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 ChatWhy the Timbers may have passed on Jim CurtinPotential head coach hires coaching at the World CupHow 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 coachJack Cassidy promoted from T2 to run training campMLS players at the World Cup & Pants not making the Canada squadBig 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 swearsTimestamps:(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 RumorsListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

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 wordsTimestamps:(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 BreakListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

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 halfWas 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 effortlessGuerra’s magic scoring beardPants 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 fansT2 are on a tear, updates on their last three gamsIs 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 swearsTimestamps:(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) PreviewListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

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 continueHandball disagreementsDaCosta looking more and more like NagbeThe Kelsy hot streak continues!Were the Timbers lucky to get an equalizer?Should Mora have come in earlier?Finn the defensive comfort blanketIs a draw good enough?Phil says both goals are due to individual errors, who’s to blame?Da Costa and Bassett’s offensive rotationsSalary discrepancies in the locker roomWho’s salary is the most surprising?Does Velde deserve to be an All Star?Miami (A) PreviewContent Warning: Moderate swearsTimestamps:(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) PreviewListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] DM us on IG: timberstimepod

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 MattBest songs for the TA to sing when we’re up 4-0Is showboating disrespectful to the opposition?Phil does something pragmatic! How second half substitutes sprung the team back into lifeAnother Timbers MLS hat trick goes beggingKelsy’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 conferencesCan Pantemis improve his distribution and dribbling?Chara in a popemobile?Montreal (A) PreviewWhat squad rotations do we anticipate for midweek?Content Warning: S BombsTimestamps:(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) PreviewListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

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 UtahDo the Timbers need to “have a little dance”?How our hopes the press was improved were dashed at its first real testThe stark difference between the off-ball movement of the two teamsVelde 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) previewContent Warning: Light to Moderate swearsTimestamps:(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) PreviewListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

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 believeWhy our early turnovers weren’t punishedThe penalty law is still stupidShould 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 feelsThe bizarre last three minutes were tactical madness from PhilOn reflection, how bad was the first half?Phil reveals his "Weakness"Losing the Whitecaps would be heartbreakingRSL (A) previewContent Warning: "S" Bombs ahoyContent 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-goalsSoccer “Zones” Map:https://smarter.soccer/free-downloads/Smarter-Soccer-The-Soccer-Zones.pdfWhere Goals Come From: https://www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/tag/Where+Goals+Come+FromHow 442 became 4231:https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2008/dec/18/4231-442-tactics-jonathan-wilsonTimestamps:(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) PreviewListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]:  timberstimepod

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 newsBig problems in defensive transition remainHow five consecutive errors led to the opening Minnesota goalThe shocking percentage of goals the Timbers have conceded from outside the boxHow Antony’s unwillingness to use his left foot is creating so many problemsSeeing the long diagonal ball in transition as a recent pattern for opposition goalsHow despite extremely aggressive and risky defensive positioning in the second half the team create barely a chance against a set defenceFinn’s on ball development is a bright spark in a struggling teamWhat would it take for us to buy into Phil-osophy?Velde’s acting woesT2 updateSan Diego (A) previewTimestamps:(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) PreviewListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

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 tacticsComparing Caicedo to previous Timbers defensive midfieldersHow more technical players in the lineup helped us play out of the back, negate the press and ultimately create the opening goalLAFC exploiting the same direct ball weakness we saw against VancouverVelde continues his”bully ball” and prime sh*thousery to entertaining effectMora’s “secretive” performanceFory 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 winnerThe “vicissitudes of fortune” and what to make of Phil’s late game tacticsHow 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 coachingNed gives Phil 14 games to prove himself and again talks about a third DPThe 107ist IG post doesn’t go down well with the fansIs Neymar moving to… OHIO?Minnesota (A) previewContent Warning: Filthier mouthed than than usual, some f bombsTimestamps:(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) PreviewListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod

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 lineCaicedo’s assured debutBreaking down the calamitous first goal - who’s to blame?Timbers counter attack vs high press systems risk/rewardMosquera’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” playerIs the handball penalty just bad luck? Are handball rules fair?Where are the defensive substitutions?Phil’s continuing failures in situational coachingDo some good individual performances offer hope for the future?The meaning and ethics of “grilling” a coachThe importance of the independent press as a conduit for fan accountabilityThe dangers of the rise of “In-House” journalismPhil blames the ref and tries to create a “siege mentality” in the locker roomPhil confirms our fears about his trend-chasing management stylePhil’s amusing interior decor LAFC (H) PreviewContent Warning: Moderate swears, a single F bomb from Matt, the potty mouthTimestamps:(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) PreviewContent Links:When empathy replaces inquiry: Why ethics still matter in sports journalismhttps://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 Coveragehttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21674795211043105“Part of the Team”: In-House Sports Reporters Navigating the Journalistic PeripheryFans suffer as football clubs show journalists the red cardhttps://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/26/football-clubs-ban-journalists-newcastle-unitedSoccer reporter banned for doing journalismhttps://nwu.org/soccer-reporter-banned-for-doing-journalism/Phil Neville on Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan & Tim Howardhttps://youtu.be/XX3I9ZLoFoEListener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode:Email Us : ⁠⁠⁠[email protected] DM us on IG:  timberstimepod