Six Points or Bust

Time to take the Ax out on the Road again, this time to Montreal and Rochester. After a 3:20 a.m. alarm, the drive from Eugene to PDX, a round trip in the parking lot shuttle to retrieve the phone from my car, and leg one of a three-plane journey, the ATTR is checking in from LAX at just after 10 a.m. PDT. From here it's on to Cleveland (Cleveland!), and finally the land of Sacre Bleu (not to mention LaBatt Blue).

I'm flying with assistant coach Rod Underwood as the original 20-man travel party had to be increased to 22 due to one-game suspensions to Gavin and Taka, leaving the least essential travelers on our own itinerary. I'll apologize now for any typos as the people watching here in lipstick city is top notch. Rod and I are due in close to 9 p.m. EDT, about an hour and a half after the rest of the crew.

Well, how about that homestand? Yikes. Friday's match against Vancouver was frustrating, but Monday's affair vs. Miami was utter disappointment. I think the league is at an all-time high in terms of quality, which makes results at home even more critical than in the past. The way I see it, the only way to completely erase the Timbers' lost Memorial Day weekend is to rip off two wins on this trip.

Match Musings - Game 8

• If I have to answer one more question from fans, friends or family as to why the Timbers don't score any goals, I may stop speaking altogether.
• Vancouver is good. Again.
  
• That color analyst on FSN has a face for radio.
• Overnight bus rides don't mean jack in terms of winning and losing. Good news for the upcoming game at Rochester.

Match Musings - Game 9

• Penalty kicks in Miami are celebrated like game-winning goals in the World Cup.
• Taka Suzuki is tired of getting kicked.
  
• It doesn't matter how good your team is, a collective mental meltdown can doom the best of them.
• Weekday afternoon games should be reserved for recess.