Category: Portland Timbers soccer (Page 2 of 4)
Portland MLS soccer
After all the Coronavirus quarantines the St. Louis Cardinals went through this season, I suppose they earned a break or two. They had only played 5 games when most teams were approaching twenty in this shortened baseball season. The White Sox had no worries about anything contagious, they couldn’t catch anything. The Cardinal hitting was pathetic after all this time off with little dribblers in the infield that the Sox couldn’t handle. If the Sox actually got an out, it was quickly reversed by replay. Apparently, the Pale Hose gift wrapped the double header as a welcome back gift to the Red Birds.
The Cubs, on the other hand, made several spectacular catches against the Brewers. They were however jinxed by the announcers who pointed out that the team hadn’t gotten off to such a winning start since 1907. Two losses to the Brewers later, they were back to their normal selves. I haven’t seen a team strike out more with runners on base than these last two days at Wrigley. Naturally, Christian Yelich single-handedly beat them in Friday’s game with a 3-run homer. Poor relief pitching proved disastrous in yesterday’s match-up. The Cubs can at least even the series today, while the White Sox can only salvage some dignity. The Cubs go on to play both the Cards and Sox next week, perhaps adding to my frustration.
The Portland Trailblazers and Damian Lillard continued their winning ways yesterday by clinching the final playoff seed in the Western Conference. They are one of the hottest bubble teams, and the LeBron Lakers will be in for an unexpected challenge in the first round. There is no home court advantage and no fans as unprecedented times persist in the NBA. The same circumstances allowed the Portland Timbers to prevail in their Orlando bubble. Can a Portland team do it again?
Indy 500 qualifying went off without a hitch yesterday, but Conor Daly couldn’t find the speed he showed in Friday’s practice session. Marco Andretti won the day, while Conor failed to make the “Fast Nine.” It’s fun to watch the second and third generation drivers like these two speedsters. Rossi, Herta, and Rahal also came from famous fathers of the Speedway that were part of my generation. Owners like Andretti, Penske, Rahal/Letterman, Ganassi, Coyne, and Foyt have been familiar names in Indianapolis since I can remember. However, seeing the empty stands for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” was all new to me.
Today’s “Fast Nine” action will determine the coveted Pole for next Sunday’s race. I’m glad there are plenty of live sports on TV to keep me entertained on weekend afternoons. Baseball, hockey, soccer, and racing have all managed to continue their virus-disrupted seasons. College football appears to be the biggest casualty as more and more schools push towards spring. Once winter comes, it may be back to the doldrums of nothing fresh to watch. I’m concerned about the fate of my favorite sport, college basketball. It was hard enough to deal with the loss of the tournament early this year.
The Cubs couldn’t catch a break and the Sox couldn’t catch anything. No one could catch Marco Andretti yesterday. Who will catch the biggest NBA prize? Hopefully, nobody will catch or spread the bug, causing further delays to these competitions that relieve the boredom of self-isolation.
After a restless night, I’ve decided to drink nothing but water today. There were too many sleep interruptions last night by my bladder. I’ve got to make some consumption changes, including Diet Coke and wine. Citrus foods, chocolate, spicy foods, sugar, tomato products, processed meats, aged cheese, and nuts are also recommended foods to avoid. Yesterday, I had two Diet Cokes, two glasses of wine, a banana, a cheeseburger salad with tomatoes, two cookies, half a chocolate turtle, sausage/egg casserole, ice cream, and assorted snacks. With a morning run, I burn most of this off and maintain my weight. However, it’s not exactly a healthy diet – it’s whatever I can get my hands on.
I’ll definitely stay away from alcohol and Diet Coke these next few days. I’ll do some experimentation and see if it results in fewer wake-up calls. Friday, I plan to have a couple of beers at the “Leadership Meeting.” I’m just not that disciplined, but I can start to make some changes. I must have gotten up ten times last night – a new record. Fortunately, I don’t have issues getting back to sleep, but obviously I’m not getting any deep, restful stretches. I’m looking for change.
I was excited for the Portland Timbers’ championship last night and enjoyed the final episode of Perry Mason. The pandemic continues to favor my teams with the White Sox, Cubs, and Trailblazers claiming victory yesterday, in addition to the Timbers. That is a rare day in sports. All that winning should have led to sweet dreams, not an up-and-down nightmare. I’m reading the Luckiest Man, the Lou Gehrig story. This should not be disturbing my sleep, despite the Yankee connection. I haven’t been a Yankees’ fan since childhood and somehow grew to hate them as an adult. To help relieve myself of this silly anger, I’ve explored the life of Mickey Mantle and now Gehrig, who was slightly before my time. Is all this Yankee nonsense upsetting my bladder or is it the food and drink?
Company’s come and gone and we’re back to the boring old routine. My wife has gladly cooked and cleaned for days, showing the love for her two daughters. It’s my turn to cook dinner tonight – an easy cheeseburger salad recipe. Our schnauzer Tally can also rest after five grueling days of bone wars with her doggie niece Falco. A quiet day at home is a well-earned reward for all of us.
Our next daughter adventures will take place in San Francisco just over two weeks from now. A weekend at the Ritz Carlton will start our journey to Florida. All of us will then get together for a pre-Holiday getaway to Kauai. Hopefully, the virus will not interfere with our plans. It’s already gotten in the way too many times this year.
Tonight, the Portland Timbers battle Orlando for the MLS is Back championship, perhaps their first since 2015. Maybe the city will get some positive exposure after all the bad press about the never-ending riots? I enjoyed some of the family games we played these past few days, including jackboxtv.com. It was much more exciting than any of the professional games we tried to watch on TV or “Shark Week.”
Looking back at this past week of activities entertaining company, the time has passed quickly. We’ve done some wine-tasting, sight-seeing, long drives, hikes, dinners, and a picnic. It was the antithesis of stay at home, but a much needed change from isolation. We’ll return to our quiet life together prior to the 2,600-mile cross-country drive next week. There’s plenty of company waiting for us on the road ahead.
The really strange thing about this whole pandemic is that my teams are winning. The last few days, I’ve seen the Cubs, Sox, Pacers, Trailblazers, and Timbers all claim multiple victories. This tells me that life is no longer normal. In the real world, I consistently pick the wrong teams to root for on game day. Could this mean that I.U. will start claiming BIG 10 wins and that the Bears and Colts will play once again in the Super Bowl? It all now seems possible.
The Sox have won 6 straight road games, a feat last equaled in April 2017. Unfortunately in the process, Oregon State alum Nick Madrigal injured his shoulder during a slide. Tim Anderson is also on the disabled list. The Cubs have won five straight and the Trailblazers are making a playoff move with a promising start in the Disney bubble. IU alum Victor Oladipo is beginning to show his old form for the Pacers in their third straight win. These are all signs of the Apocalypse!
Can you imagine an NBA championship between the Pacers and Trailblazers, or a Cubs vs. White Sox World Series? I’m beginning to like these shortened seasons with each game having more significance and no fan interference. T.J. Warren of the Pacers just tied Jermaine O’Neil’s franchise record for the most in a three-game span. These things just don’t happen under normal circumstances. It takes a pandemic to bring out the best in my teams.
Will the magic last? I have my doubts. The Cubs don’t have a closer. Craig Kimbrel failed to preserve a three-run cushion last night and had to be benched by new manager David Ross once again. The Cubbies could easily return to last year’s mediocrity after a 9-2 start. At least they’re staying healthy, unlike the rival St. Louis Cardinals who can’t seem to stay out of the way of the virus. The White Sox are helping the Cubs with a chance to take a 3-game sweep from the Brewers. The Cubs are returning the favor by pounding the Royals. I like this Chicago tag-team approach.
The Portland Timbers are in the soccer final four with a match against Philadelphia tonight that could send them into the finals of the MLS is Back tournament. The bubble approach in sports seems to be working much better than the home fields used in baseball. We’re all hoping that sports can survive outside the bubble, especially football fans that are holding their breath for a chance to start the season.
The Indy 500 will now be held later this month without fans. New track owner Roger Penske reversed his plan to drop the flag in front of a full house. Instead, it will be strictly a television event that will undoubtedly continue in all sports into 2021. Buying a ticket to any event will be a rarity, having a devastating affect on the business. I’m just glad to be a fan and not an owner. Many tough financial decisions have been made this year, with no end in sight. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the rare winning moments of my favorite teams. Fly the W.
Auto Racing and golf were the first professional sports to come back after the pandemic. Fans can at least watch from home now. U.S. soccer is off and running in Orlando. The Portland Timbers won last night against the LA Galaxy. Soon, the Trailblazers will take the court in the Disney bubble, similar to the soccer model. There’s proven success to this “play-and stay-in-one-place” structure with the completion of The Basketball Tournament tonight in Columbus, Ohio. I was not aware that the non-overtime format was designed by Ball State, Indiana professor, Nick Elam. It assigns a target score in the final quarter that determines the winner rather than wear down players with extra time on the clock. Also, on the Hoosier stage, former IU players, Mo Creek and Remy Abell played starring roles.
I like the controlled environments that have been established for the restart of soccer and basketball. It limits exposure to the bug via outside exposure and travel. I’m not sure that baseball will see similar success by utilizing home fields and regional travel schedules. However, life can’t continue to be contained in a bubble. We need to experiment with other formats, otherwise football will never get underway. There will actually be some fans in the stands around Wrigley Field, as across-the-street rooftop seats are apparently being sold for $350.
Football does have the advantage of protective gear like plastic face guards and gloves to limit exposure on the field. If this is effective, expect other sports to adapt at least long pants and sleeves in the future. There will be many new innovations. Travel to and from the parks will still be an issue, although professional teams have private planes and limos. This is not the case for high school and college players. To be determined!
Every sport is now a safety experiment. Fans will have to wait until the results are compiled. Getting near the players and field are not in the near future. They will retreat to the locker rooms before and after games. Athletes will be kept isolated and this will affect their popularity. Autographs will be hard to get and personal appearances will be prohibited. A 2020 player autograph will be extremely rare and valuable. For example, I just received a Topps Now baseball card signed by Kris Bryant of the Cubs. This will become a prized item in my collection.
The original plan was to get to Spring Training and the Cubs vs. Sox game. It was a Friday the 13th in Phoenix when this game was cancelled, as the dreaded bug made its debut. I did get a credit for the tickets, but it has turned out to be a four-month holding pattern. The Chicago crosstown rivalry is scheduled to restart this Sunday in a Summer Camp exhibition game at Wrigley. The condensed 60-game season officially begins next Thursday with the Nats vs. Yankees on ESPN. The NBA restarts the week after. It means more sports on TV – LIVE!
My favorite teams aren’t getting much TV support on the West Coast. Nobody cares about I.U., Indianapolis Colts, or Chicago Bears so I’m forced to follow games on the internet or the NFL Red Zone. I did watch the Ducks beat the Huskies yesterday, while monitoring I.U. versus Maryland on my phone. The football Hoosiers won their fifth game of the season – one away from a bowl invitation. After two straight 5-7 seasons and consecutive Decembers off, a holiday bonus game would be a welcome present. It’s about all I can ever expect from this consistently second division BIG Ten team. Even a major bowl appearance is probably never a realistic possibility.
Rainy weather yesterday turned me into a couch potato, always a grateful role for a home – make that apartment – body like myself. It was rare to see both the Hoosiers and Ducks win at virtually the same time. The Timbers unfortunately were not as lucky as their season came to an end against Salt Lake. I.U. lost their first BIG conference game in four years to Maryland, reminiscent of last year’s trip to Santa Clare and National Championship defeat to these same Terps. College basketball is about to start, but the Hoosiers are expected to finish in the lower half of the conference – just like football. It’s frustrating when the round ball was always a welcome relief to a disappointing pig skin performance. Now, I.U. appears to be marginal in both money sports, with only soccer earning national respect.
It’s the Nationals and Astros in this year’s World Series, certainly not what I expected. The Nats easily swept the Cards, proving once again just how poor the Cubs were this past season. However, it was good to see Cardinal fans humbled. We’ll see how the Cubbies perform next year without the services of Coach Joe Maddon, who will be guiding the Angels. I think perhaps the White Sox will be worth following in the future. My new office is now essentially an equal combination of Sox and Cubs memorabilia. Most of my Cubs merchandise was passed on to my son in Florida, since space did not allow. I’ll be taking some more items to him in a few weeks.
The Hoosiers travel to Nebraska next week, a football team they haven’t beat since 1959. I was 8 years old and don’t remember, but I do recall some thorough thrashings by the Cornhuskers long before they were conference foes. My other team from Indiana, the Colts, are currently prevailing over the Texans in their quest to command the AFC South division. (Colts win 30-23). I’ve been a Colts fan since they were in Baltimore, but somewhere in the transition I began to follow the Bears. It’s rare when the Ducks, Hoosiers, Colts, and Bears win in the same week. It could happen by the end of the day, but the 5-1 Saints stand in the way. That’s next on “Couch Potato” Sunday, as I continue to watch the Red Zone.
P.S, The Chicag Bears (No O) lost to the Saints at Soldier Field. Mitchell Trubisky was truly awful, and their pitiful offense was limited to a kick-off return along with a late touchdown pass, 2-point conversion, and an on-side kick recovery (nearly two) that led to another TD when it mattered little. Defense wasn’t much better, giving up a blocked punt for a safety. It was still 36-18 at the two minute warning and 36-25 with less than a minute remaining, despite their too-little-too-late comeback effort. Final score: Saints 36 Bears 25 (17 rushing yards).
I came back from Florida to a cluttered apartment filled with extra furniture and framed pictures that needed to be hung. We had even utilized an additional storage unit and every space in my car to hold excess items while my wife entertained friends from Indianapolis over the extended weekend. We got together yesterday after going our separate ways, to consolidate, terminate, and eliminate. As a result, our new place is slowly coming together to the point where we’re not stepping over one thing to get to another. Goodwill continues to be the beneficiary.
Today, we’re having our TVs installed by Hook Me Up Solutions, including a new 55″ Samsung Q60 in the living room. I’m writing in the kitchen this morning while they finish work in my office/guest bedroom. I did manage to get my framed Timbers scarf and baseball bat cases hung on the wall before they arrived, but everything else will have to wait until they finish. When all is said and done, it will be but a mini museum of memorabilia, compared to my former room. I’ve got another suitcase full of autographed merchandise to take to my son’s house in Florida over the holidays, adding to what I just delivered to him last week. At least, he doesn’t have to wait until I die to inherit a good portion of my collection. Plus, I can visit it when I go to see my grand kids.
Once I’ve finished setting up my office, I will soon return to the more sedentary retirement existence that I’ve enjoyed these past few years. I continue to be stiff and sore from the past few weeks of constant shuttles between condo and apartment. The Florida break was very welcome, although I did help me son organize and hang the Cubs “crap” that I gave him. He’s a fanatic, having even named his two daughters after former players Gregg Maddox (Maddux Alexander) and Mark Grace (Nora Grace). I did package up some items that hold no interest for him to unload at the baseball card show this weekend. I hope to trade them for smaller items that are more manageable in our limited space. It’s really very gracious of my wife to even allow me to display my stuff, considering that I don’t even have a garage any more. Likewise, my son’s wife showed equal “boys and their toys” patience, although she’s as big of a Cubs fan as he is. I retained most of my White Sox memorabilia, since they were my first baseball love.
I’m only hours away from being officially “Hooked Up,” and once again have access to hours of television entertainment. There hasn’t been much time lately to sit and watch, and these tired bones can certainly use a another relaxing break of doing nothing. I’m glad I have professionals installing the equipment and miles of wires associated with our new system. It’s one less thing for me to do!
One week until my 68th birthday and time to refer back to the 67 goals that I set in anticipation of the occasion. (See Post #642). Here are some of the things I didn’t get done and some related excuses:
- Get my grandkids to Portland (maybe when the Cubs play the Mariners in Seattle)
- St. Louis for a baseball game
- Spring Training game in Arizona or Florida
- IU Basketball Game (tournament season please)
- Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
- Las Vegas weekend to celebrate 18 years of marriage
- Repair Solara and Lexus dents
- Go to a Ducks football game
- See 3 Oregon State baseball games
- Go to a Timbers game
- Write a book
- Visit my sister and friends in Elkhart
- Ski at Steamboat
- At least 5 ski trips to Mt. Hood
- Visit Jessica Fletcher’s House
- San Diego for a baseball game
- Go to a Hops Game
- Attend a high school football game
- Go to my 50th High School Reunion
- See an NFL game
- Go to a high school basketball game
- First class flight upgrade
There were actually 72 items on my initial list, meaning I was able to cross-off 50 – not bad. Of these remaining 22 unfulfilled items, I did at least ski once (not five times) at Mt. Hood and went to two (not 3) Oregon State baseball games, in freezing cold temperatures no less. Plus, we’re headed to Steamboat next week but not to ski, and we’re scheduled to see a Timbers match in just a few weeks. Regrettably, I did not get back to my hometown of Elkhart for my 50th high school reunion or to visit my sister and her family. Nor, did I get my grandkids out here to Portland as I had planned, but I am going out to see them in Florida next month. When the Cubs came to Seattle, we instead flew to Hawaii, so the alternative turned out to be much better. None of the other sports-related activities were time sensitive, and will simply be added to next year’s list. I would also love to go to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series.
I did get some seat upgrades from Alaska Airlines but never got into first-class. We didn’t expect my wife’s daughter to move to San Francisco with her fiance, so there were certainly pleasant surprises like this that changed our West Coast travel plans. However, she now lives very close to Mendocino and Jessica Fletcher’s Blair House and memories of my favorite show, Murder She Wrote. When we were in Arizona, it was a week early for any spring baseball, nor did we get to San Diego or take the time for high school games, the Hillsboro Hops, or Oregon college football. I almost made it to a Yankees game, but a death in the family changed those plans. As it turned out, the game was postponed by rain anyway. We’ll be back in New York in about three weeks, but for Broadway not baseball.
There are still dents in our cars that I continue to procrastinate on getting fixed. I.U. basketball failed to make the NCAA tournament again, so they weren’t worth a trip to see. We will probably not get back to Indiana at all for the holidays this year, without my wife’s mother to visit. The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum in New Castle has been on my list for many years now and looks like it will continue to be. Last year we were able to include St. Louis in our Midwest travels, but a funeral changed everything.
Another year has passed without writing that book I never seem to get accomplished. Maybe this will be the year? Two weddings will top the year’s list of events transpiring before the year 2020 and my 69th birthday. With the sale of our home, there are many things up in the air, including where we’ll be living. We could even be in Florida to celebrate the new year, or maybe elusive Las Vegas? As life settles over the next few months, I’ll try to put together a 68-point plan of goals and dreams, and maybe this time so many won’t go unfulfilled?
I spent some time this past week cleaning out and finishing up some of the poetry starts on my Evernote app. Whenever I get an idea, I store it on my phone and work on it from time to time. There are still hundreds of these snippets on file, and while I wait at the doctors office or have some down time I use them for inspiration. I added three new poems to the blog this week, but have written little about my other activities. I decided this morning to catch you up on my retirement life. Whoever you are?
My wife and I are headed to Hawaii next week, only to return for a day before another trip to New York City. As I result, we’ve packed a lot of errands and activities into this week’s social calendar. Naturally, I had time to watch all the updates available for my favorite television series, including Game of Thrones, The Curse of Oak Island, Billions, Schitt’s Creek, and Fosse and Verdon. It will be several weeks before I get back to them again, since I’ll have more constructive things to do. I also went to the chiropractor, got a new prescription for my glasses, cooked dinner, called my sister, talked with my son, enjoyed C’est Si Bon on date night with my wife, finished our wills, took a financial seminar, did my daily runs, and went skiing. This weekend my wife’s youngest daughter is visiting her sister here in Portland, and they will all go wedding dress shopping. Both daughters are getting married this year. Right now, I’m waiting for my wife to get out of bed so we can take the dogs on their highly anticipated Schnauzerthon. They are restless!
Along with some lighter bedtime reading, I am slowly making my way through, The Girls Who Went Away, the disturbing stories of young expectant women who were forced to give their babies away for adoption. It’s a very emotional book, especially for an adopted child like myself. I will write more about it under the “Diary of An Adoptee” category on this blog. A blood relative suggested that I read it, and I’ve found it to be very eye-opening. I may never know the true story of what my birth mother went through, but I’m sure it’s even worse than what I’ve imagined. There are some heart warming moments when mother and child are finally reunited later in life. Honestly, this is probably not going to happen for me.
On the lighter side, I continue to refer to the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die calendar on my desk. Easter Island; Jerusalem; Jiagsu, China; Northern Ireland; Lhasa’s Potala Palace; Mount Yoshino, Japan; and Seville, Spain are all yet to be personally explored. Only Tuscany and Greece were already crossed off my list. The bottom line is that I’ve really only seen about 20% of the world and will realistically only only visit about 35% in my lifetime. The calendar continues to reference places that I’ve never even thought of visiting.
Sports have been a big part of the week, as the Trailblazers move on to the second round of the Playoffs. Their buzzer-beating victory over the Thunder was one of the most exciting I’ve watched. Also, the Cubs have been playing better baseball, winning three game series against both the Diamondbacks and Dodgers. The White Sox continue to flounder near the bottom of their division. Indiana University baseball moved to the top of the BIG conference and into the National Top 25 polls, but then lost their opener against Minnesota. #2 ranked Oregon State was surprised by Nevada. It was also the week of the NFL draft, with little interest for me. In addition, the Portland Timbers were off to a rocky start before defeating both Columbus and Toronto on the road.
Last but not least, I did finally get to the ski slopes this season. It was a beautiful day on the mountain but the snow was a bit sticky. There were also some icy spots in the shaded ares, and my day started on my butt. The fall didn’t hurt, but I badly scratched my exposed back sliding backwards down the hill. With the spring-like weather, I did not have on the traditional layers of clothing that would have normally protected my skin. The tumble, followed soon after by another slip, also destroyed my confidence, as I struggled to regain any form. It was difficult to turn in the slushy areas and this took a toll on my legs as the day went on. I have to admit that at my age I did consider hanging up my skis, but there were also some moments that will probably get me back on them again next year. My goal is to ski into my seventies, but balance is getting to be more and more of an issue.
I’m ready to leave my comfortable life as a homebody and hit the road. We’re in an area of Maui that we’re very familiar with, so it should be relaxing before the Oregon Auto Dealers Convention begins. I’ll have to attend some dinners, receptions, and seminars reminiscent of my working days, She also has television business in New York the following week, so we’ll go to some Broadway Shows and I have tickets to a Yankees game with a friend’s son. Retirement life is busy…and good, despite a few scrapes.