Chris Rifer
@chrisrifer.bsky.social
Once again retired co-host of Soccer Made in Portland. Author of The Morrison Report. I still like Bruce Springsteen, but now on a new app.
So, for starters, the Dribbly Bois is officially the Timbers’ nickname for 2026. So that’s done.
And this is a great deep analytical dive on how the Timbers shape up for 2026. The defense may be primed for a step back while the attack is…more crowded, but questionably more dynamic. #RCTID
And this is a great deep analytical dive on how the Timbers shape up for 2026. The defense may be primed for a step back while the attack is…more crowded, but questionably more dynamic. #RCTID
Preview time: @mattbarger.bsky.social talks about the dribbly bois in Portland, @beninquiring.bsky.social is a Bradley believer, and @philwest.bsky.social speaks the gospel according to Moose
www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2026/2/...
www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2026/2/...
2026 MLS Previews: Portland, NYRB, Dallas — American Soccer Analysis
Our 2026 MLS Season Previews have started and today we hit Michael Bradley’s new look Red Bulls, the Timbers, and FC Dallas. If you want to support this coverage of the league, you can head to our ...
www.americansocceranalysis.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:26 PM
So, for starters, the Dribbly Bois is officially the Timbers’ nickname for 2026. So that’s done.
And this is a great deep analytical dive on how the Timbers shape up for 2026. The defense may be primed for a step back while the attack is…more crowded, but questionably more dynamic. #RCTID
And this is a great deep analytical dive on how the Timbers shape up for 2026. The defense may be primed for a step back while the attack is…more crowded, but questionably more dynamic. #RCTID
Just finished Rachel Maddow’s Burn Order podcast. What an extraordinary story. Strongly recommend for a listen to a story that is equal parts infuriating and inspiring with profound parallels to today.
February 12, 2026 at 6:04 AM
Just finished Rachel Maddow’s Burn Order podcast. What an extraordinary story. Strongly recommend for a listen to a story that is equal parts infuriating and inspiring with profound parallels to today.
I’ll forever be mystified by MLS entering into a media deal in which it relied more than ever on sickos paying for a bespoke membership and then promptly eliminating everything its sickos liked.
Matt’s MLS content has been indispensable. He’s been more valuable to the league than 99% of its DPs.
Matt’s MLS content has been indispensable. He’s been more valuable to the league than 99% of its DPs.
Fifteen years ago, I got my dream job writing for MLSsoccer. Last week, that came to an end.
I'm off on my own, and it's time to build something new – with a little help from all of you.
tacticsfreezone.ghost.io/an-end-to-my...
I'm off on my own, and it's time to build something new – with a little help from all of you.
tacticsfreezone.ghost.io/an-end-to-my...
February 11, 2026 at 6:33 PM
I’ll forever be mystified by MLS entering into a media deal in which it relied more than ever on sickos paying for a bespoke membership and then promptly eliminating everything its sickos liked.
Matt’s MLS content has been indispensable. He’s been more valuable to the league than 99% of its DPs.
Matt’s MLS content has been indispensable. He’s been more valuable to the league than 99% of its DPs.
Shorter Doyle: The Timbers have a poor coach. #RCTID
Free newsletter: Every MLS team's biggest tactical question for 2026
My first launch on the Ghost ship!
tacticsfreezone.ghost.io/every-mls-te...
My first launch on the Ghost ship!
tacticsfreezone.ghost.io/every-mls-te...
Every MLS team's biggest tactical question for 2026
For some the question is "what are tactics" but we'll dig a little deeper than that.
tacticsfreezone.ghost.io
February 11, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Shorter Doyle: The Timbers have a poor coach. #RCTID
What Dundon’s doing is dirty business—in line with many in this generation of Mr. Potters who have leveraged control of civic institutions to raid public coffers.
But civic institutions are vital and the Blazers are a critical one. We shouldn’t like it, but PDX has to protect the Blazers. #RipCity
But civic institutions are vital and the Blazers are a critical one. We shouldn’t like it, but PDX has to protect the Blazers. #RipCity
Thanks @billoram.bsky.social for scaring the shit out of me this morning.
I hope I’m wrong, but this is why I fear the Trail Blazers could be as good as gone | Bill Oram
Tom Dundon may not necessarily want to move the Trail Blazers, but he strikes me as agnostic to where the team plays.
www.oregonlive.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:50 PM
What Dundon’s doing is dirty business—in line with many in this generation of Mr. Potters who have leveraged control of civic institutions to raid public coffers.
But civic institutions are vital and the Blazers are a critical one. We shouldn’t like it, but PDX has to protect the Blazers. #RipCity
But civic institutions are vital and the Blazers are a critical one. We shouldn’t like it, but PDX has to protect the Blazers. #RipCity
Well, shoot, that was tremendous fun.
February 9, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Well, shoot, that was tremendous fun.
We’ve built an entire discourse around the online left being obnoxious killjoys and, look, it’s not entirely off-base for some. But the *central figures in the Republican Party* have an unquenchable thirst for craning to find any tiny slight in every cultural event to turn it into a grievancefest.
The president is now attacking a US Olympian as a “Loser” and misrepresenting his words for his mild unspecified criticisms about things going on in the US right now.
February 8, 2026 at 7:14 PM
We’ve built an entire discourse around the online left being obnoxious killjoys and, look, it’s not entirely off-base for some. But the *central figures in the Republican Party* have an unquenchable thirst for craning to find any tiny slight in every cultural event to turn it into a grievancefest.
I know both soccer leaders in Portland and nationally have demonstrated indifference toward Portland’s irrelevance in the international soccer scene, but if I was a City leader and saw Portland repeatedly missing out on what should be gimmies like this, I’d be deeply displeased. #RCTID #BAONPDX
the soccer venues for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 are official and they’re … all over the place
late stages (including men’s final on July 28 and women’s final on July 29) will take place at the Rose Bowl but before then, games will be scattered from coast to coast
late stages (including men’s final on July 28 and women’s final on July 29) will take place at the Rose Bowl but before then, games will be scattered from coast to coast
February 3, 2026 at 9:02 PM
The delay hiring a coach is particularly troublesome. Moving on from Gale after an objectively good season was at least seemingly more about ambition than necessity. But ambitions turn self-destructive if you don’t have the capacity to fulfill them. #BAONPDX
Six weeks from the start of the regular season, the Thorns still don’t have a coach, Sam Coffey is off in Manchester and now goalkeeper Bella Bixby has been lost for the season with a knee injury. Peculiar times.
January 31, 2026 at 6:09 PM
The delay hiring a coach is particularly troublesome. Moving on from Gale after an objectively good season was at least seemingly more about ambition than necessity. But ambitions turn self-destructive if you don’t have the capacity to fulfill them. #BAONPDX
I haven’t been following the Epstein files developments today all that closely, but a takeaway from this whole mess is that the reframing of the Me Too movement as liberal tsk-tsking is beyond dumb. It was an overdue, thoroughly deserved reaction to widespread, egregious misconduct by powerful men.
January 30, 2026 at 10:04 PM
I haven’t been following the Epstein files developments today all that closely, but a takeaway from this whole mess is that the reframing of the Me Too movement as liberal tsk-tsking is beyond dumb. It was an overdue, thoroughly deserved reaction to widespread, egregious misconduct by powerful men.
The only reported “rhetoric” that had any proximity to the killing of Alex Pretti was “Are you okay?”
Homan: "I begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop. I said in March -- if the rhetoric doesn't stop, there is gonna be bloodshed. And there has been. I wish I wasn't right. I don't want to see anybody die."
January 29, 2026 at 2:44 PM
The only reported “rhetoric” that had any proximity to the killing of Alex Pretti was “Are you okay?”
Re Bassett, he’s a more attacking player than Ayala, so there’s a stylistic difference. But the Timbers probably lose some defensive bite—putting pressure on Ortiz or Chara. And it’ll be interesting to see how Bassett fits on the field with DDC. Great value on a U22 deal, tho. #RCTID
Better than Ayala?
January 28, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Re Bassett, he’s a more attacking player than Ayala, so there’s a stylistic difference. But the Timbers probably lose some defensive bite—putting pressure on Ortiz or Chara. And it’ll be interesting to see how Bassett fits on the field with DDC. Great value on a U22 deal, tho. #RCTID
Seen some surprise at the Timbers being so high here. The context is that most of this was reinvestment of the Evander funds, so it nets out to some extent. Whether the Timbers reinvested wisely is another discussion. #RCTID
Top ten clubs from Concacaf by spending on transfer fees in 2025, from FIFA's Global Transfer Report, which covers international transfers.
January 28, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Seen some surprise at the Timbers being so high here. The context is that most of this was reinvestment of the Evander funds, so it nets out to some extent. Whether the Timbers reinvested wisely is another discussion. #RCTID
I really, really like this. #RCTID
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: The Portland Timbers are finalizing deal to sign American midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids, per sources.
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Portland Timbers finalizing deal to acquire Cole Bassett: Sources
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:42 AM
I really, really like this. #RCTID
To be clear, this is the sequence of events:
1. DHS agents killed Renee Good.
2. Videos surfaced of DHS agents threatening others with Good’s fate—“didn’t you learn your lesson?”
3. Thousands of Minnesotans protested DHS’s conduct.
4. *The next morning* DHS agents killed Alex Pretti.
1. DHS agents killed Renee Good.
2. Videos surfaced of DHS agents threatening others with Good’s fate—“didn’t you learn your lesson?”
3. Thousands of Minnesotans protested DHS’s conduct.
4. *The next morning* DHS agents killed Alex Pretti.
January 26, 2026 at 5:39 PM
To be clear, this is the sequence of events:
1. DHS agents killed Renee Good.
2. Videos surfaced of DHS agents threatening others with Good’s fate—“didn’t you learn your lesson?”
3. Thousands of Minnesotans protested DHS’s conduct.
4. *The next morning* DHS agents killed Alex Pretti.
1. DHS agents killed Renee Good.
2. Videos surfaced of DHS agents threatening others with Good’s fate—“didn’t you learn your lesson?”
3. Thousands of Minnesotans protested DHS’s conduct.
4. *The next morning* DHS agents killed Alex Pretti.
The most charitable reading of this is that it’s lowkey but ruthless goalkeeper erasure. #RCTID
Phil Neville on Kristoffer Velde's red card: "What we expect of Kristoff is to be the focal point of the team. We want the team to mirror his aggression, his intensity, his willingness to fight. But we also need to keep 10 players on the field." #RCTID
January 23, 2026 at 11:00 PM
The most charitable reading of this is that it’s lowkey but ruthless goalkeeper erasure. #RCTID
It’s been under-discussed how the Timbers pushed a *lot* of chips into the middle last summer…and it really didn’t pay off. Tough spot heading into 2026. #RCTID
MLS announces offseason GAM count for all 30 clubs
GAM is a valuable tool for MLS roster building. Can acquire players/assets, but most used to buy down non-DP salary cap hits to fit under roster rules
GAM is a valuable tool for MLS roster building. Can acquire players/assets, but most used to buy down non-DP salary cap hits to fit under roster rules
January 22, 2026 at 12:00 AM
It’s been under-discussed how the Timbers pushed a *lot* of chips into the middle last summer…and it really didn’t pay off. Tough spot heading into 2026. #RCTID
One thing I wonder about periodically with the enshittification of the Timbers is the effect of selling a minority stake in the club to PE. It’s impossible to know from the outside. And PE clearly doesn’t have a controlling stake. But lots of ways in theory it can affect internal decisions. #RCTID
January 18, 2026 at 7:36 PM
One thing I wonder about periodically with the enshittification of the Timbers is the effect of selling a minority stake in the club to PE. It’s impossible to know from the outside. And PE clearly doesn’t have a controlling stake. But lots of ways in theory it can affect internal decisions. #RCTID
Trump increases prices for US consumers in pursuit of deranged effort to buy giant sheet of ice to which we already have unfettered access.
Trump: "Starting Feb 1, all above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, & Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff. On June 1, it will be increased to 25%. It will be due until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."
January 17, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Trump increases prices for US consumers in pursuit of deranged effort to buy giant sheet of ice to which we already have unfettered access.
By this metaphor, the Timbers’ 2025 season closely mirrors my track career. Competent at the 800; total dumpster fire at the 1500.
"In the first 14 games, there's no need to rest. This season isn't a marathon. It's like an 800M run in the first half and a 1500M in the second half." -Phil Neville #RCTID
January 16, 2026 at 8:56 PM
By this metaphor, the Timbers’ 2025 season closely mirrors my track career. Competent at the 800; total dumpster fire at the 1500.
The Hustleboard is the most Portland element of the Blazers game experience. It’s a truly random collection of stats that we inexplicably add up to create an arbitrary number with no bearing on the game.
Yet it’s survived multiple arena moves and renovations. A wonderful, nonsensical institution.
Yet it’s survived multiple arena moves and renovations. A wonderful, nonsensical institution.
January 16, 2026 at 4:19 AM
The Hustleboard is the most Portland element of the Blazers game experience. It’s a truly random collection of stats that we inexplicably add up to create an arbitrary number with no bearing on the game.
Yet it’s survived multiple arena moves and renovations. A wonderful, nonsensical institution.
Yet it’s survived multiple arena moves and renovations. A wonderful, nonsensical institution.
Just saw the Instagram video of Neville’s “everybody’s saying the same thing today, but what sets us apart is our work, our trust, our attitude, our togetherness, our spirit” speech.
What sets us apart, indeed, is our ability to string every soccer manager cliche into a single sentence. #RCTID
What sets us apart, indeed, is our ability to string every soccer manager cliche into a single sentence. #RCTID
January 13, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Just saw the Instagram video of Neville’s “everybody’s saying the same thing today, but what sets us apart is our work, our trust, our attitude, our togetherness, our spirit” speech.
What sets us apart, indeed, is our ability to string every soccer manager cliche into a single sentence. #RCTID
What sets us apart, indeed, is our ability to string every soccer manager cliche into a single sentence. #RCTID
I won’t say this is the most important factor here, but we’re currently seeing a total cratering in law enforcement professionalism during its interactions with the public. The number of videos we see of law enforcement yelling and cursing at members of the public is truly shocking.
January 9, 2026 at 4:38 PM
I won’t say this is the most important factor here, but we’re currently seeing a total cratering in law enforcement professionalism during its interactions with the public. The number of videos we see of law enforcement yelling and cursing at members of the public is truly shocking.
If they don’t make a significant signing to replace Coffey, I’ll agree. But the obvious assumption is that they’re going to try to do that. Now Agoos has to earn his keep by making an impactful signing to keep what should be a “go for it” year on track. #BAONPDX
It feels like displaced anger at what this does to the team’s chances of being a real contender this year. What you say about how the team handled it is true, but there’s still the negative impact of losing her.
January 9, 2026 at 3:17 PM
If they don’t make a significant signing to replace Coffey, I’ll agree. But the obvious assumption is that they’re going to try to do that. Now Agoos has to earn his keep by making an impactful signing to keep what should be a “go for it” year on track. #BAONPDX