This is a wrenching, thorough analysis of yesterday’s homicide by an ICE agent. It’s disturbing, so exercise discretion in deciding whether to watch. But I believe this is a moment in which we cannot simply look away, and that we have a moral and civic obligation to know the facts and seek justice.

One of the most common signs of authoritarianism is the overuse of the term “terrorists.” It’s a cheap rhetorical trick used to justify excessive state violence. Protesters aren’t terrorists. Immigrants aren’t terrorists. Drug traffickers aren’t “narcoterrorists.” Only terrorists are terrorists.

That’s (a) a pretty tepid return; and (b) a pretty brutal—albeit somewhat ambiguous—last paragraph. I’m a fan of Ayala even if I thought some of the hype coming from the Timbers was a bit overcooked. But this opens a big hole to fill without all that much in terms of resources to fill it. #RCTID

Well that’s too bad. Would’ve liked that signing. Will be interesting to see if PTFC’s pursuit of a DP means they’re parting ways with DDC or if they’re now going with the 3/3 model—I’d assumed they needed the GAM from 2/4. A low-dollar int’l attacking DP, IMO, isn’t worth the cost. #RCTID

In fairness I don’t know why you’d want to hire a coach who’s earned 1.74 PPG over 215 all-comps games with one major and two minor trophies during his time in MLS when you can retain one who’s earned 1.34 PPG over 171 games and has arguably won one playoff game. #RCTID

I’m absolutely begging the Timbers to make this call. I’m begging in vain, mind you. But begging nonetheless. #RCTID

I’m late on this, but Ken Burns’ documentary on the American Revolution is so spectacular. The Revolutionary War was, in many ways, so much messier than we learn. And yet, from that messiness came a political miracle that delivered liberty to some—and laid the foundation to deliver it to many more.

This is like if you asked AI to create the perfect metaphor for 2025.

Not sure James Madison would’ve even made the Founding Fathers Playoffs.

Don’t play with me, @thornsfc.com. If you’re gonna post that on IG you gotta deliver. #BAONPDX

This is specific to the film industry, but it’s descriptive of the entire consumer experience cycle right now. 1. Find a Good Thing; 2. The Good Thing gets popular and big; 3. The Good Thing gets less good; 4. We have to decide whether to acquiesce in the Less Good Thing or try to go back to 1.

If they’re doing it regardless of weather it’s not a player welfare measure. FIFA’s latest cash grab is to add a planned commercial break to World Cup games.

The thing that makes this even better is that there is a sizable number of his supporters who grow enraged at the idea of nine year olds being given participation trophies for rec soccer.

My survey response: The driving editorial force in the Apple TV coverage seems to be fear of receiving angry emails from club owners and executives. So the commentary takes on a Lake Woebegone-like dynamic where all the teams are above average. As a result, it’s boring.

This is genuinely incredible comedy.

Anyway, the story of Thanksgiving is about how the people who were here before welcomed and shared a meal of plenty with refugee immigrants.

wait wut #BAONPDX

I’m skeptical there will be much of a transfer fee coming for Mora. He may move, but it won’t be lucrative. And tho clearing that cap space isn’t nothing, there’s also risk. It’s possible the worm’s turned for Pipe, but nobody else (healthy) on the roster has close to his goalscoring record. #RCTID

Matt’s point about the Timbers having largely shot their transfer market shot in the summer is well-taken. There will be some movement this winter, but without buyouts (PTFC’s historical willingness there has been spotty) we’re not going to be looking at a major revamp. #RCTID

No, and it’s so weird. This should be one of the bigger stories league-wide this offseason and literally nobody is talking about it. If a recent, in-prime NBA, NFL, or even MLS MVP had the ability to hit free agency in an offseason there would be major coverage for months leading up to it. #BAONPDX

Every time I see another American soccer plan to make soccer the most popular, participatory, etc. sport in the US or a new plan for MLS to double its fanbase, or whatever the cause du jour may be I can’t help but think of the exchange between Pinky and the Brain that opened every episode.

Is there anything less effective than an MLS club or league investigation? Here we have multiple instances of the most cartoonish, gutter racism and misogyny—*one instance of which was caught on a broadcast microphone*—and the product of the investigation is still 🙊🙈🙉.

Thorns: Nobody believes in us! CBS Sideline Reporter’s question to Adrian Gonzalez: “The only thing consistent about the Thorns is inconsistency…” Usually the “us against everybody” narrative is overblown, but in this case… #BAONPDX

The more straightforward story is that the Timbers schedule was softer in the first half (1.26 PPG opp avg) than in the second (1.45 PPG opp avg), and that they did well against bad teams (1.9 PPG v opps <1.2 PPG) and horrifically against playoff-caliber teams (0.69 PPG v opps >1.5 PPG). #RCTID

Look, when something hasn’t really worked five times the obvious thing to do is try a sixth. #RCTID

The Thorns have flown under the radar with national media this year. In what was supposed to be a step-back year with a barrage of major injuries piled on top, they finished third and are now in the semis. One nomination is a bit light. Coffey a big miss. Rob Gale is aggrieved here, too. #BAONPDX

We’re cooked. #RCTID

The worst thing about this is that is would be in-character for Timbers leadership to use the four playoff games as a fig leaf to avoid having to make hard changes in the offseason. On balance, 1.29 PPG in the regular season and 1.0 PPG in the postseason is mediocre at best. #RCTID

Strong Matías Almeyda San Jose Earthquakes vibes early on here. #RCTID

On paper adding a player in midfield can give you a little more flexibility in building out—which could be useful against San Diego press. In practice, the Timbers have usually been a mess in this setup. So one of those things that works on the chalkboard but has largely failed on the field. #RCTID

Neville’s periodic uses of a 3 have been mostly poor-to-disastrous. We’ll see how this actually shapes, but a big roll of the dice if that’s the move here. #RCTID

Tordin coming on totally changed this game. She’s done phenomenally well to stretch the field and open up more spaces for Liv and company to operate. Completely tilted the field. #BAONPDX

The Thorns probably have to make some changes on the wings. Without a source for an outlet—and none of Turner, Castellanos, or Spaanstra provided one—Portland was far too squeezable and got eaten up by San Diego’s counterpress. Turner up top was a marginal improvement, but need much more. #BAONPDX

So the ref correctly stopped play for the head injuries even though the Thorns had 3v3 going at goal, and then restarts with a drop ball in which he allows San Diego to keep possession. I had some questions. #BAONPDX

The thing that’s annoying about today is that San Diego is among the less hate-able cities in the country. I hope you experience a small bit of adversity today in your otherwise pleasant existence, San Diegans. #RCTID #BAONPDX

Remarkable how institutions and the powerful have almost uniformly caved to Trump while the people have almost uniformly stood up to him.

Well that’s intriguing. #BAONPDX

Incredible moment for Gage Guerra tonight. Holy cow. Really good from the Timbers not letting that game get away from them at 2-1 down. They certainly left it late, but survive for another day. #RCTID

Truly the most USSF scandal ever was when its largely successful USMNT coach got absolutely crushed for virtually every imaginable corner for imprudently telling the truth about one of his players.

Wait what did Chris Penso do? #RCTID

A much better performance than it looked like they’d put in during that first half hour. But indiscipline from Fory killed any opportunity to steal a result. Velde lucky not to see red late, though. Given the way he played today that would’ve been a tough loss for next week. #RCTID

Playoff games are dictated by game states. And in this matchup, this is a very dangerous game state for the Timbers. Having to come out and play in search of an equalizer puts the Timbers in an even more vulnerable position against this San Diego team. #RCTID

Them: AI is so great and so smart and it’s going to replace all you dumb laptop workers. Me: Why does it keep trying to autofill my name to “Christmas” when I sign an email?

Democrats: We’re going to shut down the government because it’s the only leverage we have to make sure you don’t raise health insurance premiums on millions of Americans. Trump: Well then I’m going to call billionaires and have them donate money to fund the government! Democrats: I’m listening…

Blazers fans yesterday: It’s going to be fun to finally have a normal season in which we can just root for our team to win games! Blazers fans this morning:

Rwan Cruz has been the Timbers’ best player in this second half by miles. A savior since he came on. #RCTID

Timbers’ press looked better in that first half since, well, basically ever. RSL was brutal in possession and basically set their line of confrontation at their own byline. Frustrating to let them back in the game on a set piece when RSL probably should’ve been put to the sword early. #RCTID

I say this writing from home, so maybe I’m part of the problem—or, perhaps more accurately, a symptom of the problem: The number of empty seats at Providence Park is shocking. Yet I fear the reaction from the club will be anger at the fans that aren’t there instead of self-reflection. #RCTID

A judicial assessment that the government is likely to prevail on its claim that conditions in Portland present a risk of “rebellion” is an exercise in unreality that violates Article III’s case and controversy requirement. Courts have to adjudicate real cases—not fantasies in the name of deference.