Timbers Time

Timbers Time

A new 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 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

Episodes

  1. 6H AGO

    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

    1h 6m
  2. 6D AGO

    Chaos SD & Zone 14 of Interest - Portland Timbers at San Diego FC

    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: https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2013/11/13/5098186/shot-matrix-i-shot-location-and-expected-goals Soccer “Zones” Map: https://smarter.soccer/free-downloads/Smarter-Soccer-The-Soccer-Zones.pdf Where Goals Come From: https://www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/tag/Where+Goals+Come+From How 442 became 4231: https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2008/dec/18/4231-442-tactics-jonathan-wilson Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:24) San Diego (A) - Pre-Game Press Conferences (7:45) San Diego (A) - Injury Report (9:04) San Diego (A)- Starting XI & Formation Analysis (13:08) San Diego (A) - First Half Analysis (25:24) San Diego (A) - Second Half Analysis (49:54) San Diego (A) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (59:09) San Diego (A) - Phil’s Post-Game Press Conference (1:03:59) Zone 14 of Interest - Why Are The Timbers Conceding So Many Long Shots? (1:25:52) Timbers News, MLS News (1:31:01) RSL (A) Preview Listener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: Email: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com IG:  timberstimepod

    1h 38m
  3. APR 22

    Gopher Broke State of Mind - Portland Timbers at Minnesota United

    It's Timbers Time! This week, with Matt adventuring in Europe, Chris sails solo with a quick hitting pod going over the error-strewn loss in Minnesota, as the Timbers go for broke and leave empty handed, if points do in fact manifest in the hand metaphorically. There's at least hope in one young player’s development and intrigue in asking what it would take to get us to buy into Phil-osophy?…. RCTID! This episode's talking points include: An intelligent and tactically nuanced press conference (not by Phil Neville) Relief at Juan Mosquera’s injury news Big problems in defensive transition remain How five consecutive errors led to the opening Minnesota goal The shocking percentage of goals the Timbers have conceded from outside the box How Antony’s unwillingness to use his left foot is creating so many problems Seeing the long diagonal ball in transition as a recent pattern for opposition goals How despite extremely aggressive and risky defensive positioning in the second half the team create barely a chance against a set defence Finn’s on ball development is a bright spark in a struggling team What would it take for us to buy into Phil-osophy? Velde’s acting woes T2 update San Diego (A) preview Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:16) Minnesota (A) - Pre-Game Press Conferences (3:29) Minnesota (A) - Starting XI & Formation Analysis (5:01) Minnesota (A) - First Half Analysis (11:29) Minnesota (A) - Second Half Analysis (15:33) Minnesota (A) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (16:45) Minnesota (A) - Phil’s Post-Game Press Conference (17:57) Listener Question - What would it take for us to buy into Phil-sophy? (21:37) Timbers News, T2 Update, MLS News (23:14) San Diego (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

    24 min
  4. APR 14

    The Consolation of Phil-osophy - Portland Timbers vs LAFC

    It's Timbers Time! This week Chris and Matt discuss a big win as the Timbers snatch a goal at the death to take three points from Western Conference leaders LAFC. We are impressed with our new midfield duo, discuss how much confidence can be taken from this victory with the opposition rotating heavily due to CCL, and ask whether Phil’s tactics (or lack thereof) leave us at the vicissitudes of fortune, or just the varying soccer IQ of the players on the pitch… RCTID! This episode's talking points include: LAFC’s surprising lineup and tactics Comparing Caicedo to previous Timbers defensive midfielders How more technical players in the lineup helped us play out of the back, negate the press and ultimately create the opening goal LAFC exploiting the same direct ball weakness we saw against Vancouver Velde continues his”bully ball” and prime sh*thousery to entertaining effect Mora’s “secretive” performance Fory gets mad at his early sub, does the team have a tantrum problem? Did LAFC risk playing this game with rookies because the Shield doesn’t matter? The drama of the last minute VAR call and late late winner The “vicissitudes of fortune” and what to make of Phil’s late game tactics How deserved was this victory? Did Velde’s more central positioning in this game marginalize Da Costa’s influence? Phil expected Caicedo to go to a bigger club! The irony of Phil’s post game comments of “not thinking everything’s against you” The Apple TV Commentator’s subtle critique of the coaching Ned gives Phil 14 games to prove himself and again talks about a third DP The 107ist IG post doesn’t go down well with the fans Is Neymar moving to… OHIO? Minnesota (A) preview Content Warning: Filthier mouthed than than usual, some f bombs Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:55) LAFC (H) - Phil’s Pre-Game Press Conference (3:04) LAFC (H) - Starting XI & Formation Analysis (7:23) LAFC (H) - First Half Analysis (24:17) LAFC (H) - Second Half Analysis (49:32) LAFC (H) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (56:06) LAFC (H) -  Phil’s Post Game Press Conference (59:52) Is the Team’s “Fabric” a Problem? (1:01:59) Ned Speaks to the Press - Gives Phil 14 Games To Prove Himself (1:04:40) Ned Speaks to the Press - A Potential 3 DP Roster - Are We Going for a DP Striker? (1:05:38) Timbers News - 107IST Instagram Post Goes Down Like a Lead Balloon (1:10:43) MLS News - Is Nemar going to…OHIO? (1:12:09) Minnesota (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

    1h 19m
  5. APR 8

    Bottle Royale - Portland Timbers at Vancouver Whitecaps

    It's Timbers Time! This week Chris and Matt do a deep dive into the frantic, rollercoaster of a game north of the border where the Timbers crashed to a late 3-2 defeat. There is a LOT to talk about in this game from goal of the season contenders to calamitous errors and bizarre tactical decisions and we really get into it! Then we talk about our desire for team accountability as passionate fans and the role of the media, getting into some ethical questions… Socrates would be proud. The philosopher, not the magnificently hirsute Brazilian international from the 80s, though maybe he’d give it a listen too. Plus Phil kindly confirms our abductive reasoning about his trend chasing coaching from last episode and Chris’s eagle eye spots something amusing in Phil’s home interior decor… RCTID! This episode's talking points include: Phil eschews tactical pragmatism and keeps a high line Caicedo’s assured debut Breaking down the calamitous first goal - who’s to blame? Timbers counter attack vs high press systems risk/reward Mosquera’s Zidane impression - Goal of the Season already? How did Laborda not get sent off? Chara breaks the MLS yellow card record and why he isn’t a “dirty” player Is the handball penalty just bad luck? Are handball rules fair? Where are the defensive substitutions? Phil’s continuing failures in situational coaching Do some good individual performances offer hope for the future? The meaning and ethics of “grilling” a coach The importance of the independent press as a conduit for fan accountability The dangers of the rise of “In-House” journalism Phil blames the ref and tries to create a “siege mentality” in the locker room Phil confirms our fears about his trend-chasing management style Phil’s amusing interior decor  LAFC (H) Preview Content Warning: Moderate swears, a single F bomb from Matt, the potty mouth Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:00) Vancouver (A) - Starting XI & Formation Analysis (5:00)  Vancouver (A)  - First Half Analysis (31:59)   Vancouver (A)  - Second Half Analysis (56:48)  Vancouver (A)  - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (1:00:04) The Jaguars Incident and Press Conference Journalistic Ethics  (1:08:11) Listener Question - What Qualifies as a Coach Getting “Grilled”? (1:11:45) The Timbers Media Landscape and the Importance of an Independent Press (1:23:13) Listener Question - Do Press Risk Access if they “Grill” or Speak Honestly”? (1:25:22) Vancouver (A)  - Phil’s Press Conference Psychology and Siege Mentality (1:29:31) Tactics Follow Up - Phil Confirms Our Suspicions of Trend Chasing (1:34:34) Timbers News! MLS News! (1:37:17) LAFC (H) Preview Content Links: When empathy replaces inquiry: Why ethics still matter in sports journalism https://www.quillmag.com/2026/01/14/when-empathy-replaces-inquiry-why-ethics-still-matter-in-sports-journalism/ Sports Newsrooms Versus In-House Media: Cheerleading and Critical Reporting in News and Match Coverage https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21674795211043105 “Part of the Team”: In-House Sports Reporters Navigating the Journalistic Periphery Fans suffer as football clubs show journalists the red card https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/26/football-clubs-ban-journalists-newcastle-united Soccer reporter banned for doing journalism https://nwu.org/soccer-reporter-banned-for-doing-journalism/ Phil Neville on Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan & Tim Howard https://youtu.be/XX3I9ZLoFoE Listener Topics and Questions! Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: Email Us : ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

    1h 41m
  6. MAR 25

    Galaxy Brain? Is Phil A Good Coach? - Portland Timbers vs LA Galaxy

    It's Timbers Time! This week Chris and Matt break down the eventful 1-1 tie with the LA Galaxy discussing the bright start, early red card, and tactical adjustments, one of which Phil pretended never happened…. Plus a deep dive on Phil’s coaching ability, assessing his performance (or lack thereof) in eight different categories from motivational ability to tactical identity and situational coaching This episode's talking points include: How sustainable was our fast and exciting start for future games? Breaking down Kamal’s red card and was taking Kelsy off a bad decision? Phil’s positional shift that cost us the goal, that he later pretends he didn’t do! How a deep 4 back bunker then secured a point quite comfortably Velde’s wild and shady bilingual press conference tells a lot of blunt truths Coaching Special - Is Phil a Good Coach?  Do the Team Look Fit, Organized and Motivated? Does Phil Have a Clear Tactical Identity or is he Chasing Tactical Trends? Quantifying differences between MLS and the EPL that should influence tactical identity Is a lack of tactical structure one of Phil’s biggest coaching failures? How evident the Timbers’ poor offensive rotations are compared to other teams An alarming statistic about the team’s defense How the team’s poor secondary press is leading to counter attacks Is the reward of the high press worth the risk? Vancouver (A) Preview Content Warning: Moderate swears Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:07) LA Galaxy (H)  - Starting XI & Formation Analysis (4:48) LA Galaxy (H)  - First Half Analysis (22:13) LA Galaxy (H)  - Second Half Analysis (28:24) LA Galaxy (H) - Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (31:07) LA Galaxy (H) - Phil’s Press Conference (33:10) LA Galaxy (H) - Velde’’s Press Conference  (36:22) Phil Neville and a Coaching Special - Introduction (39:09) Assessing Phil Neville - Performance vs Roster Spend and Player Assessment (42:53) Assessing Phil Neville - Is the Team Motivated, Fit, Focused and Playing Hard? (46:09) Assessing Phil Neville - Offensive and Defensive Set Pieces (49:29) Assessing Phil Neville - Substitution Patterns, Situational Coaching and Tactical Flexibility  (55:28) Assessing Phil Neville - Tactical Identity, Meta Tactics and Following Trends (59:48) Assessing Phil Neville - Quantifying Why MLS Needs Different Tactics to the EPL (1:02:49) Assessing Phil Neville - Structural vs Organic Styles of Play and Soccer IQ (1:05:59) Assessing Phil Neville - Are the Timbers a Well Organized and Well Drilled Team? (1:07:26) Assessing Phil Neville - How Wing Turnovers are Emblematic of Poor Offensive Coaching (1:11:17) Assessing Phil Neville - The Team’s Long Term xG Conceded is Alarming (1:13:59) Assessing Phil Neville - The Ideal Press Vs The Timbers’ Press (1:20:12) Assessing Phil Neville - The Mess That Is The Secondary Press (1:22:23) Assessing Phil Neville - Is The Press Worth The Risk? Is it Working? (1:25:25) Assessing Phil Neville - Conclusion - Is Phil A Good Coach? (1:28:26) Call for Listener Topic Suggestions! (1:28:50) Timbers News! New Signings! MLS News (1:33:18) Vancouver (A) Preview Content Links: Timbers pressing data from 2025: https://soccerment.com/mls-2025-data-driven-insights-from-the-first-5-rounds/ The physical demands of Major League Soccer (including EPL comparison) : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12551844/ Velde for Olympiacos vs PAOK including positional rotations to support a winger in posession: https://youtu.be/tHxl-JNxM6Y What a highly structured and organized press looks like in MLS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAOawmYLOIY 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

    1h 36m
  7. MAR 18

    Neville, Neville, They Broke Your Press - Portland Timbers at Houston Dynamo

    It's Timbers Time! In this episode we analyse the heartbreaking injury time loss to Houston. Lots to talk about tactically in this one from formation and positional changes, Velde finally scoring in regular season play despite a penalty miss, and more issues with the press. Plus an Academy special! We break down the production of the Timbers youth team system since they joined MLS, how do they match up to other teams that joined MLS around the same time? How about other franchises with limited catchment areas? We get stuck into the data with surprising results and wrap up with an LA Galaxy preview. This episode's talking points include: - Finding the positives in a third defeat in a row - What went wrong for the Houston winner? - Should  DaCosta play the 8 more regularly? - How suited is Guerra to playing as a solo striker? - Is Pantemis’ lack of confidence becoming a problem? Do we need to think about a replacement GK? - Velde misses a pen but finally scores in the regular season! Will this be the confidence boost he needs to start a run of good form? - Pressure on Phil after 3 straight losses, are his press conference excuses valid? - Does dominating possession mean you controlled the game? - Academy Special! We do a deep dive into the Timbers academy production since the club joined MLS in 2011  - What are the TImbers worse at than lowly Chivas USA? - What CBA / Roster Rules limit Eric Izoita’s appearances for the Timbers? - How much of a problem is Jimer Fory’s disciplinary record? - Galaxy (H) Preview Content Warning: Moderate swears Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:23) Houston (A) - Starting XI & Formation Analysis (2:59) Houston (A) - First Half Analysis (13:56) Houston (A) - Second Half Analysis (31:40) Houston (A) -Post Game - Moment and Man of the Match (33:20) Houston (A) - Post Game - Should DaCosta Play the 8 More Regularly? (35:45) Houston (A) - Post Game - Gage Guerra as a Solo Striker (38:20) Houston (A) - Post Game - Form and Confidence Worries for Pantemis  (40:50) Houston (A) - Post Game - Final Thoughts and a few Positives (41:54) Houston (A) - Phil’s Press Conferences -  (48:35) Academy Special! (59:27) Roster Rules / CBA  and Eric Izoita (1:03:01) Listener Question - Is Jimer Fory’s Timbers Future in Question due to his Disciplinary Record? (1:05:12) Timbers News! New Signings! MLS News! (1:10:34) Galaxy (H) Preview Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions for the next episode:⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com

    1h 16m
  8. MAR 11

    Ned's Atomic Dumpster Fire - Portland Timbers vs Vancouver Whitecaps

    It's Timbers Time! In this episode we break down the 4-1 defeat to Vancouver, talk about new faces including young academy star Eric Izoita and new signings Caicedo and Aravena. We focus mostly though on our GM Special - what makes a good GM and does Ned earn that accolade? We continue our dive into the Timbers roster spend history assessing the team’s history of DP signings and all of Ned’s pickups since he took over as GM in 2022. This episode's talking points include: - Izoita’s Dream Debut! - A New DMid! We assess the signing of Caicedo - GM Special! What makes a good GM? - The Mess and the Press vs Vancouver - Dissecting Phil’s Post Game Press Conference - Rating the Timbers DP signings since 2011 - Ned’s signings as GM - Hit, Miss or Maybe? - Criticizing Ned’s Strategic Approach - T2 Scouting Report! - Houston (A) Preview Content Warning: Moderate swears. Gold stars to us for not “effing and blinding” at this terrible performance, frankly. Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:43) Vancouver (H) - Starting XI & Formation Analysis (4:27) Vancouver (H) - Tifo Shoutout (5:09) Vancouver (H) - First Half Analysis (14:25) Vancouver (H) - Second Half Analysis (25:23) Vancouver (H) - Moment and Man of the Match (27:06) Vancouver (H) - Phil’s Press Conference (30:40) Listener Question! Kelsy vs Guerra (35:11) GM Special! What makes a good GM? (38:45) GM Special! Timbers All Time DP Signings (56:43) GM Special! Ned’s Signings - Hit or Miss? (1:01:06) Criticizing Ned’s Strategic Approach (1:08:15) T2 Scouting Report! (1:11:19) Timbers News! New Signings! MLS News! (1:17:48) Houston (A) Preview Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com

    1h 22m

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

A new 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 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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