Soccer Made In Portland

The Portland Timbers are near the bottom of MLS in points per game. The Portland Thorns broke out of their rut with a vengeance, beating Chicago 4-0 on Sunday ahead of a crucial matchup with San Diego on Friday.   On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan discuss whether the “critics” are being too critical of the Timbers, and what Sunday’s big win means for the Thorns’ fortunes in 2023. Plus, what does the future hold with so little buzz about the Thorns’ sale? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Timbers got two positive results and might be changing their fortunes thanks to Evander’s brilliance. The Portland Thorns, meanwhile, are lacking confidence and on three-game winless skid.   On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss what it’s going to take for this positive regular-season stretch to be considered a turnaround for the Timbers. And they take a look at the Timbers’ salaries, released this week by the MLSPA. Plus, what’s wrong with the Thorns lately? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris lays it all out as plainly as he can: it was a rough week for a Timbers team that has yet to prove itself and sits on the playoff fringe. Plus, Chris and Ryan discuss the recent defensive issues for the Thorns. And is Sophia Smith somehow becoming even more dominant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Timbers may be turning a corner despite continually dealing with injuries, and the Portland Thorns remain undefeated despite some imperfect performances as of late. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris break down the Timbers’ win over St. Louis, examine what can be gleaned from Sportico’s $685 million valuation of PTFC, and relive the thrill of Bella Bixby’s back heel goal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Timbers are moving on in the U.S. Open Cup, but the jury is still out on this team after a tough regular-season loss to FC Cincinnati despite better form. On the other side, the Thorns are rolling and remain undefeated. Do the champs have any flaws? On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss meeting each other in-person for the first time (yes, really) and recap the week gone by for PTFC. Plus, Ryan and Emma discovered a cute little bird’s nest in a planter outside their house! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Timbers throttled rival Seattle 4-1 on Saturday, a moment that could serve as a catalyst for a much-needed turnaround. The Thorns, meanwhile, are taking plenty of shots but not converting as many as they’d like. But no need to worry about the defending NWSL champs yet. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan returns from Vegas to discuss the games he missed, and Chris provides his analysis of those matches while also pitching someone to give him a billion dollars. He would happily buy the Thorns with it, and would have a lot left over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Thorns have a new forward in the mix for a few months: Canadian international Adriana Leon. The rich are getting richer, and they’re back on the field Friday against Houston after a nearly two-week international break. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss what to expect from Leon while she remains on loan with the Thorns. Plus, can the Timbers use a highly anticipated Seattle match to reverse their early season fortunes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophia Smith is a supernova for the Portland Thorns. Why isn’t she getting the recognition she deserves on the national stage? Will this World Cup be her breakthrough as an international sports icon? On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ convincing 4-1 win over Kansas City, and the Franck Boli-led Timbers’ well-earned 1-1 draw at FC Dallas. Could this be the moment the Timbers pick themselves up and turn things around? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Thorns are already rolling, fresh off a 4-0 win over Orlando in the opener. Can they be stopped? Conversely, can the Timbers regain their confidence in the midst of injury and uninspired play?   On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ dominant win and the Timbers’ brutal 0-0 draw vs. the LA Galaxy. Plus, some unprecedented locker room drama on the Timbers side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss what to expect from this Thorns season, plus they recap the Timbers’ struggles. Are they backsliding to the middle tier of MLS? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s all systems go for the Thorns. Meanwhile, the Timbers are almost more injured than healthy. On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris talk about the Thorns brilliant form and the already doomsday-like feeling around the Timbers. Slap on some headphones and go on a walk and catch up with all things soccer. Timestamps: (0:00 - 5:00) - Matthew McConaughey and the worst MLS loss ever (5:00 - 25:00) - Timbers looking rough 25:00 - full time) - Thorns are in mid-season form Subscribe to Soccer Made in Portland anywhere you get your podcasts. -- Andrew Theen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Thorns have a new kit, and it’s making waves with fans for its — bold — style. But hey, at least it’s not boring. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris debate the controversial kit, preview the upcoming Thorns preseason tournament, and recap the Timbers’ recent game against LAFC. Timestamps: (0:00 - 5:45) Ryan’s Chianti-fueled trip to Italy (5:45 - 18:00) Philosophical debate on the new Thorns kit (18:00 - 35:00) Thorns preseason tournament preview (35:00 - full time) Timbers vs. LAFC game recap -- Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan’s in Italy, so this week’s Soccer Made in Portland is a crossover episode with the Sports by Northwest podcast. Bill Oram joins Chris Rifer to share some of his mind-blowing wisdom about all things soccer. On the roster: Bill and Chris discuss Bill’s pun game, how Chauncey Billups is doing so far as coach of the Blazers, the Timbers home opener, and the Thorns preseason tournament announcement. Timestamps: (0:00 - 2:20) Ryan’s Italian escapades (2:20 - 15:45) Blazers (15:45 - 20:00) Bill’s impressive soccer bona fides (20:00 - 51:00) Timbers home opener recap (51:00 - Full Time) Thorns preseason tournament announced -- Bill Oram, boram@oregonian.com, Twitter: @billoram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The MLS season is quickly approaching, and the Portland Timbers have new faces chasing the same old goal: Raising the cup. On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan Clarke and Chris Rifer go deep on the season to come. They hit on the Evander signing, Bill Tuiloma’s trade and much more. On the first half of the show, Ryan interviewed head coach Gio Savarese. Timestamps: (0:00 - 35:00) - Gio Savarese interview (35:00 - full time) - Portland Timbers season preview Subscribe to Soccer Made in Portland anywhere you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Thorns are back from Bend, and the 2023 preseason is well underway. On the docket: trying to pick up the pieces after Rhian Wilkinson’s resignation, navigating the team’s sale after a flurry of off-field scandals, and repeat as NWSL champions. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, new Thorns coach Mike Norris joins the show to discuss the team’s trip to Bend, how the group is gelling so far, his journey to becoming a first-year head coach, and a health update on reigning NWSL MVP Sophia Smith. Plus, at long last, the NWSL schedule is coming Wednesday. Timestamps: (0:00 - full time) Mike Norris interview -- Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Timbers have redemption on the mind entering 2023 after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. At the helm of the club’s soccer operations is Ned Grabavoy, a longtime MLS player turned essential member of the PTFC front office. Grabavoy brought the club-record Evander signing over the line in December, but it’s otherwise been a relatively quiet offseason for the Timbers. What’s next for Portland’s roster, particularly that previously discussed pursuit of a striker? How has Grabavoy been adjusting to the top job after Gavin Wilkinson was fired in October? What are the best condiments to put on a hot dog? Timestamps: (0:00 - full time) Ned Grabavoy interview Subscribe to Soccer Made in Portland anywhere you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Timbers and Thorns front office has a new leader: former general counsel Heather Davis. Davis makes history as the club’s first female CEO and the fifth woman leading a MLS front office, and she comes into the job with plenty of challenges after 16 consecutive months of scandal for PTFC. She will preside over the business and operations of the Timbers and — until Merritt Paulson sells — the Thorns. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, co-hosts Ryan Clarke and Chris Rifer sit down for an interview with Davis to discuss her vision for the club’s future, how she squares the failures of Paulson and his past executives, her plans to reach out to Timbers and Thorns supporters, and her unique journey back home to Oregon. Timestamps: (0:00 - 24:00) Heather Davis interview (24:00 - 34:52) Pierre Soubrier and Sophie Clough fired by Thorns (34:52 - 41:15) Timbers Leagues Cup group revealed (42:38 - 50:00) Sebastián Blanco’s painful 2022 (50:00 - full time) Timbers offseason chugs along -- Rya

Is it okay to wish someone a happy New Year halfway into January? Are a pair of recent PTFC hires exciting enough for Thorns and Timbers fans? On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan debate when it’s time to stop wishing folks a happy New Year and discuss the NWSL draft, a couple of new PTFC hires, and their otherworldly experiences at a few Portland restaurants. Timestamps: (0:00 - 1:30) A debate on how far into a new year you’re allowed to say Happy New Year (1:30 - 18:45) Preview of the NWSL draft (18:45 - 30:45) Mike Norris hired as new Thorns head coach (30:45 - 41:55) Thorns fined $1 million by NWSL for outcome of NWSLPA investigation (41:55 - 50:40) Timbers promote Ned Grabavoy to General Manager (50:40 - full time) Fawning over Kann Subscribe to Soccer Made in Portland anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the final pod of 2022. And what a year it has been. The Thorns won the championship, the Timbers narrowly missed the playoffs, and the club found itself embroiled in constant controversy right up until year’s end. As the dust settles and Soccer City looks ahead to 2023, hosts Ryan Clarke and Chris Rifer look back at the big on- and off-field storylines for PTFC. Plus, Ryan and Chris break down the damning details of the NWSL report and pay tribute to soccer journalism legend Grant Wahl. Timestamps: (0:00 - 2:00) Major storylines of 2022 (2:00- 10:00) Grant Wahl tribute (10:00 - 34:00) NWSL investigation breakdown (34:00 - 54:00) Timbers offseason talk (54:00 - full time) Closing thoughts Subscribe to Soccer Made in Portland anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a rare occasion when a club-record signing isn’t the top story. It’s especially rare when it isn’t in the top two stories, and it’s not particularly close to the importance of either story above it. So it goes for those following the latest developments for PTFC. In a span of 24 hours, Merritt Paulson announced he is selling the Portland Thorns, and Thorns coach Rhian Wilkinson resigned after an investigation cleared her of an inappropriate relationship with a player. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan discuss the two major stories of the week around PTFC. Plus, Evander signing with the Timbers for a club-record fee! Very normal tertiary topic! Timestamps: (0:00 - 21:00) Merritt Paulson selling the Thorns (21:00- 44:00) Rhian Wilkinson resigns (44:00 - full time) Evander joins the Timbers Subscribe to Soccer Made in Portland anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices