Bill Tuiloma (Charlotte FC | USA)

After being teased by his Francophile team mate Billy T (see video above), about not scoring Mabiala, nets in consecutive games.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-colorado-rapids-vs-portland-timbers-november-25-2021#highlights-colorado-rapids-vs-portland-timbers-november-25-2021

90th min goal in an upset 1-0 win in Denver. Tuiloma stays on the bench. I guess players stay fresher in cool climes, though 14 Celsius in Colorado not too biting.

Portland (4th in the regular season) into Western Conference Final. Sporting Kansas City (3rd regular season) verus Real Salt Lake (7th) on Sunday in other WC semi.

So I'm guessing RSL win in Kansas (Reid's team last season), Timbers host the WC final in Oregon, next weekend (4th-5th). They have 9-10 days to freshen up regardless.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_MLS_Cup_Playoffs

Billy T went to the MLS final at Atlanta a few years, with Timbers on the pine. Only 1 win away from another trip to the big dance.

Again Timbers being only 3rd ranked team in the West, likely to travel away to an Eastern Conference side for the MLS final, if they win their WC final next weekend.

Cards have well and truly fallen for Tuiloma and the Timbers. They will get to host Western Conference final after Sporting KC (3rd regular season & Reid's ex club) were upset 1-2 in Kansas by Real Salt Lake (7th regular season).

RSL with a 91st min winner.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/watch-mls-in-15-from-skc-vs-rsl-november-28-2021#highlights-sporting-kansas-city-vs-real-salt-lake-november-28-2021

So Timbers (4th regular season) through a chain of nice results will get to host WC final!!

Portland with an extra 3 days rest, in a prime spot to win through to the big dance MLS final again (got there a few years ago in Atlanta in front of 80,000) if beat RSL next weekend.

Don't think Timbers can host the MLS final as top 3 seeds from Easter Conference, all made EC semis (currently being played). So seems a EC team of from either Phili Union, New England Revolution, or Nashville will host. Presume that's how it works.

Though on a points basis over the 2 Conferences, only runaway EC winners New England got more actual points than Portland of those EC teams.

Whatever the scenario Billy T & his mates will be thrilled with how has all gone to script last few weeks.

Edit - Wiki says with the MLS Cup host determined by overall points. So if New England don't win through from EC to the big dance, and Timbers do - a MLS Cup final in Portland!

https://us.soccerway.com/national/united-states/mls/2021/regular-season/r61371/

High drama in MLS Eastern Conference semi, that Tuiloma and his Timbers mates would have been watching intently.

MLS top side New England Revolution (NE) hosting Melb City's City Group mates New York City. Revs runaway EC winners over regular season by 19 points, and MLS top seeds. But the MLS playoff setup is brutal, and after 3 weeks sitting idle watching the earlier playoffs, the City Group boys bundle them out on pens in Boston.

All that means Portland can host the MLS Cup final, as they got the most points over the regular season, compared to other 3 Conference finalists (East & West). As long as they win their Western Conference final weekend, with RSL visiting Oregon.

By my memory it's taken about 3-4 lucky/favourable results (inl Timbers winning in Colorado), of other higher ranked MLS sides being bundled out, early for this to transpire.

Timbers will be on a high, after a 10 day break from their upset in Denver, as they get ready to host RSL.

There was a lot drama in this EC semi, even before the pens. 1-1 end of NT. NY's Castellanos scores at 109 mins, but then gets sent off at 113 mins. Revs a man up equalise at 118 mins to take it to pens. So a crazy 2-2 at end ET.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/#highlights-new-england-revolution-vs-new-york-city-fc-november-30-2021

Revs late goal scorer I note a young 22 yr old Canadian guy Tajon Buchanan, who's started 7 of their WC CONCACAF qualifiers, with 2 goals. Have a sudden interest in Canadian football, seeing who AWs may play June 2022.

Wet and cold in Rose City, as Timbers host Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Final.

Tuiloma on the bench. 7 Latinos in Timbers starting lineup. Wonder how Billy T's Spanish is after a few years now in that squad. 

Simple equation. Portland win, they host MLS Cup Final next week. They have won their last 5 games, so in form at the right time. But RSL won away in Kansas last week. Could be a tight one.

In Eastern Conference Final tomorrow, Philadelphia Union will host New York City.

Timbers up 1-0 at HT, after an early 5th min goal to Chilean Felipe Mora.

Timbers do it comfortably 2-0, and so will host next weekend's MLS Final!
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/#highlights-portland-timbers-vs-real-salt-lake-december-04-2021

21 yr old Colombian Santiago Moreno with the 2nd goal. Long strike with a touch of fortune, back off the upright and going in off diving keeper's back.

Then RSL went down to 10 men at 79 mins (2nd yellow).

Tuiloma an unused sub.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/dream-come-to-reality-portland-timbers-celebrate-hosting-mls-cup-2021-at-provide

Eastern Conference Final in progress, Philadelphia Union hosting New York City.

New York City with a 2-1 win in Phili.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-philadelphia-union-vs-new-york-city-fc-december-05-2021#highlights-philadelphia-union-vs-new-york-city-fc-december-05-2021

So next weeks' MLS Final, Portland verus New York City.

The City Football Group's MLS franchise, like the Timbers only finished 4th in their Conference (Eastern) and won away twice (once on pens) in the MLS Finals.

Billy T was on the bench when Portland lost the 2018 MLS final in Atlanta, 3 years ago. He'll likely be on the bench again this weekend.

Trophies are handed out for winning either conference, so he has got his hand on some silverware already this season, and he and Portland also won the woefully-named ‘MLS Is Back’ tournament last year, but the actual MLS Cup is obviously the one that matters the most. 

A few All Whites have won MLS Cup before, most recently Jake Gleeson in 2015, also with the Timbers. Others to have won it are Andy Boyens, Dan Keat, Duncan Oughton, Ryan Nelsen and Simon Elliott. So not an all that common occurrence in the 25 years of MLS, though it is the top flight league with the most New Zealand medal winners.

Having a look, All Whites players winning top flight pro leagues is uncommon in general, and only a handful have actually done it.

Sarpreet Singh (Bayern): 19/20

Kosta Barbarouses (Brisbane, Victory, Sydney): 10/11, 14/15, 17/18, 19/20)

Jeremy Brockie (Sundowns): 17/18, 18/19

Greg Draper (TNS): 11/12, 12/13, 13/14, 14/15, 15/16, 16/17, 17/18, 18/19

Michael Fitzgerald (Kawasaki): 2017, 2018

Kris Bright (Linfield): 16/17

Jai Ingham (Victory): 16/17

Jake Gleeson (Portland): 2015

Michael McGlinchey (Central Coast): 11/12, 12/13

Andy Boyens (LA Galaxy): 2012

Dan Keat (LA Galaxy): 2011, 2012

Duncan Oughton (Columbus): 2008

Chris Killen (Celtic): 07/08

Glen Moss (Dinamo Bucharest): 06/07

Ryan Nelsen (DC United): 2004

Simon Elliott (LA Galaxy): 2002

Noah Hickey (Tampere): 2001

Wynton Rufer (Werder Bremen): 92/93

Could well have missed someone, but surprised to see only three NZers have won the A League, compared to six in MLS. I was so sure Rojas had won the A League I had to triple check, but his peak seasons were both just before Victory’s titles which meant they won them once he was in Europe.

Portland didn’t play NYCFC this season at all in their 34 league games, so the last meeting between the two actually came in the quarterfinals of the ‘MLS Is Back’ in August last year, with Portland winning 3-1. Tuiloma was an unused substitute in that game also. All time, Portland have a decent record against NYCFC, winning 5 out of the 6 games between them, only losing the one game back in May 2016, which featured former All White Jake Gleeson in goal for Portland.

As expected on the bench for MLS Cup Final. 

Wet & cold in Portland (8 degrees C).

Edit - assuming Tuiloma doesn't get on (he's been an unused sub through the 3 other Finals series games to date), he's been in 34 match day squads through the MLS season, 19 starts and 8 times subbed on. 1 goal for the season.

New York City up 1-0 at HT.

Castellanos from Uruguay, who scored & then got sent off against New England in Eastern Conference semi final 2 weeks ago, with the goal.

Heady times for the City Football Group if they win. EPL & A League title holders, plus MLS. 

Timbers Chilean Felipe Mora scores in the 94th minute, to make it 1-1! 
Crowd go nuts.

Portland made 4 subs already. Will Billy T be their 5th and last? Maybe if they go a goal up in ET.

Finishes 1-1 after ET, with no more subs by Timbers. So no pen take for Billy T.

Heartbreak for Tuiloma & his Timbers mates. NY City win 4-2 on pens.

Their keeper Sean Johnson, who is in the USMNT squad, with a couple big saves in the shootout.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-portland-timbers-vs-new-york-city-fc-december-11-2021#highlights-portland-timbers-vs-new-york-city-fc-december-11-2021

Money = titles.
Though I see on this list The City Group's US franchise only came in 10th re team budgets.
https://www.wakingthered.com/2021/5/17/22435488/2021-mls-player-salaries-revealed-toronto-fc-could-have-the-highest-payroll

Pre season Kiwi MLS matchup.

Minnesota travel to Portland for a friendly. Billy T starting for Portland.
https://twitter.com/TimbersFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Boxall snr ditto for Minny.
https://twitter.com/MNUFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

MLS proper starts 26th Feb.

1-0 win for Portland. Tuiloma actually got sent off at 78 mins with a 2nd yellow

Both teams completely changed their lineups during 2nd half 

Timbers win 3-0 over Real Salt Lake and Tuiloma scores with this beauty

slo-mo

Great strike. Interesting to see him on free kick duties.

Was a friendly game. MLS proper starts this weekend.

Wouldn't be coming to Nix any time soon. Would make a great 1st time captain (local Samoan boy), of an Auckland A League team one day. But for now he obviously enjoys Portland.

MLS season starts tomorrow with Timbers hosting New England.

https://www.timbers.com/news/timbers-sign-defender-bill-tuiloma-to-a-contract-extension

The Portland Timbers today announced that the club signed defender Bill Tuiloma to a four-year contract extension with a club option year.

Tuiloma, 26, enters his sixth season with the Timbers. The New Zealand international has started in 56 of 77 appearances for Portland, scoring four goals and tallying three assists. Most recently, Tuiloma scored the third goal against Real Salt Lake in the Timbers’ 3-0 preseason tournament win on Feb. 19 at Providence Park. At the international level, Tuiloma has one goal in 27 appearances with the New Zealand Men’s National Team.

Transaction: Portland Timbers sign defender Bill Tuiloma to a four-year contract extension through 2025 with a club option year.

New contract, new bling, and a new season starting as Portland host New England Revolution - last year's runaway Eastern Conference winners.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/02/27/united-states/mls/portland-timbers-mls/new-england-revolution/3701614/

Revs were knocked of 2021 MLS playoffs by New York City, who went on to win the MLS Cup final in Portland.

Trevor Zwetsloot of course has signed for Revolution II this week.

Note that neither of Timbers first choice CBs (Župarić & Mabiala) last season, are in match day squad so not sure if they are injured or have left Portland.

coochiee

New contract, new bling, and a new season starting as Portland host New England Revolution - last year's runaway Eastern Conference winners.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2022/02/27/united-states/mls/portland-timbers-mls/new-england-revolution/3701614/

Revs were knocked of 20921 MLS playoffs by New York City, who went on to win the MLS Cup final in Portland.

Trevor Zwetsloot of course has signed for Revolution II this week.

Note that neither of Timbers first choice CBs (Župarić & Mabiala) last season, are in match day squad so not sure if they are injured or have left Portland.

Mabiala and Zuparic are both out for probably the next couple of weeks after having surgery on hernia injuries in the backend of January.

https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2022/1/21/22895158/larrys-mabiala-and-dario-zuparic-undergo-successful-sports-hernia-surgeries

Chance for Tuiloma to stake his claim early in the season for the starting spot.

Not so promising start to the season however. Currently down 0-1 at H/T against the Revs.

Finishes 2-2, Portland verus New England.
Full game & a yellow Tuiloma.

NE had 8 American starters. Portland had 1, but they had 4 Colombians.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-portland-timbers-vs-new-england-revolution-february-26-2022

Full game in a 1-1 draw at LAFC.
Timbers down to 10 men from 62nd min.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-los-angeles-football-club-vs-portland-timbers-march-06-2022

Starting against Austin (2nd in the West) in the MLS. Portland 9th, early doors.

Scored as well
https://streamja.com/q5or0

Set piece brilliance- either on the ball or in the pack with the head.

He’s not a right wing back- if the game v Jordan is anything to go by - but in a central 3 at the back he’s very powerful and technical. 

Is the MLS his ceiling? 

Matt W-S

Scored as well
https://streamja.com/q5or0

With the noggin. Timbers up 1-0.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/goal-bill-poni-tuiloma-portland-timbers-62nd-minute#goal-bill-poni-tuiloma-portland-timbers-62nd-minute

Timbers play in Dallas 19th March. Imagine Billy T will join AWs after that. So maybe on the bench game 21st March verus Fiji.

JasperNix

Set piece brilliance- either on the ball or in the pack with the head.

He’s not a right wing back- if the game v Jordan is anything to go by - but in a central 3 at the back he’s very powerful and technical. 

Is the MLS his ceiling? 

Like a few guys in that Jordan he was out of season, with no match fitness, for the tough up & down wingback gig. So you never know.

Was really the 3rd choice CB at Portland last season. So I'd say needs to be a regular impressive starter before he would garner interest in Europe. He's only just signed a new 3-4 year Timbers deal anyhow.

Finishes 1-0 Timbers who go up to 6th in the West. Austin 3rd.
 
Full game Tuiloma. Features heavily in highlights with an earlier header on goal banging back off the upright, plus a few blocks and a leaping headed clearance. Guy has an impressive leap.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-portland-timbers-vs-austin-fc-march-12-2022#highlights-portland-timbers-vs-austin-fc-march-12-2022

From Flying Kiwis. Not surprisingly MOTM against Austin, and even made MLS team of the week. Good to see a few AWs in top form.

M Boxall's goalie team mate St Clair also there after he had a big game against NY Red Bulls.

Timbers.com: “This marks Tuiloma’s first Team of the Week appearance since week four of 2018. On March 12, Tuiloma scored the game winner in the 62nd minute to lift the Timbers to a 1-0 victory over Austin FC. It was his first goal of the 2022 campaign and fifth of his career. Notably, Tuiloma and Portland did not allow a shot on goal for Austin, the highest-scoring team in the league heading into the match. The New Zealand international has started and played every minute this season, anchoring an unbeaten Portland backline.”

"This is what we worked for, during the week this is what we do in the training that we put on the field."

Bill Tuiloma talks about the team's clean sheet and what the first three points of the season means to them. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/jahSJCsFNg

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) March 13, 2022

So just to recap here: Tuiloma’s last few weeks have seen him sign a multi-year contract extension, play every minute of the Timbers opening three games through which they’re undefeated, score the winning goal in this latest match, whip out the griddy celebration, earn MLS Team of the Week honours, and pretty soon he’ll be off to Qatar to link up with the All Whites once the international window opens. Good times.

Timbers (9th in the West) get spanked at Dallas (3rd, West), 4-1.

Tuiloma full game. Long trek to Qatar to begin tomorrow, presumably.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-march-19-2022#highlights-minnesota-united-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-march-19-2022

He's going to end up one of our best, and still only 26. Not withstanding this result 😅

Really strong start to this season too. Keep it up lad. 👏👏

Timbers sans Tuiloma with a 1-1 draw with Orlando.

2 goals in the OFC final. Tuiloma will be cock-a-hoop as he returns to Portland.

Less so his 4 Colombian & 1 Chilean team mates, who saw their National teams fail to make Qatar on the last day of CONMEBOL qualifying.

Same as Francohphile mate Larrys Mabiala who would have watched his Congo DR lose to Morocco in the CAF WC qualifying playoffs.

Tuiloma also has a Costa Rican team mate. But he's not in their national team (has played for their U23s) and hasn't featured much for the Timbers, this season.
https://us.soccerway.com/players/marvin-loria/321896/

In the goal scoring form of his life!
Get in son, great hit that one 👌

Any footage of his oggie? Banging them in at both ends. Legend 👏🤣

YoungHeart

In the goal scoring form of his life!
Get in son, great hit that one 👌

Great hit. You'd seriously have to consider him for any freekicks for AWs around the box.

Oggie he was just unlucky.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-portland-timbers-vs-la-galaxy-april-03-2022#highlights-portland-timbers-vs-la-galaxy-april-03-2022

Unfortunately a 3-1 win to the Galaxy (3rd in the West). 'Little Pea' Hernandez with a double. Timbers (12th in the West) had a guy sent off at 48 mins, and Galaxy also at 61 mins.