Game Thoughts - Pressers, MOTM & Notable Performances
(35:25) Dallas (A) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis
(41:28) Dallas (A) - First Half Analysis
(49:52) Dallas (A) - Second Half Analysis
(1:02:44) Dallas (A) - Post Game Thoughts - Pressers, MOTM & Notable Performances
(1:08:29) Timbers News & T2 Update
(1:13:07) MLS News Roundup
(1:15:40) Next Episode 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
Open cup is back! We discuss why it’s such an important competition
Content Warning: A single f bomb, some “s” words and similar moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(0:24) Chit Chat - Holiday Weekend Party In Portland
(1:15:19) Minnesota (H) - Post Game Thoughts - Pressers, MOTM & Notable Performances
(1:18:18) Timbers News & T2 Update
(1:21:35) Quiz Corner & MLS News Roundup
(1:25:00) Next Episode Preview: St Louis (H)
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 eye test says our two 8s are not giving us much on defense, but what do the numbers say? We ran a statistical analysis on Da Costa and Bassett against some other players in the league…
The finish to the weekend’s T2 game was one for the ages!
Ned has a lot of work to do before the deadline closes…
Content Warning: Some “s” words and similar moderate swears
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:04) Chit Chat - Fall Vibes
(3:02) Transfer Reaction - Kevin Kelsy Departs
(9:46) Austin (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis
(19:50) Austin (H) - First Half Analysis
(32:28) Austin (H) - Second Half Analysis
(52:50) Austin (H) - Full Time Thoughts, MOTM & Notable Performances
(54:54) Austin (H) - Post Game Pressers
(59:11) The Problem With the Timbers 8s - A Statistical Analysis
(1:09:26) Timbers News - Transfers & T2 Update
(1:13:04) MLS News and Transfer Window Activity
(1:18:01) Next Episode Preview: Minnesota (H)
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
