Timbers’ Pore hopes to make it back to MLS

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers will make the big jump to Major League Soccer next year but most of the current players won’t be jumping with them. To make the move with the team a player really needs to stand out. And that player may be Ryan Pore.

Pore is one of the biggest stars in minor league soccer.

“Look at the level we are playing at. It’s a class below the major leagues here in America and he has the potential to be a big star here in the states,” said Ian Joy, the Timbers captain.

This year Pore has been on fire. He’s netted six goals in Portland’s first five games.

“He’s done extremely well for us. I’m glad for him. He’s got a great mentality; his work ethic has been tremendous and he’s a good person. So I’m happy for him,” said Timbers Head Coach Gavin Wilkinson.

“Guys have been finding me in good spots, and I’ve been able to put the ball into the back of the net. Like I said the confidence is high right now,” said Pore.

Pore has already been to the big leagues once before. After graduating college Pore played four years in America’s best soccer league, but he only scored three goals.

Pore said when he was released from Major League Soccer he thought his career was over.

“It definitely crossed my mind numerous times,” Pore said. “I looked towards my wife and she was very encouraging and told me she’s willing to do whatever it takes for me to keep playing and I really respect her for that. Luckily it worked out here and we are glad to be here that’s for sure.”

The couple hopes to be back in the Rose City next year as Pore makes his play to make next year’s Timbers’ roster when the team jumps to the major league level.

“That’s my main goal: To get back there to show the teams and the coaches and the players that are in that league that I can play at that level,” he said.

Pore was held scoreless for the first time all season Thursday night when the Timbers lost their first game of the year to Baltimore.

The Timbers will look to get back on track Saturday night when they host St. Louis at PGE Park.