Timbers Time

Timbers Time

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

  1. 4 days ago

    The Quadruple Post + New Coach Deep Dive - Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas

    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! (2:52) Dallas (H) - Pre-Game Pressers & Injury Report (7:34) Dallas (H) - Lineups Analysis (9:45) Dallas (H) - First Half Analysis (20:37) Dallas (H) - Second Half Analysis (48:08) Dallas (H)  - Post-Game Pressers (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

  2. 19 Jul

    “Butch” Cassidy & The Sounders' Crib - Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders

    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 Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:00) Chit Chat - The Timbers Dominate in Seattle (5:16) Chit Chat - World Cup Vibes & Episode Overview (8:32) Seattle (A) - Pre-Game Pressers & Injury Report (13:03) Seattle (A) - Lineups Analysis (19:07) Seattle (A) - First Half Analysis (32:05) Seattle (A) - Second Half Analysis (49:21) Seattle (A)  - Jack Cassidy’s Post-Game Press Conference (53:04) Seattle (A)  - Players Post-Game Press Conferences (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

  3. 29 Jun

    Midseason Madness - World Cup, Coaching Hire and Transfer Window Special!

    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 (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

  4. 27 May

    The Last Days of Disco - Phil Neville Departs! - Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes

    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 perfectlyAimless crosses pepper the box and create nothingMixed emotions on the Antony goalBody language tells of a broken team spiritPhil thoroughly outcoached by Uncle BrucePhil’s last roll of the dice is to play no defensive midfieldersAntony’s left foot strikes againPipe Mora’s swansong?Phil’s last press conference is classic NevilleNed: Phil has “fallen well short of expectations”It’s perfect timing for a new coach to come inDoes the team need a Latin coach for cultural reasons?Antony’s Social Media DramaTimbers DP needs - we need a talented left footer in the final thirdTimers 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 (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

  5. 21 May

    One-Two Punches - Portland Timbers at Inter Miami

    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 (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

  6. 15 May

    Ego Tripping at the Gates of Stade Saputo - Portland Timbers at CF Montreal

    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 (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 Or DM us on IG: timberstimepod

  7. 12 May

    Six Shooters - Portland Timbers vs Sporting Kansas City

    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? Content Warning: S Bombs Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:00) SKC (H) - Pre-Game Press Conferences & Injury Report (7:00) SKC (H) - Starting XI (8:01) SKC (H) - First Half Analysis (21:50) SKC (H) - Second Half Analysis (33:12) SKC (H) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (42:26) SKC (H) - Phil’s Post-Game Press Conference (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

  8. 6 May

    Pants on Fire - Portland Timbers at Real Salt Lake

    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 City where 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 (37:17) RSL (A) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (46:09) RSL (A) - Thoughts on the high press (48:47) RSL (A) - Phil’s Post-Game Press Conference (53:39) RSL (A) - Pantemis's Post-Game Press Conference (56:18) T2 Update (57:56) Timbers News, MLS News (1:00:54) SKC (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

About

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