Portland Timbers News Release - www.portlandtimbers.com

Thursday, April 17, 2008

PORTLAND, OR -- New forward Chris Brown scored a late goal with a one-man advantage to help the Portland Timbers defeated the Puerto Rico Islanders 1-0 in front of 10,977 fans Thursday at PGE Park.

Thursday's attendance is the Timbers' second-largest, home-opening crowd since the club joined the USL First Division in 2001. Portland’s largest home-opening crowd came in 2001, as 12,295 fans witnessed the team's first-ever home match as a member of the USL First Division.

With the win, Timbers extend their unbeaten regular-season streak at PGE Park to 15 matches. The streak started April 21, 2007 when the Timbers defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 at PGE Park to open the 2007 campaign. The last time Portland suffered a loss in a regular-season match was Sept. 7, 2006.

Portland (1-0-0, 3pts) earned a one-man advantage late in the first half as Puerto Rico's Taiwo Atieno was sent off in the 40th minute after a violent collision with Portland defender Justin Thompson.

Brown found his first goal of the season in the 71st minute on a pass from midfielder Tom Poltl. Along the left post from 22 yards out, Brown blasted a shot inside the far post for a 1-0 Portland lead. Portland is now 5-2-1 in home-opening matches since 2001.

In his regular-season debut, Brown, who played for Major League's Real Salt Lake in 2007, took a match-high six shots as the Timbers out-shot the Islanders (0-1-0, 0pts) 10-7.

At even strength, Brown nearly found his first goal of the night in the 15th minute as teammate Andrew Gregor chipped a ball into the box from 25 yards out. Fighting his way through two defenders, Brown got a toe on the ball and punched it just wide of the right post.

Thursday also marked the celebration of long-time Timbers icon Jim Serrill – better known as “TimberJim” - who announced his retirement in January. Serrill was honored at halftime with the presentation of a framed Timbers jersey and a life-time season ticket at PGE Park. The club also unveiled a retirement banner for Serrill which will be placed in the rafters of PGE Park next to the banner for former Timber Clive Charles.

Taking advantage of the new state-of-the-art FieldTurf playing surface at PGE Park, the Timbers have not lost a regular-season match at PGE Park in their last 15 games.

Timbers fans, players and management gave several tributes to Timber Jim, the team's loyal mascot for decades who has decided to hang up his chainsaw. Fans sang "You Are My Sunshine" in honor of TJ late in the match. Players posed with Timber Jim, who delivered a passionate pre-game speech to the team, after the game for a sentimental team photo in front of a spirited Section 107, which houses the most ardent fans in the USL.

Team owner Merritt Paulson, head coach Gavin Wilkinson, play-by-play man Andy McNamara and player Andrew Gregor all took part in a special halftime ceremony to celebrate Timber Jim's tenure with the club. The team presented Timber Jim with a lifetime season ticket, a framed team jersey and unveiled a special chainsaw banner that will hang proudly from the venerable rafters at PGE Park.

Timber Jim's farewell message to the Portland faithful: "Spread the love!"

Notes: The Timbers are now 5-3-0 all-time against Puerto Rico with all five victories coming at PGE Park ... Signed on Wednesday, new midfielder Bryan Little made his Timbers debut against Puerto Rico ... Portland defender Cameron Knowles has now played in his 33rd consecutive match, including the 2007 postseason.