Soccer Made in Portland

Latest Episodes:

Chris is back to discuss Timbers’ form, Thorns entering home stretch Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

It wasn’t just the Portland Timbers and Thorns who took some time off: Soccer Made in Portland co-host Chris Rifer did, too. Although he was running, eating and sipping his way through Italy. A familiar experience for co-host Ryan Clarke, save for the running.

On this week’s episode, Chris and Ryan examine what can be gleaned from the Timbers’ form in Leagues Cup, and the storylines heading into the final 11 matches of the 2023 season. A potential dynasty hangs in the balance for the Thorns with just seven matches to go in the regular season, and they are getting some of their World Cup participants back ahead of a battle for first place on Sunday vs. North Carolina.

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Ned Grabavoy talks transfer window, future moves, pizza recipes Aug 09, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Timbers added three new faces in the summer transfer window: defender Miguel Araujo, midfielder Bryan Acosta, and winger Antony. Now, the club is looking to the future with an eye on building out the roster even further with a lot of potential moving parts.

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, host Ryan Clarke sits down with Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy to discuss the summer window, the upcoming offseason, potential MLS roster rules changes, and top-secret pizza recipes.

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Bill Oram talks Thorns sale update, MLS transfer deadline, World Cup Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Thorns shared an update on their forthcoming sale, the Portland Timbers advanced in Leagues Cup, and the USWNT continues to underwhelm on the World Cup stage.

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Oregonian sports columnist and noted visitor of local libraries Bill Oram joins the show. Oram and Ryan Clarke discuss what we learned from the long-awaited Thorns sale update, Timbers results and roster moves at the transfer deadline, and an ingenious four-year-old’s World Cup pick.

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Thorns players speak out on turf, Timbers pick up an emotional win Jul 20, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Timbers honored Diego Valeri with an emotional, rollercoaster win over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. And with no games on the docket last week, the Portland Thorns are speaking out about training conditions and calling for a switch to grass at Providence Park along with their own training facility.

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ move toward a new training facility, what it means for the ownership situation, and why it matters to players. Later on, the conversation shifts to the Timbers’ 3-2 win over Columbus and what to expect from the first iteration of Leagues Cup.

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Thorns drop another one, Santiago Moreno drama continues Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Thorns are on a two-game losing skid without their World Cup participants. The Portland Timbers are struggling to climb back into the playoff picture, and the status of Santiago Moreno after a transfer request remains uncertain.

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan break down the Thorns’ loss to Gotham and look ahead to a potential dynasty-defining stretch: how will role players develop in this crucial run of games this summer?

Oh, yeah, and the Timbers played a match. Sort of.

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EMERGENCY POD: Santiago Moreno requests a transfer Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Timbers face a crossroads in their season: midfielder Santiago Moreno has requested a transfer.

On this week’s emergency episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan make siren noises and discuss what Moreno’s request means for the Timbers — and coach Giovanni Savarese — moving forward. Are there culture issues bubbling over with this team? Is Savarese’s seat growing warmer as a result of his now public rift with Moreno?

Plus, what can we glean from the Thorns’ odd 1-0 loss to the Kansas City Current despite their lop-sided shots advantage?

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Sophia Smith goes nuclear, Timbers sign their center back Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

What a World Cup sendoff that was for Portland Thorns star Sophia Smith.

A hat trick for the reigning NWSL MVP propelled Portland to a 4-2 win over the Washington Spirit last weekend, and now the Thorns press on without Smith and five other World Cup participants.

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan discuss Smith’s dominant outing and the big tests coming up for Mike Norris and company. They also break down the Timbers’ 1-1 draw against NYCFC, Evander’s suspension for a slap in the face, and Dario Zuparic’s comments about how the Timbers have chosen to build their roster.

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Timbers show who they really are, Thorns say goodbye to World Cup players Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Timbers are who we thought they were. At least that’s how Soccer Made in Portland co-host Chris Rifer sees it.

On this week’s episode, Rifer and Ryan Clarke discuss the Timbers’ sputtering loss to the Chicago Fire and diagnose the myriad issues facing a team that sits outside the MLS Cup playoff picture. Before that, though, plenty to talk about with the Portland Thorns’ recent run of play, which has not lived up to the club’s championship standards. Plus, a 2023 FIFA World Cup preview for the USWNT and other nations!

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Thorns earn a signature win, MLS lands Lionel Messi Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Thorns earned their biggest win of the season, 2-0 over OL Reign on Saturday in Seattle. The Timbers, meanwhile, played in one of the least interesting games of the season, a 0-0 draw with the Sounders. But, hey! Look! It’s Lionel Messi!

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ statement victory, the ugliness of the Timbers’ draw, and what Messi coming to MLS means for the league’s future.

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Morgan Weaver’s ‘scorpion flick,’ the Timbers hit a low point Jun 01, 2023

Show notes

The Portland Thorns got a big win in the NWSL Challenge Cup on Wednesday thanks to a clutch goal from Morgan Weaver. The Portland Timbers, meanwhile, hit a low point (so far) in what has been a difficult season, falling 4-1 on Sunday against Sporting Kansas City.

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris break down a crucial three points for the Thorns against Angel City and analyze the midfield balance, the Thorns’ ability to hang on to leads, and more. Plus, a glorious 20 seconds of positivity from Chris about the Timbers prior to... *gasp* ...critical analysis!

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