Episodes
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Not goodbye, just see you later
Soccer Made in Portland is coming to an end. At least for now. On this final episode (unless they decide to randomly record again), Chris and Ryan reflect on the last couple of years and the importance of soccer journalism. Before that, though, the business of the day: USWNT wins Olympic gold…
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Chris got married, and lots of soccer stuff
The Timbers’ attack is white hot, and the Thorns’ season has plateaued a bit heading into the Olympic break. On this week’s episode, Chris is back from his wedding and honeymoon to chat with Ryan about all things PTFC, including several games and transfer buzz.
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Timbers in a groove, Thorns get lost in the Current
The Portland Timbers’ turnaround is rolling along, thanks in large part to improved defense and MVP-caliber play from Evander. How can Phil Neville’s squad keep this up? Plus, a look at the brutal 4-1 loss for the Thorns at home vs. Kansas City, breaking down the USWNT Olympic roster, and…
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Wedding planning, red cards, improved defense
The Portland Thorns picked up a pair of clean sheets in a row, and are navigating some red card drama in the process. And the Timbers — four games unbeaten — are back after a break following their 0-0 draw at St. Louis. On this week’s episode, Ryan and Chris discuss wedding planning, frivolous...
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Timbers on the upswing?
The Portland Timbers have won three of five, and in stretches have solved some of their defensive issues. Can they keep that up against better competition, and fully turn this season on its head? Plus, the Thorns are back from the international break and aim to get back on the winning track.
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Thorns add investors, face pivotal matchup with Orlando
The Portland Thorns are growing their investor group, which now includes the billionaire CEO of Columbia Sportswear. What does that mean for the club’s future, the development of a training facility, and perhaps a WNBA team in Portland? This week, Chris and Ryan discuss those major investor...
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Timbers make a wild comeback, Thorns keep the winning streak rolling
Down 2-0 at half on Wednesday night against San Jose, the Portland Timbers appeared to be dead in the water. But with a renewed vigor and some questionable calls, they came all the way back to win, 4-2, and break a nine-match winless streak. On this week’s episode of Soccer Made in Portland,...
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Thorns turn it around, Timbers floundering
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...
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Thorns reassign Mike Norris, 10-man Timbers tie LAFC
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...
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Tale of two halves for the Timbers
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.
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Recapping a rough three weeks for the Timbers and Thorns
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…
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Thorns season preview, Timbers’ dramatic win in NYC
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...
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Germán Berterame rumors heat up, Timbers drop points vs. D.C. United
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...
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Timbers drop DaBella sponsorship, pick up a big win in opener
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…
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Timbers 2024 season preview, Thorns check-in
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…
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Thorns make some moves, Timbers preseason approaches
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...
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Thorns sale finalized, Timbers offseason picks up
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...
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Debriefing the Timbers' and Thorns' offseason so far, plus what needs to happen next
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…
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Thorns post-mortem, Phil Neville’s introductory presser
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…
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EMERGENCY POD: Timbers set to hire Phil Neville
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...
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Previewing the Thorns’ semifinal matchup with Gotham
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…
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Timbers 2023 post-mortem
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...
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Thorns whiff, Timbers have it on a tee
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...
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Timbers teeter, Thorns on the brink of a shield
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.…
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The home stretch is here for the Timbers and Thorns
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...
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Feelin' good on a Thursday
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…
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Timbers’ big win over LAFC, Thorns face Megan Rapinoe and OL Reign
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…
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Timbers show life in Seattle, Thorns slip up in loss to Louisville
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.…
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Thorns in strong form, Timbers and Moreno bounce back
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…
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Gio Savarese fired by the Timbers, a signature win for the Thorns, and special guest Janine Beckie!
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...
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Chris is back to discuss Timbers’ form, Thorns entering home stretch
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…
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Ned Grabavoy talks transfer window, future moves, pizza recipes
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...
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Bill Oram talks Thorns sale update, MLS transfer deadline, World Cup
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...
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Thorns players speak out on turf, Timbers pick up an emotional win
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...
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Thorns drop another one, Santiago Moreno drama continues
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…
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EMERGENCY POD: Santiago Moreno requests a transfer
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...
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Sophia Smith goes nuclear, Timbers sign their center back
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...
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Timbers show who they really are, Thorns say goodbye to World Cup players
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...
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Thorns earn a signature win, MLS lands Lionel Messi
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...
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Morgan Weaver’s ‘scorpion flick,’ the Timbers hit a low point
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...
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When the critics get too critical
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...
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Timbers can turn it around, Thorns in a weird stretch
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…
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Timbers flailing, Thorns seeking better defense
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...
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Bella Bixby is the hero the Thorns needed
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...
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Ryan and Emma found a bird’s nest
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...
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Give Chris a billion dollars, let’s see what happens
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...
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The Portland Thorns have a new forward in the mix for a few months: Canadian international Adriana Leon
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...
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Timbers at a potential turning point, Thorns keep getting better
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…
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The ever-growing chasm between the Thorns and Timbers
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’…
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The Timbers are struggling mightily. What should we expect from them this season?
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?