The Hat-Trick Game + Transfer Window Analysis - Portland Timbers vs Minnesota United

It’s Timbers Time and the hat-trick curse is FINALLY broken as Vincent Janssen has a magical first start in Portland, taking home the match ball and three log slices for the first time in Timbers MLS history. And it’s part of a wild 5-4 game against Minnesota that was both entertaining and anxiety-inducing! We do our usual match analysis plus a deep dive on the Timbers’ transfer window, we assess the signings, the sales, the state of the roster and Ned’s performance as GM…. RCTID!This episode's key talking points include:After a FIFTEEN year wait, the TImbers finally have a hat trick!Digging into Ned’s transfer window press conference revelationsAfter Janssen’s insane game, do we need another striker?Ned has failed to sign U22 attacker targets in two successive windows, what level of criticism is fair?There’s a lot of pressure on the next transfer window nowWhy did the team choose to reject large bids for Finn? Can we keep him long term?If Finn doesn’t stay, is Waterman the long term replacement at right CB?Homegrown T2 stud Eric Izoita joins the first team and we have a chant ready!Ned talked about a contract extension for Pants - how should the team approach that given his erratic performances?Is Marti frustrated at the Front Office for the transfer window? Should he be?Finally some good injury news!Janssen dropping deep to provide an outlet pass was key to ending our struggle to progress the ball from the backMarti’s adapting to more direct play at times of high pressure is good pragmatismThe woodwork still hates us, are we due some luck?Lassiter’s strike going down as an OG is a tragedy, should there be a rule change?Kamal Miller’s run of improved form comes to a very abrupt endWho was to blame for the comically terrible third Minnesota goal?Matt’s hat gets a new homeOpen cup is back! We discuss why it’s such an important competitionContent Warning: A single f bomb, some “s” words and similar moderate swearsTimestamps:(0:00) Introduction(0:24) Chit Chat - Holiday Weekend Party In Portland(1:57) Transfer Window Analysis - Intro(3:55) Transfer Window Analysis - Strikers(8:47) Transfer Window Analysis - Wingers & Failed U22 DP Signings(16:43) Transfer Window Analysis - Defense(27:18) Transfer Window Analysis - Central Midfield(29:55) Transfer Window Analysis - Goalkeeper(33:15) Transfer Windows Analysis - Ned and Marti Speak(40:08) Minnesota (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis(47:04) Minnesota (H) - First Half Analysis(1:02:48) Minnesota (H)  - Second Half Analysis(1:15:19) Minnesota (H) - Post Game Thoughts - Pressers, MOTM & Notable Performances(1:18:18) Timbers News & T2 Update(1:21:35) Quiz Corner & MLS News Roundup(1:25:00) Next Episode Preview: St Louis (H)Listener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG: timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post