Bill Tuiloma

Yawn!

Was not playing, nor had played for months when the squad was announced. Understandable omission. There was no way to know how much time he would get since his move, so any selection would be based on what if's. Not a great strategy.

so how did Durante, who has been injured since the Confed Cup, get picked then?

And Ingham. Again, how did he know Tuiloma (on the other side of the world) was so unfit but not a guy in Brisbane? One of Anfony's idols/mentors is 'arry Redknapp, and his track record shows he behaves the same way - talks a whole load of nothing, and if anything goes wrong it's not his fault

Lewis & Tuiloma turned up to Confeds Cup, short of Hudson's fitness standards - they had obviously been warned before, ie repeat offenders. So he 'punished' them by dropping them for these SI games. 

Ingham either turned up to Confeds Cup at required fitness level, or being a newbie and a young kid was given some leeway, ie not a repeat offender. 

To me Hudson often undoubtedly comes across as a bit of a tool. But by setting high standards like fitness, and player availability (ie Gleeson & Boyd need to want to play, not him chase them) - I don't have a problem. In fact I think it's a good thing he is instilling a tougher culture.

But wasn't Lewis a regular starter at the confeds cup? 

Doesn't mean he wasn't up to Hudson's fitness standards. He has after all very few options in midfield. With Lewis based in NZ, and a bit of a project player for AH - it would be easy for AWs coach to keep tabs on his fitness, training ethic. 

Maybe Lewis hit the nighclubs or booked his Big Day out tickets post Russia - and just pissed Hudson off one too many times with his attitude, ie has got a big kick desired up the arse.

Anyway better stay on topic being a Tuiloma thread.

lewis was in camp for some time with the under 20s before heading to the confeds

if he wasn't up to scratch fitness wise, this rests on the shoulders of hudson and his staff

The difference between Durante and Tuiloma... one of them has played more than a handful of professional games - one is a proven professional with his attitude etc etc.

Its easy to compare players, when we don't look at them as individuals.

Hernandez was/is(?) pro too and has played often for Costa Rica....

Different coach, different country, different standards.

Apples and Oranges.

one's old and slow, the other's young and errr fit? oh hang on

good point

The other is a kid trying to become a regular in the team who couldn't be arsed getting to the level of fitness he knew was required of him.

You can twist the facts to suit either narrative.

Yes but so did Wood...

Anyone would think midfielders have to be fit. Not necessary when you don't play them the ball.

Another 90 mins for Tuiloma as Timbers II draw 1-1 versus Tulsa.

Played CB today it looks, full game here

Yes for those saying Tuiloma must be fit enough for the AWs, based on him getting through 90mins now regularly in USL - note he is playing in the backline at the moment for Timbers II not as a midfielder.

He could have played at the back for the AWs

Starting for Timbers 2 again today, game kicks off at 2pm

Ends 0-0, 90 mins for Tuiloma at CB

Still nowhere near the first team?

Timbers won away in MLS today at New York 1-0. Tuiloma will have to wait his time to get a crack at first team. Who knows maybe like Musa he will have to plug away in USL for 12 mths, then see what happens at end of loan deal.

Good sign is already got captain arm band for USL team.

How does it work in the MLS in Bill's case if he [being a foreigner] is needed to fill in with the top team - I take it they still have to juggle the number of allowed foreign players to allow him to play?

Tuiloma was signed by Portland's MLS team, even though he has only played for their USL side. So he must fit into their limit of foreigners within the MLS squad/roster?

Pretty sure there is no limit on non-Americans/Canadians in a MLS match day squad. Many of the MLS sides have starting elevens that are over 50% foreigners on match day, esp Latinos

Tuiloma is one of 7 active international players for Portland, they currently have 7 slots.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLS_International_Ro...

Tuiloma starting for Timbers II today versus Phoenix Rising.

Phoenix already 1-0 up after 10 mins with a goal from Shaun Wright-Phillips

Tuiloma vs Drogba at the back of the park, looking like a great experience for Bill

Finished 2-0 to Phoenix who were without Drogba for this game

Started again as Timbers 2 beat a Whitecaps 2 side featuring Bevan & Wynne this morning. De Vries on the bench

Scored again a few days ago for Timbers II (they still lost). That's 3 goals in 10 games since moving to the US.

https://www.facebook.com/USLSoccer/videos/1552266568189171/

Considering he is playing as a DM or CB that's a healthy return... would love to know if he is at least training with the first team.

Starting for T2 again today, they seem to be playing him as a CB full time now. Game kicks off at 3:30pm

13 minutes in and the Portland Timbers 2 are losing 2–0. Not a great start.

Finishes 4-1 to Phoenix Rising. 

D Drogba with a goal & assist for the American Nix.

Offered a new contract for next season.

At the Timbers - as I thought he was on loan

The Timbers have signed Andrés Flores and Modou Jadama, and have re-signed Bill Tuiloma.

DETAILS | https://t.co/F7KwSXdeia #RCTID pic.twitter.com/57XeNhTqYs

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) January 24, 2018