Wilkinson apologizes for Timbers' first-half performance

Slow start leads to 2-0 home loss against Puerto Rico

By Zach Stratton

The Portland Tribune, Jul 11, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

The Portland Timbers found themselves in an early hole against the Puerto Rico Islanders Thursday night at PGE Park and were unable to dig themselves out of it, losing 2-0.

Islander Fabrice Noel scored on a cross from Jonathan Steele in the 38th minute and, in extra time of the first half, Josh Hansen fired a shot past Portland goalkeeper Brad Knighton. Just like that, the Timbers were facing a two-goal deficit heading into halftime.

Portland coach Gavin Wilkinson made no effort to hide his disappointment in his team’s first-half play.

“I thought the first half was an embarrassment,” he said. “I think we owe an apology to our fans for our performance.”

Portland came out with intensity in the second half and played at a higher level, but it was too late. While Wilkinson made some halftime adjustments and brought on two substitutes, he attributed the better play in the second half to something different.

“Maybe the players embarrassed themselves,” he said. “Maybe the players understood the severity of their performance and the recourse that could take place if that continued.

“You know, we traded our captain [midfielder Andrew Gregor]. That’s a hell of a message that everybody is replaceable in this game, everybody’s a commodity – coaches, players, everyone included.”

The Timbers fell to 5-6-5 (21 points), 3-3-3 at home in league play. Puerto Rico won its second road game, on the heels of a victory at Montreal, and also reached 21 points at 6-5-3.

Portland had its chances to make it a game in the second half. Midfielder Lawrence Olum had a header in the 64th minute that looked destined to find the net saved acrobatically by Islander goalie Bill Gaudette. Five minutes later, newly-acquired Timber Jamil Walker got a shot off from the top of the box that deflected off the left goal post.

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