It might be easy to claim Rusty was just playing the public relations game and trying to say something positive, even though there did not seem to be too many positives on the surface. His words were probably music to the ears of MLS and event sponsor Chipotle. The Homegrown match is a new addition to the All-Star week extravaganza. One unsubstantiated report said that the Chipotle banners that were made to cover up Providence Park cost in the region of $100,000.
Chipotle’s relationship with MLS is in its infancy, but one would think they were hoping for more bang for their buck to this point. They were probably also disappointed as they reportedly gave out far more tickets than the 8-10 thousand that showed up for the match.
The only thing that was less enjoyable than the end result of the efforts on the pitch was the lack of any real atmosphere in the ground. The Timbers Army, one of the most distinguished supporters movement’s in the League, were noticeable by their absence. It will be the same on Wednesday night when the MLS All-Stars host FC Bayern Munich. There will be no capos, flags, smoke, tifo, or other things associated with support in Cascadia.
On a footballing level, the match left a lot to be desired. It had the feel of one side being made up of players that had never collectively played together versus a team that just wrapped up its season a couple of weeks ago. That season, in the USL PDL, saw Portland’s U23 side finish just out of the playoff spots.
The Timbers also had more than cohesion going for them. They were taking on a group of players that they were hoping to emulate. Each one of them had to be thinking, "One day I want to sign a Homegrown contract…and today I can begin/continue to prove that I deserve it." These things really shone through during the match.
Steven Evans, who captained the MLS Homegrown side, is a Portland native on loan from the Timbers to USL Pro’s Sacramento Republic FC. He could be overheard after the final whistle discussing his displeasure with local friends. He was claiming that the U23s simply put nine men behind the ball and played defensively. This was a bit unfair as the home side actually created the better of the chances and far more of them.
For his part, Teibert was again one of the most significant contributors on the Homegrown team. He had a couple of shots from distance. One was saved by Portland ‘keeper Justin Luthy. The other was a cheeky attempt from literally the halfway line. Teibert saw Luthy off his line a bit and had a go. The laces must not have been out as it sailed a bit high and wide left. His passing also was one of the bright spots, especially from set plays. His cultured left foot found teammates both from a free kick and a corner. In fact LA Galaxy striker Bradford Jamieson IV really should have done better with his free header on Teibert's corner midway through the first half. The quality delivery found Jamieson wide open at the near post, but he failed to even get his attempt on target.
So if Russell Teibert’s words weren’t simply about doing his job or trumpeting his own horn, they must have been about something deeper. Whenever Teibert speaks publicly there is a depth to what he says. His words are thoughtful and intentional. He speaks with a maturity that has developed in his six years as a part of the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club.
He would follow up that initial quote by saying:
"We don't just represent our clubs and ourselves when we come down to play here, we represent progress. And now we represent progress in the MLS. It's good that they're doing this game and it's good for exposure. It shows how not only can you become a professional over in Europe, we're showing a way that you can grow as professionals in North America."
When asked by people back in 2010, as he was breaking into the ‘Caps’ First Team, Russell would have told you that he longed to make a contribution to the Club, but he really longed to head over to Europe and to develop there. A few years down the road and there has been progress…so much so that Russell sees himself staying put longer than even he initially planned.
Make no mistake about it, Russell, with his skills, work rate, and determination, could have easily already left and gone to make a go of it in Europe. He may not have slotted right away into the starting XI of a First Team of a massive club, but he could have done what many Canadians have done before him.
Instead, he has inked a new 2 year, plus 2 option years (did Robbo not claim we had seen the last of those?) contract extension with the ‘Caps.
It has been less than a month since that milestone. Monday night’s Homegrown match was another for him (and his teammates). What will be the next one as Teibert continues to be a part of the progress of Major League Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps FC? We may find out as early as Sunday when the ‘Caps host MLS Cup holders, Sporting Kansas City, in a 5:00pm kickoff (gates open at 4:00pm) at BC Place.