John Spencer, Timbers head coach
Overall on game …
I think for us, the big positive this week, I don’t think the best team won the game. But at the end of the day, they scored two goals and that’s what matters.
On play of Jake Gleeson in his MLS debut …
I think he did fantastic. He didn’t do anything that I didn’t expect him to do. I think he’s a fantastic young goalkeeper that could possibly go on to play at the highest of levels. That’s how well we rate him and how high we think he should go in his future.
Jack Jewsbury, Timbers captain, midfielder
Overall on game …
I think for the majority of the game, we pushed the game to them. Again, just a few mistakes on our part and they capitalized on them. We need to make sure that we try to sure those things up but at the same time I think if we bring that fight and that energy like we did tonight we will be on the other end as well.
On improvement from last week …
Absolutely, I think last week it was kind of a tale of two halves. I think if you look at the way things went tonight you wouldn’t say the same thing. Definitely there was some positives to draw for us, but at the end of the day, it is a results-oriented business and we definitely have to try to get some points while we are on the road.
Kenny Cooper, Timbers forward
Overall on game …
Well, I think we had good possession and pressed them well, but unfortunately, they took their chances and we didn’t. Definitely, it’s a disappointing result. We haven’t got off to the best start but it’s a good group of guys with great character. We really got to roll our sleeves up and get that first win.
On playing on the road to start the season …
Well, even though we haven’t had our home opener we have had an opportunity to play two home openers in Colorado and Toronto in front of a lot of fans and great support. As a player, I think we all crave to be in that type of atmosphere. I think we are all looking forward to our home opener but that’s not here yet, and we have to go on the road again and hopefully get that first win.
Aron Winter, Toronto FC head coach
On the two goals scored by Martina …
It was great, especially for him, because he came overseas and he’s a good player. And always, your first game, for your own fans at home to make two goals but the second goal was beautiful. It was also very good from Stefan that he saw at that moment that he was one against one, which he gave him the ball, and he finished it very well. It was a great goal, the second.
On the play of Portland …
They were good. They made it, especially in the first half, difficult because those two strikers gave a good impression up front.
Notes:
- The Timbers featured the same starting lineup against Toronto FC that took the field in the club’s season opener last weekend against the Colorado Rapids.
- Martina’s 14th-minute goal marked the second straight match in which the Timbers have allowed a goal in the opening 15 minutes of a contest.
- Entering the match, Cooper had scored six goals in four career games against Toronto FC. He was held in check against Toronto FC for just the second time in his career Saturday, with the previous time coming in a meeting between FC Dallas and Toronto FC in April 2009.
- Along with Jake Gleeson, two others made their season debuts for the Timbers – midfielder Sal Zizzo and forward Brian Umony both came on as subs in the second half.
- Gleeson recorded his first MLS save in the 49th minute, turning away a shot from the top of the box by Santos, who scored last weekend against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
- Timbers defender Futty Danso was unavailable for Saturday’s contest while away with The Gambia National Team, preparing for a friendly against Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, March 29.
- Toronto FC forward Alan Gordon started in his club debut Saturday. He played his rookie season with the Timbers’ second-division club in 2004, scoring 17 goals and claiming the USL A-League Rookie of the Year award that season. Another Northwest connection for Toronto FC, starting central defender Ty Harden is a native of Junction City, Ore.
- Portland defender Kevin Goldthwaite played nine games for Toronto FC during the 2007 season. Saturday marked his fourth game against this former club since his departure.
- For the second straight game, the Timbers wore their all-green kits.
- Midfielder Peter Lowry was booked with the first caution for the MLS Timbers. He was carded following a tackle at midfield.
