The Stumptown Footy crew breaks down the Deyna Castellanos signing and how she’ll fit in on the team. They also review the offseason and whether it has been good enough to move the team forward. Where will the team finish in 2025? Phuoc, Wilder, and Melina make their predictions. Don’t miss out on the few teases Phuoc drops towards the end of the episode as well as his phone is going off at times. Wilder brings her trademark optimism, but also a realistic outlook. Melina had her matcha and was r...
Jan 30, 2025•37 min
The Timbers are in offseason mode, a new left back is on his way, nobody knows where Evander is, and Portland is back in U.S. Open Cup. There’s a lot to talk about, and Sam, Alex, Luukas, and returning champion Jeremy Perterman did a lot of talking about it. What do you get when you combine Sam “And Now My Intro is Over” Svilar, Alex “Soiled the Party” Barnes, Luukas “Nedward” Ojala, and Jeremy “I love Homecomings” Peterman? 70 minutes of soccer shenanigans, baby. This is a public episode. If yo...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 10 min
The Timbers preseason is revving up, and we have some bona fide comments from players and coaches to parse through. Sam, Alex, Luukas, and Phuoc have their say about Portland’s preseason priorities, new and expected signings, and of course the ongoing Evander saga. Listen on to hear: Sam’s Wes Anderson movie reference, Luukas making everyone feel old, Phuoc making everyone frustrated at Portland’s outgoing transfer strategy, and Alex’s call for preparation for the fanbase. This is a public episo...
Jan 22, 2025•59 min
The Stumptown Footy crew is back to discuss the new hiring of Jeff Agoos and his introductory presser where he shared quite a few updates. Don’t miss out on Phuoc still trying to decide what pronunciation of ‘Agoos’ that he will be moving forward with, Melina’s remaining questions, and Wilder’s optimistic view ahead for the club. For the 2025 season, we will have even more interviews with players, coaches, and staff. Who would you like us to bring on? What are the biggest priorities right now fo...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min
The STF Thorns gang is back, and we’ve got a lot to process. Thorns are leaving town left and right — what does it all mean? Are the Thorns in better or worse shape than before? How are we all processing some emotional farewells? Sam, Phuoc, Melina, and Wilder talk through it all. Then, we share our New Year’s Resolutions for the Portland Thorns. What do we wish for the Thorns in 2025? Listen on to find out! Plus: Wilder is still somehow optimistic, Melina is still justifiably critical, Sam is s...
Jan 06, 2025•50 min
Happy New Year! Sam, Alex, and Luukas kick 2025 off with an episode chatting about all the recent Timbers news. A new winger is in town, there’s more links to forwards, and it’s the 50th anniversary of this weird, wonderful club — and the gang is here to break it down. Sam’s transitions are even better. Luukas’ stats are even more insightful. Alex’s preseason excitement is incredulously even higher. New year, same old us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscri...
Jan 04, 2025•41 min
In a Christmas Day special, the Merseyside Boys ride again to talk about the Portland Timbers. Rumored signings, some GAM talk, SuperDraft chat, and schedule analysis — this episode really is an MLS Sickos dream. Featuring: perhaps Sam’s worst opening of all-time, and Alex’s thumbs-down to future references. * Note: if it wasn’t obvious, this podcast was recorded before the Timbers signed Ariel Lassiter — which you can read about here! On behalf of everyone at Stumptown Footy, we wish you a Happ...
Dec 25, 2024•47 min
Becky Sauerbrunn is hanging them up, so of course we had to chat about it. Sam and Wilder reflect on her legacy, what it means for the Thorns offseason, and then touch on the newest rumored NWSL expansion team. Then, Sam, Phuoc, and Melina dive into what the Thorns are losing with Sauerbrunn departing. They also chat about what other key signings Portland needs to make this winter. All that and more in this episode, including: Sam’s summation of Denver soccer stadiums, Wilder’s reflection on alt...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min
The Stumptown gang dives back into the mailbag to answer more of your questions — this time all about the Portland Thorns! Phuoc, Wilder and Sam work through questions related to the critical and uncertain offseason for the Thorns, and the years beyond. What needs to happen for next season to be an improvement for the Thorns? Who should be the head coach? What is the future of Soph Smith and Sam Coffey? What needs to happen for the USWNT to return to Portland? Listen to find out! Featuring: Wild...
Nov 28, 2024•57 min
In honor of many of us traveling for the holidays, Sam, Alex, and Jeremy united to answer some of your questions about the Portland Timbers! Huge thank you to everyone who submitted Q’s on Substack and Blueskey. What do the Timbers do next if (when?) Evander leaves? Who else on the roster might go? What are some potential transfers the Timbers might target, and why is Jeremy so hyped up about one of them? Listen on to find out! Plus: Alex’s “Extremely Unpopular Tiers of Potentially Departing Tim...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr 8 min
A month removed from their season reaching a very unceremonious end, the gang dives into the dead body that is the Portland Timbers’ 2024 season. Sam, Luukas, and Phuoc all grab their instruments and perform an autopsy: what went well, what didn’t and how do we feel about the year as a whole. The vibes steadily deteriorate as we go along. Featuring: Luukas’ interview for technical director, Phuoc’s verdict on the ceiling of the Timbers, and Sam’s depressing Timbers parallelisms. This is a public...
Nov 26, 2024•58 min
The Merseyside Boys return! Sam and Alex hop on the microphones to check in with the Portland Timbers, and the “cold war” that’s been simmering between the club and Evander. The boys get deep into it and take a side (!), and then move on to preview some of the upcoming MLS trade and transfer windows and how Portland could be active. How should the Timbers should handle Evander? How big of an offseason is this for Ned Grabavoy and company? Which players are likely to leave this offseason? What ma...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr
And just like that, professional soccer is over for the city of Portland for the year. The Portland Thorns 2024 season ended at the hands of Gotham FC in the NWSL Playoffs. What happened? Where do they go from here? Phuoc, Sam, Wilder, and Melina all got together to break down the game and talk about the high-stakes offseason that is to come. Featuring: Melina’s sad trombone, Wilder’s spicy anger, Sam’s sad relief, and Phuoc’s patience finally running out. This is a public episode. If you'd like...
Nov 15, 2024•53 min
Christine Sinclair celebrated her (likely) final game in Portland in style, leading the Thorns to a 3-0 win that clinched the playoffs in front of a raucous — and soaked — Providence Park. Phuoc, Sam, and Wilder hopped on the microphones to break it down and reflect on the latest magical night in Soccer City, USA. Then, the gang previews Portland’s playoff match against Gotham FC. Do the Thorns stand a chance against the NWSL super team? What needs to happen for them to swing an upset? Listen on...
Nov 09, 2024•45 min
Welcome to Stumptown Radio, the only full time Portland Thorns podcast in the world. It has been an honor for us to have been your weekly voices this season. This episode is all about the greatest of all time, Christine 🐐 Sinclair. Melina Gaspar, Wilder Isom, and I go over what to expect from the club for the celebration, how much impact she made as a player on and off the pitch, and everything she means to the Rose City. BUILD THE STATUE! Show your appreciation to the 🐐 by leaving a wonderful...
Nov 01, 2024•32 min
In an episode that might feel like a second child to you, the Portland Timbers 2024 season is officially done — and it couldn’t go without one last piece of drama, right? After a wild opening three minutes, Sam, Alex, and Phuoc dive into those Evander tweets, the fallout, and the response from Ned Grabavoy and Phil Neville. Then the gang breaks down the rest of the highlights from the 2024 season exit interviews from the gaffer and GM, including responsibility for the failure of this season, pot...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Welcome to Stumptown Radio! On this episode, Melina, Wilder, and Phuoc breakdown the Portland Thorns road loss at Racing Louisville. We talk about the starting XI, defense, and Rob Gale’s postgame presser. Former Thorn, Janine Beckie provided the game-winning assist to Taylor Flint who has scored 6 of her 13 career goals against Portland. Portland, Bay, and Louisville are all vying for the final playoff spots. The Thorns can finish anywhere from sixth to completely out of the playoffs at ninth. ...
Oct 27, 2024•53 min
The Timbers season is over. And my goodness did it end with an absolute thud. After a 5-0 loss at home to the Whitecaps in the Wild Card Round, the boys hopped on the microphone to share their immediate reactions and thoughts. Alex is shellshocked. Jeremy is incensed. Phuoc is perplexed. Sam is just tired. The trash is taken out — both proverbially and literally. But we did it anyway. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epi...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min
The Portland Timbers won the Cascadia Cup! And now they’re hosting a playoff game! That they shouldn’t be! But who cares! Sam, Alex, Jeremy, and Luukas take to the microphones to recap the draw in Seattle, extrapolate on Portland’s attacking woes, and set the table for the Wild Card Round. Plus: Alex’s mantra of “Shoot. The. Ball”, Luukas’ mantra of “Go. To. The. Game.”, Jeremy setting the Emerald City ablaze, and Sam absolutely nailing his outro. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discu...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min
The Merseyside Boys, a West Midlands Mate, and a London Lad sit down to preview the Portland Timbers Decision Day Derby Decider at the Seattle Sounders. The Cascadia Cup is on the line — how do we see the teams matching up! Listen on and find out! Also listen to hear: Alex lay down the gauntlet for Phil Neville, Jeremy go off at the MLS Season Pass previews, Phuoc beg the Timbers to just be normal, and Sam shout out some TA:CO;’s. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with othe...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min
This podcast is coming to you like BOS Nation! Whoops sorry y’alls, we meant to say, welcome to Stumptown Radio, the best Portland Thorns podcast, not the worst (like a new NWSL expansion side’s rollout). The Portland Thorns are coming off their best win of the season 2-0 against Orlando Pride and 6-0 victory against Vancouver Whitecaps to advance to the knockout (semifinals) of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. Plus, the general manager search is underway and the Stumptown Footy crew explain why Ma...
Oct 17, 2024•58 min
The Portland Thorns are in a bad, bad way. On the heels of yet another home loss, Sam, Wilder, and Phuoc hopped on the microphones to talk through what’s wrong and what can be done to fix it, and answer some fan questions about what’s next for the Thorns. Featuring: Cynical and skeptical Wilder, strangely hopeful Phuoc, and exhausted Sam. Ed. note: this episode was recorded the night before the Karina LeBlanc news dropped. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscr...
Oct 09, 2024•58 min
Hours after the Portland Timbers finished their final home regular season game in the 2024 MLS season, Sam, Alex, and Jeremy hopped on the microphones to analyze/commiserate/yearn. It got a little punchy. Come for the analysis of Portland’s recent downturn in form, stay for the preview of Decision Day & the Wild Card game. Stay as well for: Jeremy’s goalkeeping FBref rabbit hole, Alex’s plea to the Timbers to just get a result, and Sam’s false ceiling. This is a public episode. If you'd like...
Oct 07, 2024•28 min
What do we do when a legend retires? Talk about it for an hour and a half, of course. Christine Sinclair announced that she is retiring from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2024 NWSL season, and the Stumptown gang talks through the emotions of the moment, and how bummed we are that Sinc probably won’t be going out with a piece of hardware this year. Then in the second segment, Luukas Ojala makes his pod debut to join Sam, Phuoc, and Jeremy to break down the Timbers wild draw and tal...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 21 min
The pod crew (except for Phuoc and Melina) is here to break down a pair of midweek games that could not have gone in more different directions. In the first segment, Sam, Alex, and Jeremy break down the Timbers’ huge 4-2 win over the Galaxy and discuss Evander’s MVP bonafides. Then in a much more of a bummer second segment, Wilder joins Sam and Jeremy to discuss the death spiral that is the Portland Thorns after they blew a 2-0 lead to lose in San Diego. You know it got bad when the harshest tak...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Sam, Alex, and Phuoc sit down to talk to the big man himself: Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville! We chat with coach about how he and his family are settling into Portland, the bond he already feels between the city and the players, how he manages young players, and what he really thinks about Liam Ridgewell when they met on the field years ago. Before all that, the STF boys discuss Portland’s rousing derby win over Seattle and forecast the stretch run of the 2024 season. All that and more...
Sep 10, 2024•59 min
An up and down week saw the Thorns lose at home 3-1, and then win at home 3-1. What does it all mean? Are the Thorns cooked? Are they fixed? How do they navigate the rest of the season? The Stumptown crew takes to the microphones to figure it all out. Plus, the crew talks through Alex Morgan’s retirement and reflects on her impact on soccer in the Rose City, in the USA, and around the world. Including: Wilder’s new Spanish stardom, Melina’s “Optimism Corner”, Phuoc’s harsh but necessary truths, ...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Welcome home Olympians! We are so happy to be back with Portland Thorns talk. Melina, Wilder, and I discuss the summer window, Gotham FC match, preview the massive game against Bay FC, and so much more. * Did Karina LeBlanc and the Thorns do enough during the summer window? * What were the key takeaways from their match at Gotham? * Did the starting XI cost them the game? Should Alexa Spaanstra AND Reilyn Turner both started? * Can the Portland Thorns bounce back at home against Bay FC? This wil...
Aug 29, 2024•35 min
Happy Cascadia Week! Alex, Jeremy (Cascadia FC), and I hop on the mics to discuss that defensive disasterclass and attacking masterclass against St. Louis City SC. We fully review the game including: defensive lapses, attacking firepower, and officiating. How did the Portland Timbers do in the summer window? Alex and Jeremy share their thoughts on whether it was enough to get them into contender status. The Seattle Sounders are coming into town on Saturday. We preview the matchup which has massi...
Aug 28, 2024•56 min
In a special episode of Stumptown Radio, the whole STF gang is all together to debut Stump it or Boot it! In this “evaluate the take” style game, the gang runs down a number of takes/statements/topics/predictions for both the Timbers and Thorns. Which takes will make the gang say “Stump It”, hop on the stump and defend the take, or “Boot it”, and kick the take out of here and disagree? Who makes the strongest arguments? Listen on and find out! Featuring: Grumpy Melina, Game Show Host Sam, Optimi...
Aug 09, 2024•46 min
