Timbers look for answers in Puerto Rico, Miami

Portland still leads league but hasn't scored in two games

By Steve Brandon

The Portland Tribune, May 12, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

As motivation, Portland Timbers coach Gavin Wilkinson likes to pull out a few facts from the history book.

Fact: Portland didn’t beat Seattle last season.

Fact: Portland didn’t beat Minnesota last season.

Fact: Portland lost at Puerto Rico last season.

Fact: The Timbers have a poor record at Puerto Rico, losing 1-0 last year, 3-1 in 2006 and 2-0 in 2005.

Fact: Portland plays at Puerto Rico on Friday.

“There are some things we’d like to accomplish this year,” Wilkinson says.

The Timbers’ first trip beyond the west coast also includes a game Sunday at Miami.

Portland is 3-0-2 and leads the United Soccer Leagues First Division with 11 points, while Puerto Rico (1-3-0, three points) and Miami (1-4-1, four points) are not even on pace to make the playoffs.

But that won’t make the trip any easier.

“Both of them are desperate for a win,” Wilkinson says.

Puerto Rico lost the season opener 1-0 at PGE Park and then lost 2-0 to Miami before beating Miami 3-1 and losing 1-0 to Montreal. The Islanders have played their last three games at home, which isn’t Portland’s favorite stop, for several reasons.

“The travel, the humidity, the environment, the accommodations, the stadium,” Wilkinson says. “It very much is a complete package.

“But players are professionals for a reason, and they should be able to handle all of that.

“Both of these teams, we’re capable of beating.”

The Timbers were waiting to hear Monday about the availability of 22-year-old striker Benjamin Totori, expecting to join the squad soon after completing his duties in New Zealand.

He could give a jolt to an attack that has been grinding of late, leaving Portland with a mediocre five goals in five matches.

Wilkinson says some of his players may need to tweak their games.

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