The Rob Gale era is off to a brilliant start for the Portland Thorns, winners of four straight and regaining confidence amid an imperfect stretch. Has Portland’s interim manager found the right mix? On this week’s episode, Chris and Ryan break down what has worked well for the Thorns in their winning streak, and examine Gale’s influence. Plus, chec…

Big move on the coaching front: the Portland Thorns are moving Mike Norris into the front office and Rob Gale into the interim coach role. How will the global search for a permanent gaffer play out?On this week’s episode, Chris and Ryan discuss the Thorns’ move, and look back on a compelling contest for the Timbers vs. LAFC. Learn more about your a…

It’s been a trend all season: one good half, one rough half for the Portland Timbers. Saturday’s 3-3 draw with SKC was a nice turnaround, but how can Portland put together a complete performance? Chris Rifer and Ryan Clarke break it down on this week’s Soccer Made in Portland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Ever since Soccer Made in Portland co-host Ryan Clarke left for a vacation to South Korea and Japan, it’s been rough sailing for the Portland Timbers and Thorns. This begs the question: is it his fault? On this week’s episode, Ryan returns to join co-host Chris Rifer in reflecting on three straight losses for the Timbers, and evaluating a Thorns te…

It’s officially Thorns o’clock, Rose City. The Portland Thorns open their season on Saturday at the KC Current. This week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland has a full season preview. Plus, co-hosts Ryan Clarke and Chris Rifer recap last weekend’s dramatic 2-1 victory for the Timbers over NYCFC thanks to some guy named Evander Golazo. Learn more …

Is silly season extending into the actual season? The Portland Timbers are reportedly hot on the trail of Argentine striker Germán Berterame with a $15 million bid, but is the deal going to get done? And what of the apparent other option, Jonathan “Cabecita” Rodríguez? On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, co-hosts Ryan Clarke and Chri…

The Phil Neville era with the Portland Timbers is off to a great start on the field. A 4-1 win over the Colorado Rapids in the opener showed plenty of quality, but can the Timbers bottle that up and keep it rolling against D.C. United in game two? On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, an Oregonian Sports podcast, Ryan Clarke and Chris …

It’s getting real, folks. The Portland Timbers’ 2024 season starts next week, and Soccer Made in Portland has you covered with all the latest ahead of Portland’s Feb. 24 season-opener at home against the Colorado Rapids. Plus, co-hosts Chris Rifer and Ryan Clarke discuss the latest transactions for the Portland Thorns, projecting out an impressive …

The Portland Thorns re-signed veteran contributors, traded away a fan favorite, and are reportedly bringing in a newcomer for a major fee. The offseason is offseason-ing! On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, an Oregonian Sports podcast, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ moves, plus where things stand for the Timbers ahead of Saturday…

The Portland Thorns have been sold to the Bhathal family. The Portland Timbers have made their first big move of the offseason, bringing in a new center back. And winter rolls along as PTFC enters a new era in 2024. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris break down the latest news for the Thorns and Timbers, and chart the…

The Portland Thorns and Timbers are in the midst of two crucial offseasons. But what all has happened so far, and what more needs to happen for both teams to contend in 2024? On a holiday episode of Soccer Made in Portland, an Oregonian Sports podcast, Chris Rifer and Ryan Clarke examine the moves made by both Portland teams and discuss the potenti…

The Portland Thorns will not play for the NWSL championship in 2023 following a 1-0 loss to Gotham FC in the NWSL semis. After an up-and-down season, they face an uncertain offseason with the team’s sale looming and plenty of crucial roster moves to be made. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, an Oregonian Sports podcast, Chris and R…

The Portland Timbers are in the final stages of hiring Phil Neville as their next head coach. In an emergency episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris Rifer and Ryan Clarke discuss the merits of the hire, how the Portland soccer community has reacted, and where the club finds itself ahead of the official announcement. And, much to the disappointme…

The Portland Thorns’ road ahead is simple: win a home game vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday, and you’re in the championship match in San Diego the following week. But the task itself is far from simple, as Gotham comes in playing lights-out footy and the Thorns have been off for three weeks reflecting on a rough loss to finish off the regular season. …

Decision Day didn’t go as planned for the Portland Timbers, who are out of the postseason for the second consecutive year. Where does the club go from here, with general manager Ned Grabavoy eyeing plenty of change ahead in the offseason?This week on Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan look back at what went wrong in 2023 for the Timbers, but p…

The Portland Thorns lost out on yet another shield on the final day of the regular season. Are they going to turn it around come playoff time and capture a second consecutive NWSL title?And with a win-and-they’re-in scenario ahead of the Portland Timbers against Houston, how could it all play out in a messy Western Conference?This week on Soccer Ma…

The Portland Thorns are a win away from capturing another NWSL shield, heading down to Los Angeles for the final match of the regular season against Angel City FC. The Portland Timbers faltered in Montreal, but their postseason hopes remain alive with one match left against Houston on Oct. 21. This week on Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan lo…

The Portland Timbers and Thorns each have two matches left in the regular season, and both are in the playoff hunt. It’s exciting times in the Rose City as October arrives. This week on Soccer Made in Portland, special guest co-host Alex Barnes of Stumptown Footy joins the show to discuss the Timbers’ recent form and potentially dynasty-altering mo…

Fall is here, and with it comes good fortune for the Portland Timbers and Thorns. The Timbers have won three in a row and are 4-1-1 under interim coach Miles Joseph, surging back into the playoff picture. The Thorns, meanwhile, are back atop the NWSL standings after dispatching Megan Rapinoe and OL Reign, 2-0, with just three matches remaining. Coz…

The Portland Thorns have one of their biggest matches of the season Saturday as Megan Rapinoe and OL Reign come to town. The Portland Timbers aim to build on an impressive 2-0 win over LAFC with a strong result on the road at Austin FC on Sunday, and they will be missing Diego Chará. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan…

The NWSL season is getting down to the final stretch, and the Portland Thorns hope to leave a bad performance in Louisville behind them. The Portland Timbers, meanwhile, just want to put together a full 90 minutes of quality play. The final 45 against Seattle over the weekend need to be bottled. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ch…

The Portland Thorns can breathe a sigh of relief with Sophia Smith’s injury not as serious as some feared. And the Portland Timbers can do the same after a much-needed win and bounce back performance for Santiago Moreno. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan discuss how tactical shifts have solidified the Thorns ahead of…

It has been a rollercoaster of emotions in 48 hours for fans of the Portland Timbers and Thorns. The Timbers got trounced in Houston; the Thorns pulled out a signature, 2-1 win over North Carolina despite being down a player for nearly the entire match; and coach Giovanni Savarese and the Timbers parted ways. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made i…

It wasn’t just the Portland Timbers and Thorns who took some time off: Soccer Made in Portland co-host Chris Rifer did, too. Although he was running, eating and sipping his way through Italy. A familiar experience for co-host Ryan Clarke, save for the running. On this week’s episode, Chris and Ryan examine what can be gleaned from the Timbers’ form…

The Portland Timbers added three new faces in the summer transfer window: defender Miguel Araujo, midfielder Bryan Acosta, and winger Antony. Now, the club is looking to the future with an eye on building out the roster even further with a lot of potential moving parts. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, host Ryan Clarke sits down w…

The Portland Thorns shared an update on their forthcoming sale, the Portland Timbers advanced in Leagues Cup, and the USWNT continues to underwhelm on the World Cup stage. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Oregonian sports columnist and noted visitor of local libraries Bill Oram joins the show. Oram and Ryan Clarke discuss what we …

The Portland Timbers honored Diego Valeri with an emotional, rollercoaster win over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. And with no games on the docket last week, the Portland Thorns are speaking out about training conditions and calling for a switch to grass at Providence Park along with their own training facility. On this week’s episode of Soccer Mad…

The Portland Thorns are on a two-game losing skid without their World Cup participants. The Portland Timbers are struggling to climb back into the playoff picture, and the status of Santiago Moreno after a transfer request remains uncertain. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan break down the Thorns’ loss to Gotham and …

The Portland Timbers face a crossroads in their season: midfielder Santiago Moreno has requested a transfer. On this week’s emergency episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan make siren noises and discuss what Moreno’s request means for the Timbers — and coach Giovanni Savarese — moving forward. Are there culture issues bubbling over with…

What a World Cup sendoff that was for Portland Thorns star Sophia Smith. A hat trick for the reigning NWSL MVP propelled Portland to a 4-2 win over the Washington Spirit last weekend, and now the Thorns press on without Smith and five other World Cup participants. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan discuss Smith’s dom…

The Portland Timbers are who we thought they were. At least that’s how Soccer Made in Portland co-host Chris Rifer sees it. On this week’s episode, Rifer and Ryan Clarke discuss the Timbers’ sputtering loss to the Chicago Fire and diagnose the myriad issues facing a team that sits outside the MLS Cup playoff picture. Before that, though, plenty to …

The Portland Thorns earned their biggest win of the season, 2-0 over OL Reign on Saturday in Seattle. The Timbers, meanwhile, played in one of the least interesting games of the season, a 0-0 draw with the Sounders. But, hey! Look! It’s Lionel Messi! On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ statement vic…

The Portland Thorns got a big win in the NWSL Challenge Cup on Wednesday thanks to a clutch goal from Morgan Weaver. The Portland Timbers, meanwhile, hit a low point (so far) in what has been a difficult season, falling 4-1 on Sunday against Sporting Kansas City. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris break down a crucial…

The Portland Timbers are near the bottom of MLS in points per game. The Portland Thorns broke out of their rut with a vengeance, beating Chicago 4-0 on Sunday ahead of a crucial matchup with San Diego on Friday. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris and Ryan discuss whether the “critics” are being too critical of the Timbers, and…

The Portland Timbers got two positive results and might be changing their fortunes thanks to Evander’s brilliance. The Portland Thorns, meanwhile, are lacking confidence and on three-game winless skid. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss what it’s going to take for this positive regular-season stretch to be con…

On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Chris lays it all out as plainly as he can: it was a rough week for a Timbers team that has yet to prove itself and sits on the playoff fringe. Plus, Chris and Ryan discuss the recent defensive issues for the Thorns. And is Sophia Smith somehow becoming even more dominant? Learn more about your ad …

The Portland Timbers may be turning a corner despite continually dealing with injuries, and the Portland Thorns remain undefeated despite some imperfect performances as of late. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris break down the Timbers’ win over St. Louis, examine what can be gleaned from Sportico’s $685 million valua…

The Portland Timbers are moving on in the U.S. Open Cup, but the jury is still out on this team after a tough regular-season loss to FC Cincinnati despite better form. On the other side, the Thorns are rolling and remain undefeated. Do the champs have any flaws? On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss meeting each …

The Portland Timbers throttled rival Seattle 4-1 on Saturday, a moment that could serve as a catalyst for a much-needed turnaround. The Thorns, meanwhile, are taking plenty of shots but not converting as many as they’d like. But no need to worry about the defending NWSL champs yet. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan returns fro…

The Portland Thorns have a new forward in the mix for a few months: Canadian international Adriana Leon. The rich are getting richer, and they’re back on the field Friday against Houston after a nearly two-week international break. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss what to expect from Leon while she remains o…

Sophia Smith is a supernova for the Portland Thorns. Why isn’t she getting the recognition she deserves on the national stage? Will this World Cup be her breakthrough as an international sports icon? On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ convincing 4-1 win over Kansas City, and the Franck Boli-led Timb…

The Portland Thorns are already rolling, fresh off a 4-0 win over Orlando in the opener. Can they be stopped? Conversely, can the Timbers regain their confidence in the midst of injury and uninspired play? On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss the Thorns’ dominant win and the Timbers’ brutal 0-0 draw vs. the LA Ga…

On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris discuss what to expect from this Thorns season, plus they recap the Timbers’ struggles. Are they backsliding to the middle tier of MLS? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Oregonian/OregonLive

It’s all systems go for the Thorns. Meanwhile, the Timbers are almost more injured than healthy. On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris talk about the Thorns brilliant form and the already doomsday-like feeling around the Timbers. Slap on some headphones and go on a walk and catch up with all things soccer. Timestamps: (0:…

The Portland Thorns have a new kit, and it’s making waves with fans for its — bold — style. But hey, at least it’s not boring. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan and Chris debate the controversial kit, preview the upcoming Thorns preseason tournament, and recap the Timbers’ recent game against LAFC. Timestamps: (0:00 - 5:45) Ry…

Ryan’s in Italy, so this week’s Soccer Made in Portland is a crossover episode with the Sports by Northwest podcast. Bill Oram joins Chris Rifer to share some of his mind-blowing wisdom about all things soccer. On the roster: Bill and Chris discuss Bill’s pun game, how Chauncey Billups is doing so far as coach of the Blazers, the Timbers home opene…

The MLS season is quickly approaching, and the Portland Timbers have new faces chasing the same old goal: Raising the cup. On the latest episode of Soccer Made in Portland, Ryan Clarke and Chris Rifer go deep on the season to come. They hit on the Evander signing, Bill Tuiloma’s trade and much more. On the first half of the show, Ryan interviewed h…

The Portland Thorns are back from Bend, and the 2023 preseason is well underway. On the docket: trying to pick up the pieces after Rhian Wilkinson’s resignation, navigating the team’s sale after a flurry of off-field scandals, and repeat as NWSL champions. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland, new Thorns coach Mike Norris joins the sho…

The Portland Timbers have redemption on the mind entering 2023 after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. At the helm of the club’s soccer operations is Ned Grabavoy, a longtime MLS player turned essential member of the PTFC front office. Grabavoy brought the club-record Evander signing over the line in December, but it’s otherwise b…

The Portland Timbers and Thorns front office has a new leader: former general counsel Heather Davis. Davis makes history as the club’s first female CEO and the fifth woman leading a MLS front office, and she comes into the job with plenty of challenges after 16 consecutive months of scandal for PTFC. She will preside over the business and operation…