Timbers Aim To Keep Rolling Thursday Night Against Austin
The last time the Portland Timbers were in town, they looked to build off some positive off-the-pitch momentum. Just a few weeks (and two wins and a draw in three matches) later: mission accomplished.
Indeed, the addition of new head coach John Spencer (pictured) is starting to look like a turning point for the season. Portland looks to remain unbeaten since Spencer’s hiring as they host the Austin Aztex tonight at PGE Park.
The Aztex mean business, boasting a 13-3-5 season record, good enough to have already locked down a playoff seed. Portland has had perfectly mixed results against Austin this year: one win one draw and a loss in three meetings. The Timbers managed just two goals in those three meetings, though, and won each of their past two games 1-0. Nothing wrong with winning by the narrowest of margins – nothing at all – but surely Portland’s coach Gavin Wilkinson is hoping for a more comfortable result this time around.
If you’re looking for an extra incentive to attend tonight – besides the weather, which should be sunny and clear – the Timbers are honoring local legend Jimmy Conway with a testimonial match. Conway enjoyed a lengthy, high-profile playing career overseas and has been a coaching mainstay in Portland for three decades. Look for the Timbers to deliver big on what should be a special night for both Conway and the local soccer scene he has helped build.
The Timbers announced Wednesday that they have signed defender Kevin Goldthwaite for the remainder of the 2010 USSF Division-2 Pro League season. Pending league approval, Goldthwaite, 27, will join the Timbers after six seasons in Major League Soccer, including the last three seasons with the New York Red Bulls. Goldthwaite is recovering from injury and is expected to be able to play for the Timbers in two weeks. ... The Timbers will honor former player and assistant coach Jimmy Conway with a a testimonial match at 5 p.m., before the game with the Aztex. The match will pit a team of Timbers alumni against the Oregon Select XI, which is comprised of players Conway coached at the youth and collegiate levels. Conway is expected to play for both sides during the match. The Timbers also will make a presentation to Conway at halftime... Austin, in second place in the USL Conference, already has clinched a playoff spot. Portland is in third place in the USL Conference and fourth place overall in the playoff standings. Eight teams make the playoffs.
The Austin Aztex and their league leading offense visit PGE Park to take on the Portland Timbers – kickoff is at 7pm.
Preceding the game at 5pm is the Jimmy Conway testimonial match. Gates open at 4:30pm.
In June the Timbers and Aztex played to a 0-0 draw – an impressive result for Portland’s defense, as Austin average almost 2 goals a match. The Aztex have only lost twice since that match. The Timbers continue to struggle to score goals, but are riding a two game winning streak into the match.
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