Sam Svilar
@sammich923.bsky.social
He/Him. Says a lot of stuff about a lot of things. Mostly soccer and sports stuff. Blog boy for Stumptown Footy. Still Diego Valeri forever.
https://stumptown-footy.ghost.io/
https://stumptown-footy.ghost.io/
Bummer to go out like this, but the Thornies can hold their heads high and proud. Defied all kinds of expectations, unearthed some genuine young stars, and proved that that Thorns passion and belief is still alive and well.
Future is bright as hell. Bring on 2026. Onward. #BAONPDX
Future is bright as hell. Bring on 2026. Onward. #BAONPDX
November 15, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Bummer to go out like this, but the Thornies can hold their heads high and proud. Defied all kinds of expectations, unearthed some genuine young stars, and proved that that Thorns passion and belief is still alive and well.
Future is bright as hell. Bring on 2026. Onward. #BAONPDX
Future is bright as hell. Bring on 2026. Onward. #BAONPDX
Well dang. Despite getting wholly outplayed, it really took just two individual mistakes in two moments to sink the Thorns. That’s the margin sometimes. #BAONPDX
November 15, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Well dang. Despite getting wholly outplayed, it really took just two individual mistakes in two moments to sink the Thorns. That’s the margin sometimes. #BAONPDX
Thorns have well and truly been under siege for most of the match. Spirit are everywhere.
And yet Portland trails by just a goal. All they need is one moment.
Who wants to be a hero? #BAONPDX
And yet Portland trails by just a goal. All they need is one moment.
Who wants to be a hero? #BAONPDX
November 15, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Thorns have well and truly been under siege for most of the match. Spirit are everywhere.
And yet Portland trails by just a goal. All they need is one moment.
Who wants to be a hero? #BAONPDX
And yet Portland trails by just a goal. All they need is one moment.
Who wants to be a hero? #BAONPDX
Reposted by Sam Svilar
The more straightforward story is that the Timbers schedule was softer in the first half (1.26 PPG opp avg) than in the second (1.45 PPG opp avg), and that they did well against bad teams (1.9 PPG v opps <1.2 PPG) and horrifically against playoff-caliber teams (0.69 PPG v opps >1.5 PPG). #RCTID
Phil Neville describes 2026 as "two seasons":
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 AM
The more straightforward story is that the Timbers schedule was softer in the first half (1.26 PPG opp avg) than in the second (1.45 PPG opp avg), and that they did well against bad teams (1.9 PPG v opps <1.2 PPG) and horrifically against playoff-caliber teams (0.69 PPG v opps >1.5 PPG). #RCTID
This will accomplish a few things, all genuinely making MLS better:
- align with Europe, maximize summer windows
- allow full alignment with intl breaks
- create more opportunities for hilarious MLS moments (Snowbowl IV? Melting in Miami? More thanksgiving games??)
- align with Europe, maximize summer windows
- allow full alignment with intl breaks
- create more opportunities for hilarious MLS moments (Snowbowl IV? Melting in Miami? More thanksgiving games??)
As part of the shift, the 2027–28 MLS regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in May 2028.
MLS will observe a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.
MLS will observe a midwinter break from mid-December through early February, with no league matches scheduled in January.
November 13, 2025 at 9:49 PM
This will accomplish a few things, all genuinely making MLS better:
- align with Europe, maximize summer windows
- allow full alignment with intl breaks
- create more opportunities for hilarious MLS moments (Snowbowl IV? Melting in Miami? More thanksgiving games??)
- align with Europe, maximize summer windows
- allow full alignment with intl breaks
- create more opportunities for hilarious MLS moments (Snowbowl IV? Melting in Miami? More thanksgiving games??)
Reposted by Sam Svilar
BREAKING: Timbers legend Diego Chara is officially coming back for year-16 with Portland. #RCTID
“Really happy talking about the future”
“Really happy talking about the future”
November 13, 2025 at 7:57 PM
BREAKING: Timbers legend Diego Chara is officially coming back for year-16 with Portland. #RCTID
“Really happy talking about the future”
“Really happy talking about the future”
Kristoffer Velde, on his preferred position moving forward: "I'm pretty sure I came in and f***ed up the whole system. I don't Phil [Neville] and Dave [van den Bergh] knew exactly where to put me." Says that he does prefer to play on the left. #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Kristoffer Velde, on his preferred position moving forward: "I'm pretty sure I came in and f***ed up the whole system. I don't Phil [Neville] and Dave [van den Bergh] knew exactly where to put me." Says that he does prefer to play on the left. #RCTID
Neville, on his assessment going into his third year: "I think I'm at the point where I have to deliver. We have to win. The demands I have for myself are the same demands the fans of this football club have for me." #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Neville, on his assessment going into his third year: "I think I'm at the point where I have to deliver. We have to win. The demands I have for myself are the same demands the fans of this football club have for me." #RCTID
Neville describes his team as "A 4-2-3-1 team that wants to score goals and play fast and entertaining football. And we need to be more consistent at that." #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Neville describes his team as "A 4-2-3-1 team that wants to score goals and play fast and entertaining football. And we need to be more consistent at that." #RCTID
Phil Neville describes 2026 as "two seasons":
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Phil Neville describes 2026 as "two seasons":
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
Biggest takeaways from Ned Grabavoy's exit presser:
- Ayala, Mora, Chara, and Pantemis all had 2026 options picked up
- Paredes had option declined, will be departing club
- Da Costa dealt with recurring & limiting shoulder injury since Leagues Cup
- Jona not expected back until July #RCTID
- Ayala, Mora, Chara, and Pantemis all had 2026 options picked up
- Paredes had option declined, will be departing club
- Da Costa dealt with recurring & limiting shoulder injury since Leagues Cup
- Jona not expected back until July #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Biggest takeaways from Ned Grabavoy's exit presser:
- Ayala, Mora, Chara, and Pantemis all had 2026 options picked up
- Paredes had option declined, will be departing club
- Da Costa dealt with recurring & limiting shoulder injury since Leagues Cup
- Jona not expected back until July #RCTID
- Ayala, Mora, Chara, and Pantemis all had 2026 options picked up
- Paredes had option declined, will be departing club
- Da Costa dealt with recurring & limiting shoulder injury since Leagues Cup
- Jona not expected back until July #RCTID
All three of Felipe Mora, James Pantemis, and Diego Chara have had their 2026 options picked up.
One more year for the old guard of Mora and Chara, and Pantemis cements his spot as the number one keeper. #RCTID
One more year for the old guard of Mora and Chara, and Pantemis cements his spot as the number one keeper. #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:20 PM
All three of Felipe Mora, James Pantemis, and Diego Chara have had their 2026 options picked up.
One more year for the old guard of Mora and Chara, and Pantemis cements his spot as the number one keeper. #RCTID
One more year for the old guard of Mora and Chara, and Pantemis cements his spot as the number one keeper. #RCTID
Grabavoy: Cristhian Paredes' contract option has been declined, and that he will be departing the club.
Additionally, both Felipe Carballo and Matias Rojas have had their contract options declined. #RCTID
Additionally, both Felipe Carballo and Matias Rojas have had their contract options declined. #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Grabavoy: Cristhian Paredes' contract option has been declined, and that he will be departing the club.
Additionally, both Felipe Carballo and Matias Rojas have had their contract options declined. #RCTID
Additionally, both Felipe Carballo and Matias Rojas have had their contract options declined. #RCTID
Grabavoy describes Kristoffer Velde as "all in" for next year for the Timbers. Says that they will challenge Velde to take more ownership of the team and take on more of a leadership role with the club in 2026. #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Grabavoy describes Kristoffer Velde as "all in" for next year for the Timbers. Says that they will challenge Velde to take more ownership of the team and take on more of a leadership role with the club in 2026. #RCTID
Reposted by Sam Svilar
Per GM Ned Grabavoy, David Ayala’s contract option has been exercised for 2026, he’ll be a Timber again.
“He does have a market with clubs back in Argentina and elsewhere” #RCTID
2026 will be the final year of his deal unless the club can reach an extension.
“He does have a market with clubs back in Argentina and elsewhere” #RCTID
2026 will be the final year of his deal unless the club can reach an extension.
November 13, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Per GM Ned Grabavoy, David Ayala’s contract option has been exercised for 2026, he’ll be a Timber again.
“He does have a market with clubs back in Argentina and elsewhere” #RCTID
2026 will be the final year of his deal unless the club can reach an extension.
“He does have a market with clubs back in Argentina and elsewhere” #RCTID
2026 will be the final year of his deal unless the club can reach an extension.
On Finn Surman and David Ayala:
- Grabavoy shares that the club has had conversations with Surman's representation about a new contract
- Shares that they will exercise the option in Ayala's contract for 2026, w/discussions for a new one ongoing #RCTID
- Grabavoy shares that the club has had conversations with Surman's representation about a new contract
- Shares that they will exercise the option in Ayala's contract for 2026, w/discussions for a new one ongoing #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:10 PM
On Finn Surman and David Ayala:
- Grabavoy shares that the club has had conversations with Surman's representation about a new contract
- Shares that they will exercise the option in Ayala's contract for 2026, w/discussions for a new one ongoing #RCTID
- Grabavoy shares that the club has had conversations with Surman's representation about a new contract
- Shares that they will exercise the option in Ayala's contract for 2026, w/discussions for a new one ongoing #RCTID
Reposted by Sam Svilar
Timbers GM Ned Grabavoy on Phil Neville’s status as head coach #RCTID
“Confident in Phil, no questions whatsoever… Phil is the right person to lead this team.”
“With Phil and myself we have alignment”
“Confident in Phil, no questions whatsoever… Phil is the right person to lead this team.”
“With Phil and myself we have alignment”
November 13, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Timbers GM Ned Grabavoy on Phil Neville’s status as head coach #RCTID
“Confident in Phil, no questions whatsoever… Phil is the right person to lead this team.”
“With Phil and myself we have alignment”
“Confident in Phil, no questions whatsoever… Phil is the right person to lead this team.”
“With Phil and myself we have alignment”
Ned, on Phil Neville as HC: "No doubt in my mind bout Phil." Says that "he's our guy" for next season, and also that he is "as bullish as he has been" about the roster going into 2026 #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Ned, on Phil Neville as HC: "No doubt in my mind bout Phil." Says that "he's our guy" for next season, and also that he is "as bullish as he has been" about the roster going into 2026 #RCTID
Grabavoy also shares that David Da Costa has been dealing with a recurring shoulder injury he suffered during the Leagues Cup, and managing the pain with that throughout the entire season.
Shares that Da Costa should be having surgery on his shoulder next week. #RCTID
Shares that Da Costa should be having surgery on his shoulder next week. #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Grabavoy also shares that David Da Costa has been dealing with a recurring shoulder injury he suffered during the Leagues Cup, and managing the pain with that throughout the entire season.
Shares that Da Costa should be having surgery on his shoulder next week. #RCTID
Shares that Da Costa should be having surgery on his shoulder next week. #RCTID
Ned Grabavoy, at the postseason exit presser, shares that the team is "Trending towards a 2 DP/4 U-22 model" next season. Says they have time to make a decision on Jonathan Rodriguez, whose rehab could last until July 2026. #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Ned Grabavoy, at the postseason exit presser, shares that the team is "Trending towards a 2 DP/4 U-22 model" next season. Says they have time to make a decision on Jonathan Rodriguez, whose rehab could last until July 2026. #RCTID
Timbers will come out with their roster designations likely this week, but it seems GK Max Crepeau’s time with Portland has come to an end.
“Thank you Portland, onto the next chapter.”
📷 (mcrepeau/IG)
“Thank you Portland, onto the next chapter.”
📷 (mcrepeau/IG)
November 10, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Phil postgame: "The margins to improve need to be greater... I've felt it for the past two months. There needs to be massive improvements in everything we do." #RCTID
November 10, 2025 at 4:21 AM
Phil postgame: "The margins to improve need to be greater... I've felt it for the past two months. There needs to be massive improvements in everything we do." #RCTID
Y’know, there’s something morbidly poetic about the Timbers both starting and ending their 2025 season by conceding four goals and getting a defender sent off. Really bookends the whole thing. #RCTID
November 10, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Y’know, there’s something morbidly poetic about the Timbers both starting and ending their 2025 season by conceding four goals and getting a defender sent off. Really bookends the whole thing. #RCTID
The most disappointing part of this isn’t the loss (I kinda always suspected it) but the way it happened.
Portland hasn’t shown nearly any of that grit and determination they showed last week. Going out meekly and big sad. #RCTID
Portland hasn’t shown nearly any of that grit and determination they showed last week. Going out meekly and big sad. #RCTID
November 10, 2025 at 3:38 AM
The most disappointing part of this isn’t the loss (I kinda always suspected it) but the way it happened.
Portland hasn’t shown nearly any of that grit and determination they showed last week. Going out meekly and big sad. #RCTID
Portland hasn’t shown nearly any of that grit and determination they showed last week. Going out meekly and big sad. #RCTID
That’s risk of committing bodies and pressing high and hard as hell - you can get gutted right down the middle just like that. Varas and San Diego did their homework after last week. #RCTID
November 10, 2025 at 2:20 AM
That’s risk of committing bodies and pressing high and hard as hell - you can get gutted right down the middle just like that. Varas and San Diego did their homework after last week. #RCTID