This Week in PTFC | Timbers play RSL, Thorns in action with playoff spot up for grabs

Timbers look to continue unbeaten streak Saturday

After defeating LAFC at home this past weekend, the Portland Timbers look to extend their five game unbeaten streak this Saturday when Real Salt Lake comes to Providence Park (7:30pm PT, TICKETS, FOX 12 PLUS). RSL is sixth place in the Western Conference, only one point behind fifth-place Portland so the matchup should prove to be a highly contested game as all teams continue to jockey for position in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs.

(NOTE: As of Aug. 24, 2021, Timbers and Thorns matches at Providence Park require proof of vaccination and masks at all times. Please check the latest stadium policies for more info.)

Thorns are back and can clinch a playoff spot

After a break in NWSL play due to international duty, the Thorns return to play this Saturday as well when they travel to face the Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium (5pm PT, Paramount+). Winners of their last three of four matches, Portland can clinch a spot in the NWSL Playoffs with a win Saturday on the road.

In the two previous meetings between the teams this season, the Thorns have won both – a 1-0 win away in the NWSL Challenge Cup and a 5-0 victory at Providence Park in May that opened the 2021 regular season.

EA releases FIFA 22 ratings for MLS players

As the global release of EA SPORTS' FIFA 22 nears – Oct. 1 – the game dropped all the ratings for MLS players. You can see the full list here and also check out where the Timbers stack up.

Meanwhile, women's national teams are in the game and the Thorns have a number of players among the top rated in the game as well.

This Week in PTFC History: 2007 Timbers honors

Last week, we shared the story about how the Timbers defeated Vancouver in the 2007 USL First Division playoffs to move on to the semifinals for the first time in modern-franchise history.

This week, on Sept. 20, 2007, the league announced their end of season awards and it was filled with Timbers.

Goalkeeper Josh Wicks took home the USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year Award and joined defender Cameron Knowles and midfielder Andrew Gregor for USL First Division All-League First Team honors. Wicks allowed just 16 goals in 27 matches for a 0.603 goals-against average in 2007 and earned 14 shutouts. Knowles had two goals and an assist that year and was the only player in the league to play every minute of the season. Gregor, a Portland native who also played collegiately at the University of Portland, was tied for third in the league in points (21) on eight goals (tied for fourth) and five assists (tied for fourth). Both Knowles and Gregor would go on to coach with the Timbers in various capacities.

Defender Scot Thompson earned USL First Division All-League Second Team honors as well in 2007. He played in all but one game that year for Portland and added two goals and an assist.