We don’t have the answers, we do have a few significant questions as the Portland Timbers begin their second season in Major League Soccer:
Is Kris Boyd the answer at forward?
The all-time goals leader in the Scottish first division came to Portland to revitalize his career. At 28, the 6-1, 180-pound Boyd should be entering his prime. If he produces goals, the Timbers have a real shot at the playoffs.
Can they win away from Portland?
Last season, the Timbers finished with 11 wins, 14 losses and nine ties. Their road record was 2-9-6. To be a playoff team, the Timbers probably need at least six road wins.
Can the Timbers win the Cascadia Cup?
While the MLS Cup might be a longshot, the regional cup that goes to the winner of the season series among the Timbers, Sounders FC and Whitecaps FC is attainable. In fact, Portland plays both Seattle and Vancouver twice at home and once on the road. And the games at Seattle and at Vancouver come late in the season, so beating those rivals at home can wrap up the Cascadia Cup for Portland before it visits either rival.
What role will Brent Richards have?
As a rookie, the Camas native does not figure to play with the first team in league matches this season. Richards and other former members of the Timbers U23s figure to be limited to Reserve League play.
What impact will the unbalanced schedule have?
The West is perceived as the tougher conference, which means the overall schedule will be more challenging. On the flip side, there are fewer trips to the East Coast. Also, in a change from 2011, the Timbers won’t play at Toronto when it’s still winter. And only one of their three Texas trips comes at the height of summer.
Are they ready to win?
The Timbers will again be one of the younger teams in the league. A year of experience should help younger players deal with challenges on and off the field. But some players in key roles are a year or more away from their prime.
What about some predictions?
Here are how a few journalists/experts/computers see the Timbers faring in 2012: The Guardian (UK) picks Portland to finish fifth in the West; Grant Wahl, Sports Illustrated, has Portland fourth in the West; a simulated season using the FIFA Soccer 12 game had Portland finish dead last in the West, as reported by Jack Bell of the New York Times.
Any wild guesses from The Columbian?
Since you asked, here are a few: Darlington Nagbe stays healthy and has a breakout season. … Kris Boyd scores 15 goals … The Cascadia Cup comes down to the winner on Oct. 21 when the Timbers visit B.C. Place … A Presidential candidate will watch a game with the Timbers Army to demonstrate he is a man of the people … The Timbers finish 14-10-10 and grab the fifth playoff berth in a wild Western Conference.
