Chris Rifer
@chrisrifer.bsky.social
Once again retired co-host of Soccer Made in Portland. Author of The Morrison Report. I still like Bruce Springsteen, but now on a new app.
I’m skeptical there will be much of a transfer fee coming for Mora. He may move, but it won’t be lucrative.
And tho clearing that cap space isn’t nothing, there’s also risk. It’s possible the worm’s turned for Pipe, but nobody else (healthy) on the roster has close to his goalscoring record. #RCTID
And tho clearing that cap space isn’t nothing, there’s also risk. It’s possible the worm’s turned for Pipe, but nobody else (healthy) on the roster has close to his goalscoring record. #RCTID
One big "if" not mentioned in the article (understandably so) is Mora has been heavily linked to a sale back to Chile. Would be a smart move to get a transfer fee by picking up the option + opening some serious cap space
November 25, 2025 at 3:36 PM
I’m skeptical there will be much of a transfer fee coming for Mora. He may move, but it won’t be lucrative.
And tho clearing that cap space isn’t nothing, there’s also risk. It’s possible the worm’s turned for Pipe, but nobody else (healthy) on the roster has close to his goalscoring record. #RCTID
And tho clearing that cap space isn’t nothing, there’s also risk. It’s possible the worm’s turned for Pipe, but nobody else (healthy) on the roster has close to his goalscoring record. #RCTID
Matt’s point about the Timbers having largely shot their transfer market shot in the summer is well-taken. There will be some movement this winter, but without buyouts (PTFC’s historical willingness there has been spotty) we’re not going to be looking at a major revamp. #RCTID
Free Newsletter: The offseason guides continue...
In here we have a look at a Dallas side that needs a TARDIS and a Portland side that I'm having a tough time feeling positive about (not enough POWER).
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
In here we have a look at a Dallas side that needs a TARDIS and a Portland side that I'm having a tough time feeling positive about (not enough POWER).
open.substack.com/pub/tacticsf...
Offseason Guides: Timbers and FC Dallas get some clarity – and a reality check
An undeniable step forward followed by an undeniable lesson about the gap
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Matt’s point about the Timbers having largely shot their transfer market shot in the summer is well-taken. There will be some movement this winter, but without buyouts (PTFC’s historical willingness there has been spotty) we’re not going to be looking at a major revamp. #RCTID
No, and it’s so weird. This should be one of the bigger stories league-wide this offseason and literally nobody is talking about it. If a recent, in-prime NBA, NFL, or even MLS MVP had the ability to hit free agency in an offseason there would be major coverage for months leading up to it. #BAONPDX
@chrisrifer.bsky.social I might be really late to the party on this one but have we heard anything about a Sophia Wilson contract extension/renewal? #BAONPDX
November 21, 2025 at 3:55 PM
No, and it’s so weird. This should be one of the bigger stories league-wide this offseason and literally nobody is talking about it. If a recent, in-prime NBA, NFL, or even MLS MVP had the ability to hit free agency in an offseason there would be major coverage for months leading up to it. #BAONPDX
Every time I see another American soccer plan to make soccer the most popular, participatory, etc. sport in the US or a new plan for MLS to double its fanbase, or whatever the cause du jour may be I can’t help but think of the exchange between Pinky and the Brain that opened every episode.
November 20, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Every time I see another American soccer plan to make soccer the most popular, participatory, etc. sport in the US or a new plan for MLS to double its fanbase, or whatever the cause du jour may be I can’t help but think of the exchange between Pinky and the Brain that opened every episode.
Is there anything less effective than an MLS club or league investigation?
Here we have multiple instances of the most cartoonish, gutter racism and misogyny—*one instance of which was caught on a broadcast microphone*—and the product of the investigation is still 🙊🙈🙉.
Here we have multiple instances of the most cartoonish, gutter racism and misogyny—*one instance of which was caught on a broadcast microphone*—and the product of the investigation is still 🙊🙈🙉.
NEW: Ernst Tanner has built a powerhouse at the Philadelphia Union.
But my @us.theguardian.com investigation has shown wide-ranging allegations of misbehavior throughout his 7-year tenure.
Tanner denies the allegations, and was investigated by MLS this year.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
But my @us.theguardian.com investigation has shown wide-ranging allegations of misbehavior throughout his 7-year tenure.
Tanner denies the allegations, and was investigated by MLS this year.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
MLS executive who built a powerhouse faced allegations of sexist, racist and homophobic behavior
Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner denies the allegations, which prompted a recently-concluded MLS investigation that could not corroborate them
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Is there anything less effective than an MLS club or league investigation?
Here we have multiple instances of the most cartoonish, gutter racism and misogyny—*one instance of which was caught on a broadcast microphone*—and the product of the investigation is still 🙊🙈🙉.
Here we have multiple instances of the most cartoonish, gutter racism and misogyny—*one instance of which was caught on a broadcast microphone*—and the product of the investigation is still 🙊🙈🙉.
Thorns: Nobody believes in us!
CBS Sideline Reporter’s question to Adrian Gonzalez: “The only thing consistent about the Thorns is inconsistency…”
Usually the “us against everybody” narrative is overblown, but in this case… #BAONPDX
CBS Sideline Reporter’s question to Adrian Gonzalez: “The only thing consistent about the Thorns is inconsistency…”
Usually the “us against everybody” narrative is overblown, but in this case… #BAONPDX
November 15, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Thorns: Nobody believes in us!
CBS Sideline Reporter’s question to Adrian Gonzalez: “The only thing consistent about the Thorns is inconsistency…”
Usually the “us against everybody” narrative is overblown, but in this case… #BAONPDX
CBS Sideline Reporter’s question to Adrian Gonzalez: “The only thing consistent about the Thorns is inconsistency…”
Usually the “us against everybody” narrative is overblown, but in this case… #BAONPDX
The more straightforward story is that the Timbers schedule was softer in the first half (1.26 PPG opp avg) than in the second (1.45 PPG opp avg), and that they did well against bad teams (1.9 PPG v opps <1.2 PPG) and horrifically against playoff-caliber teams (0.69 PPG v opps >1.5 PPG). #RCTID
Phil Neville describes 2026 as "two seasons":
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
- Up until the Leagues Cup, when squad was healthy and consistent
- After Leagues Cup, when team lost consistency
Says that it was his job to help the team find consistency, and he failed at that this year. #RCTID
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 AM
The more straightforward story is that the Timbers schedule was softer in the first half (1.26 PPG opp avg) than in the second (1.45 PPG opp avg), and that they did well against bad teams (1.9 PPG v opps <1.2 PPG) and horrifically against playoff-caliber teams (0.69 PPG v opps >1.5 PPG). #RCTID
Look, when something hasn’t really worked five times the obvious thing to do is try a sixth. #RCTID
Ned, on Phil Neville as HC: "No doubt in my mind bout Phil." Says that "he's our guy" for next season, and also that he is "as bullish as he has been" about the roster going into 2026 #RCTID
November 13, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Look, when something hasn’t really worked five times the obvious thing to do is try a sixth. #RCTID
The Thorns have flown under the radar with national media this year. In what was supposed to be a step-back year with a barrage of major injuries piled on top, they finished third and are now in the semis.
One nomination is a bit light. Coffey a big miss. Rob Gale is aggrieved here, too. #BAONPDX
One nomination is a bit light. Coffey a big miss. Rob Gale is aggrieved here, too. #BAONPDX
#NWSL awards season shenanigans is an annual tradition, and the Midfielder of the Year shortlist having NEITHER Taylor Flint NOR Sam Coffey is egregious, baffling stuff.
November 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The Thorns have flown under the radar with national media this year. In what was supposed to be a step-back year with a barrage of major injuries piled on top, they finished third and are now in the semis.
One nomination is a bit light. Coffey a big miss. Rob Gale is aggrieved here, too. #BAONPDX
One nomination is a bit light. Coffey a big miss. Rob Gale is aggrieved here, too. #BAONPDX
The worst thing about this is that is would be in-character for Timbers leadership to use the four playoff games as a fig leaf to avoid having to make hard changes in the offseason.
On balance, 1.29 PPG in the regular season and 1.0 PPG in the postseason is mediocre at best. #RCTID
On balance, 1.29 PPG in the regular season and 1.0 PPG in the postseason is mediocre at best. #RCTID
November 10, 2025 at 3:29 AM
The worst thing about this is that is would be in-character for Timbers leadership to use the four playoff games as a fig leaf to avoid having to make hard changes in the offseason.
On balance, 1.29 PPG in the regular season and 1.0 PPG in the postseason is mediocre at best. #RCTID
On balance, 1.29 PPG in the regular season and 1.0 PPG in the postseason is mediocre at best. #RCTID
On paper adding a player in midfield can give you a little more flexibility in building out—which could be useful against San Diego press.
In practice, the Timbers have usually been a mess in this setup. So one of those things that works on the chalkboard but has largely failed on the field. #RCTID
In practice, the Timbers have usually been a mess in this setup. So one of those things that works on the chalkboard but has largely failed on the field. #RCTID
Why is he doing this?
November 10, 2025 at 1:21 AM
On paper adding a player in midfield can give you a little more flexibility in building out—which could be useful against San Diego press.
In practice, the Timbers have usually been a mess in this setup. So one of those things that works on the chalkboard but has largely failed on the field. #RCTID
In practice, the Timbers have usually been a mess in this setup. So one of those things that works on the chalkboard but has largely failed on the field. #RCTID
Neville’s periodic uses of a 3 have been mostly poor-to-disastrous. We’ll see how this actually shapes, but a big roll of the dice if that’s the move here. #RCTID
November 10, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Neville’s periodic uses of a 3 have been mostly poor-to-disastrous. We’ll see how this actually shapes, but a big roll of the dice if that’s the move here. #RCTID
Tordin coming on totally changed this game. She’s done phenomenally well to stretch the field and open up more spaces for Liv and company to operate. Completely tilted the field. #BAONPDX
November 9, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Tordin coming on totally changed this game. She’s done phenomenally well to stretch the field and open up more spaces for Liv and company to operate. Completely tilted the field. #BAONPDX
The Thorns probably have to make some changes on the wings. Without a source for an outlet—and none of Turner, Castellanos, or Spaanstra provided one—Portland was far too squeezable and got eaten up by San Diego’s counterpress.
Turner up top was a marginal improvement, but need much more. #BAONPDX
Turner up top was a marginal improvement, but need much more. #BAONPDX
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The Thorns probably have to make some changes on the wings. Without a source for an outlet—and none of Turner, Castellanos, or Spaanstra provided one—Portland was far too squeezable and got eaten up by San Diego’s counterpress.
Turner up top was a marginal improvement, but need much more. #BAONPDX
Turner up top was a marginal improvement, but need much more. #BAONPDX
So the ref correctly stopped play for the head injuries even though the Thorns had 3v3 going at goal, and then restarts with a drop ball in which he allows San Diego to keep possession.
I had some questions. #BAONPDX
I had some questions. #BAONPDX
November 9, 2025 at 8:38 PM
So the ref correctly stopped play for the head injuries even though the Thorns had 3v3 going at goal, and then restarts with a drop ball in which he allows San Diego to keep possession.
I had some questions. #BAONPDX
I had some questions. #BAONPDX
Remarkable how institutions and the powerful have almost uniformly caved to Trump while the people have almost uniformly stood up to him.
November 6, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Remarkable how institutions and the powerful have almost uniformly caved to Trump while the people have almost uniformly stood up to him.
Incredible moment for Gage Guerra tonight. Holy cow.
Really good from the Timbers not letting that game get away from them at 2-1 down. They certainly left it late, but survive for another day. #RCTID
Really good from the Timbers not letting that game get away from them at 2-1 down. They certainly left it late, but survive for another day. #RCTID
November 2, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Incredible moment for Gage Guerra tonight. Holy cow.
Really good from the Timbers not letting that game get away from them at 2-1 down. They certainly left it late, but survive for another day. #RCTID
Really good from the Timbers not letting that game get away from them at 2-1 down. They certainly left it late, but survive for another day. #RCTID
Truly the most USSF scandal ever was when its largely successful USMNT coach got absolutely crushed for virtually every imaginable corner for imprudently telling the truth about one of his players.
“I’m not just going to sort of sit here and take all the blame for something that was made out to be completely my fault…I was just upset that I wasn’t really playing.”
Completely tone deaf from Gio Reyna given Pochettino’s team-first messaging. #USMNT apnews.com/article/gio-...
Completely tone deaf from Gio Reyna given Pochettino’s team-first messaging. #USMNT apnews.com/article/gio-...
Gio Reyna tells AP about plans to reboot career with new club and return to US team for World Cup
Gio Reyna went to the 2022 World Cup as one of United States’ brightest young soccer stars. He came back amid controversy over his commitment and his parents’ conflict with the then-coach.
apnews.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Truly the most USSF scandal ever was when its largely successful USMNT coach got absolutely crushed for virtually every imaginable corner for imprudently telling the truth about one of his players.
A much better performance than it looked like they’d put in during that first half hour. But indiscipline from Fory killed any opportunity to steal a result.
Velde lucky not to see red late, though. Given the way he played today that would’ve been a tough loss for next week. #RCTID
Velde lucky not to see red late, though. Given the way he played today that would’ve been a tough loss for next week. #RCTID
October 27, 2025 at 3:42 AM
A much better performance than it looked like they’d put in during that first half hour. But indiscipline from Fory killed any opportunity to steal a result.
Velde lucky not to see red late, though. Given the way he played today that would’ve been a tough loss for next week. #RCTID
Velde lucky not to see red late, though. Given the way he played today that would’ve been a tough loss for next week. #RCTID