JELD-WEN Field
Taylor Twellman. The very name evokes images of MLS Legend and flair as a 5-time MLS All-Star and 2005 MLS MVP who scored a whopping 101 goals in 174 matches for the New England Revolution.
Since retired, Twellman has become one of the top analysts for ESPN soccer broadcasts alongside Adrian Healey—you heard him this past weekend on the Timbers-FC Dallas match—as well as the equally opinionated Big Head to Alexi Lalas’ Red Head on the aptly named ESPN Big Head Red Head Podcast.
But Twellman has also become a leading spokesperson around increased awareness of and improved care around traumatic brain injuries through his foundation Think Taylor. During the course his time as a player, Twellman suffered a series of concussions that curtailed his soccer career. Think Taylor looks to help tell his story and provide a support system for athletes across all sports and ages who suffer concussions and their after effects.
I sat down with Twellman this past weekend to talk about his thoughts on the recent run of U.S. Men’s National Team World Cup Qualifiers that he has been covering for ESPN, how he thinks Jurgen Klinsmann will utilize this summer’s Gold Cup tournament in furthering development around the U.S. team and how the Think Taylor Foundation is changing people’s perceptions around concussions. We also discuss the three biggest stories in MLS so far (Spoiler: The Timbers are one of them) and renew the age old debate: Big Head vs. Red Head.
Be sure to tune in to tonight’s U.S. – Honduras match at 6pm on ESPN and don’t forget to get tickets for the USMNT when they come to JELD-WEN Field for the Gold Cup on July 9.
The Backcut Podcast sits at the intersection of Timbers, Thorns, soccer & culture to explore the unique elements of the beautiful game. You can subscribe to The Backcut on iTunes in the same feed as the Talk Timbers podcast.
The Portland Timbers and Budweiser are teaming up to give you a chance to show off your Poolball skills for a chance to win tickets to a Timbers match and a player meet and greet.
At eight matches this season, fans 21 years of age and older will have the opportunity to play Poolball on the concourse above section 95. All participants will be entered to win a nightly grand prize drawing. Each nightly grand prize winner will receive:
- Six (6) Tickets to the Budweiser Balcony for the 9/29 match
- Player meet and greet following 9/29 match
Fans can participate at the following eight matches:
- 6/15 vs. Dallas
- 6/23 vs. Colorado
- 7/13 vs. LA Galaxy
- 8/3 vs. Vancouver
- 8/17 vs. FC Dallas
- 8/21 vs. Salt Lake
- 9/7 vs. Toronto FC
- 9/20 vs. Colorado
Don’t know how to play Poolball? It’s easy. Check out this video to familiarize yourself:
In Portland we do things a little different: the people, the soccer, the beer, and now the fish and chips. This Saturday and Sunday, you can experience all it together at JELD-WEN Field.
The Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance is proud to welcome Pirates Fish and Chips to JELD-WEN Field for the Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas on Saturday (2pm PT, ESPN, 750 The Game / La Pantera 940), and Portland Thorns FC vs. Seattle Reign FC on Sunday (2pm PT, TICKETS, webstream, Freedom 970.
Based in Hood River, OR, Pirates Fish and Chips was opened in 2012 by restaurateurs Richard and Sherri Wilson. The couple owned and operated an Italian restaurant in Arizona, but the long hours and struggling economy led them to sell their business and relocate to Oregon.
After discovering the Portland food cart craze, but struggling to find fish and chips one night, Richard and Sherri decided it was time to do it themselves. Their fish and chips are made from fresh fish sourced from the coast that includes cod, halibut, albacore tuna, and rockfish, served with house made tartar sauce and a batter that never leaves your hands greasy.
Richard and Sherri say that serving at JELD-WEN Field this weekend is the greatest opportunity they’ve had thus far. They know it will be a lot of work, but they are looking forward to sharing their culinary creations with 20,000 fans.
As of right now, Pirates Fish and Chips only has one location in Hood River, Oregon, but Richard and Sherri say they are in the process of opening a second truck in Portland later this season. For now, however, fans can get a sneak peek at Pirates Fish and Chips this Saturday and Sunday at the Soccer City Grill above Section 93.
The menu for Saturday and Sunday will include:
2PC Fish & Chips Basket
2 pieces of fresh Pacific True Cod served with house made tarter sauce, fresh natural cut fries and pirates magic coleslaw
Grilled Salmon Burger & Fries
4oz of Fresh Grilled Salmon on a toasted bun served with fresh natural cut fries &
house made tarter sauce and topped with pirates magic coleslaw
Photo by David Blair
Timber loves the Thorns too. In this case we're talking about Timber Adamson, owner of Timber's Doghouse PDX food cart.
Timber has been at JELD-WEN Field before serving up her signature dishes as part of the PTFCA at the Soccer City Grill in the SE corner of the stadium. She'll be returning tonight as the Thorns host FC Kansas City and she's put together some very special edition concoctions for the evening. Check them out:
Timber, I'm falling in Love: Sweet potato tots tossed in Timber's salt. Topped by blue cheese, bacon, and our house 3way mustard.
Momentary Indiscretion: Classic tots tossed in Timber's salt. Topped with black truffle oil, grilled mushrooms & onions, asiago cheese, and roasted garlic truffle aioli
A Thorn in Her Side: Classic tots tossed in Timber's salt. Topped with our signature ground grass fed beef, fresh pico de gallo, black olives, and 3 chili lime sour cream
Be sure to hit them up tonight and keep an eye on upcoming PTFCA goodness here.
Continuing the new tradition of the presentation of roses following Thorns games to the goal scorers and goalkeeper who achieved a shutout, Girls, Inc. has been sending participants from their great youth programs to meet players after the game and hand them the roses in front of the North End supporters. For an organization that looks to inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold, it's truly a special moment after the match.
Photo by Craig Mitchelldyer
May 16 vs. Sky Blue FC
Alysse:
What was your favorite part about today?
A: We got to watch the Thorns game and it was really fun to meet all the players and see so many people here to watch them.
Tell us an example of you being strong and smart?
A: I brought flyers for the arts and music for school and handed them out to different neighborhoods and it’s hard because you have to answer their questions.
Violet:
What was your favorite part about today?
V: The best part was Alex Morgan, giving us hugs and it made me really happy because she’s my favorite player on the team. I feel that being strong in sports is good for girls.
Tell us an example of you being strong and smart?
V: At my old school I was being bullied so I switched school and I felt a lot better after that.
Kaitlynn:
What was your favorite part about today?
The best thing about tonight was meeting Alex Morgan and all the other players and when the head coach gave me a scarf. I play forward and really like Nikki Washington and Alex Morgan.
Tell us an example of you being strong and smart?
It’s important to be a good sport and shake people’s hands after the game even when you lose.
Photo by Craig Mitchelldyer
May 19 vs. Washington Spirit
Marilyn Danley
What was your favorite part about today?
M: This was my first Thorns game. My favorite part of the day was the game because it was so exciting and we got to sit so close.
What was special about presenting the roses?
M: Since Alex and Christine scored I got to give them roses. It was really special presenting the roses because I got to meet the player who are really nice and it was fun. This will be a very special memory
What makes you strong, smart and bold?
M: I am strong, smart and bold because I really like sports. I love to play soccer.
What do you like most about playing soccer?
M: What I like most about soccer is that you get to use your head, in both ways. You also get to hang out with friends and it takes a lot of team work.
Isabella Ventura
What was your favorite part about today?
I: My favorite part about today was getting the chance to come out on the field and meet the players.
What was special about presenting the roses?
I: Karina didn’t let any goals in so I got to give her the flowers. It was so cool because I got to be close and see them.
What makes you strong, smart and bold?
I: I am strong, smart and bold because I get to be a voice for girls.
What do you like most about playing soccer?
I: My favorite part about playing soccer is that we get to play and the people cheer us on – just like we cheered on the Thorns today.
An eight-game unbeaten streak is pretty tasty, and while Timbers fans are enjoying it, they’re hungry for more.
In an effort to satisfy that hunger, Big-Ass Sandwiches will be at JELD-WEN Field on Sunday, May 12, when the Timbers host Chivas USA.
Big-Ass Sandwiches opened in 2009, and has been living up to its name ever since. Owners Brian and Lisa Wood have perfected their French fry-infused creations, topping their home-roasted meats with béchamel cheese and piling it all on to locally baked ciabatta rolls.
Brian and Lisa opened Big-Ass Sandwiches after they experienced several layoffs from their jobs. The couple saw the layoffs as an opportunity to start the business they had always wanted to own and operate.
Their sandwiches have received a lot of praise, including being called the “best sandwich in the Northwest” by The Travel Channel’s Adam Richman.
Huge fans of the Portland Timbers, Brian and Lisa provide discounts to 107ist and Axe Society Members at their cart’s permanent location at 302 SE 2nd Ave. Last season, Big-Ass Sandwiches served up several menu items at JELD-WEN Field during a Cascadia Cup match against Seattle.
“We have been going to games since the pre-MLS days. We have the ‘No Pity in the Rose City’ scarf hanging in the back of the cart and made shirts three or four years ago that said ‘Timber Joey is My Homeboy’ with part of the proceeds going to a local charity,” said Lisa.
Big-Ass Sandwiches will be dishing up their delicious creations this Sunday at the Soccer City Grill above Section 93 during the Timbers game. They will also be at the Soccer City Grill on Thursday, May 16 when the Thorns host Sky Blue FC.
A busy summer awaits for Jurgen Klinsmann and his USMNT squad as they'll have key World Cup qualifiers in June followed by the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July.
Portland will host two group stage matches in a double header on July 9 with US vs. Belize and Costa Rica against Cuba. Who Klinsmann will bring to Portland has been a big discussion but there's at least one name that has surfaced: Bolton's Stuart Holden.
The ex-Houston Dynamo midfielder became a key player in the EPL before a series of injuries tripped him up. Now on the comeback with a number of appearances on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, Klinsmann said of Holden, "I spoke to his coach at Bolton, and spoke to his coach at Sheffield Wednesday where he played some very important minutes and games while on loan. He’s on his way back. That being said, we want to have him back in our picture. We are going to bring him for the May-June camp, and also for the Gold Cup.”
Read more about the story over at ussoccer.com, watch video on Holden's inspiring comeback below, listen to SI's Grant Wahl talk about what to expect with this summer's Gold Cup and then get tickets for the Gold Cup showdown at JELD-WEN Field.
Thursday night’s featured Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance member is Stumptown Dumplings, better known as Stumplings.
Less than a year old, Stumplings was born out of a friendship between owners Justin Prasad and Nimesh Dayal. The duo wanted to branch out, and after almost two months of planning, their cart found a home serving up dumplings to Portland’s Alberta neighborhood.
“It happened much faster than either of us expected,” said Dayal.
Prasad said he had always worked for somebody else and wanted to prove he would work on his own to succeed.
“It’s exciting because it’s our idea coming to life," said Prasad. "I just want people to connect the ‘Stumplings’ with Justin and Nimesh, and this is a great opportunity for us.”
This will be Stumplings second visit to JELD-WEN Field, after being featured during a Timbers match during the 2012 season.
During the Timbers match against the New England Revolution (7:30pm PT, ROOT SPORTS, 750 AM The Game / La Pantera 940), Stumplings will be serving orders of six dumplings for $5 at the Soccer City Grill concession stand, located above section 93. Fans can choose from Cheeky Chicken, Pompous Pork, Sassy Spinach, or a mix of two of each. Fans will also be able to chose from Asian Chipotle, Chili Hoison, or Thai Mustard sauces.
When most Timbers fans look back on the matchday against FC Dallas on August 5th, 2012, they remember two things: the almost unbearable temperatures, topping 100 degrees before a late-afternoon kickoff, and Jack Jewsbury’s late equalizer against a 10-man Dallas side to pull even in a 1-1 draw.
However, another noteworthy event was taking place above Section 93. The debut of the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance had set up shop at the Soccer City Grill concession stand. And what better cuisine for a hot summer day than Hawaiian-style plate lunches?
Childhood friends Kevin Scofield and Jensen Kip started 808 Grinds in September 2010. The Maui-raised duo brought their Hawaiian lunch creations to SW 9th and Washington in downtown Portland, and it was so popular that they were among the first food carts voted in by Facebook fans to be part of the PTFCA.
“It feels good to be voted in by our customers. There’s always a good vibe around here,” said Scofield. “A great customer experience is something that we want to accomplish, and it feels good. We’re happy to be here.”
This season, the Hawaiian boys are back. They will be setting up shop in the Soccer City Grill above Section 93 at the southeast corner of JELD-WEN Field. Not only will they be serving during the April 14th Timbers match vs. the San Jose Earthquake (7:30pm PT, NBC Sports Network, 750 AM The Game / La Pantera 940), they will also be there for the first Portland Thorns FC home match on April 21st vs. Seattle Reign FC.
This year 808 Grinds will be serving up Kalua Pig (traditional Hawaiian pulled pork) and 808 Fried Chicken (bite-size marinated chicken). Both choices will be served up with rice and macaroni salad. Single-item plates will go for $7, and combo plates will be $9.
“To be a part of the Timbers organization is very exciting for us,” Scofield added. “Not only to expand our reach, but to serve to local fans who are loyal to both us and the Timbers is a really great feeling.”
Interested in being part of the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance? Apply today.
During the previous home match against Montreal, the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance featured Nong’s Khao Man Gai. Nong’s signature chicken and rice dish with their famous ginger/soybean chili sauce as well as fried chicken wings smothered in Nong’s sweet chili glaze was a huge hit. In fact, the dishes were so popular that Nong’s sold out during the match.
If you missed out on Nong’s delicious offerings, fear not. The Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance has invited Nong’s Khao Man Gai back to be the featured food cart for the April 6th match against the Houston Dynamo.
Nong’s will be serving up their signature chicken as well as their fried chicken wings at the Soccer City Grill concession stand located at the southeast corner of JELD-WEN Field above Section 93.
To read what Nong had to say about her love for soccer and excitement at being part of a Timbers match, click here.
Interested in being part of the Portland Timbers Food Cart Alliance? Apply today.
