The 1975 Portland Timbers: The Birth of Soccer City, USA

by Michael Orr

Relive the magic of the Portland Timbers' 1975 season and the birth of Soccer City, USA. This is the story of seventeen players and two coaches who came from different clubs and different countries to form a team just days before their inaugural game. In this fast-paced account, Michael Orr weaves together player interviews, news coverage, and game statistics to capture the Timbers' single-season journey from expansion team to championship contender. From the first televised game against Pele's New York Cosmos to the seven-game winning streak that vied for a league record and the post-season battle for the game's highest prize, rediscover how, in just four months, the Timbers won the hearts of Portlanders and left an indelible stamp on the Rose City's sporting landscape.

Genres: Soccer, Sports

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a long newspaper article that includes analysis of matches and feature pieces on the people involved with the team. A must for those seeking the history of soccer in America.

[Greg Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a light read that introduces supporters to that infamous ‘75 team. It does not, however, establish the names as characters. It leaves the reader wanting more or wondering whether this would be an interesting Netflix special. Glad I read it, but there is a lot more story to tell!

[C.I. DeMann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun. It's a short book and an easy read, but it still gives lots of info, lots of details, and lots of color. If you're a Timbers obsessive like me, you need to read it. If you enjoy the history of American sports, you'd like it, too.

[SmokinHotDankMemes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a team that the fans of the current team must not forget. Without the hard work of this team, the owners, the fans, and Portland, the Timbers would be nowhere near where they are today.

[Barry Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good balance of "sports reporting" of match outcomes and "behind the scenes" stories about getting the team started and players' lives in Portland. Added to my knowledge of my city.

[Garrett Millbrooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it talked about the history and creation of the Timbers. I love going to Timber games because of the atmosphere and I also like soccer. The book explained how coach Vic Crowe went to England and got young star players and put them on a team. With just 2 days of being together the team won their first game. The team went on to the championship but lost. This book had lots of information and facts but was not written well.