Portland Timbers Tuesday: Scot Thompson Retires
November 16, 2010 — PDXPIPELINEBy Ben Golliver
Photo by Cider Master
Portland Timbers Tuesday: Scot Thompson Retires
There were bound to be some painful goodbyes during the Portland Timbers' transition to Major League Soccer, and perhaps the toughest for Timbers fans came last week when defender Scot Thompson announced his retirement.
At age 29, Thompson leaves the pitch as the "all-time leader in minutes played and game appearances in the Timbers USL era," according to Kip Kesgard. He was a long-time fan favorite, owing to his solid play in back and the unique spelling of his name, which was chanted ad nauseam by the Timbers Army: "S — C — O — T … Scot with one T!"
Geoffrey Arnold notes that Thompson, who never stood a chance to make the MLS roster, has served as the team's community ambassador in the past, which could perhaps open the door to future public service work on behalf of the Timbers organization. In a way, Thompson seems like a Jerome Kersey figure for this Timbers organization, thanks to his long career, local popularity, wide smile and easy-going personality. Kersey, of course, was Portland's small forward during the Rip City glory days, and he currently serves as a team ambassador, along with fellow former Blazers like Terry Porter.
The Blazers have found value in connecting generations of fans through the use of alumni, and a similar setup would seem to be logical for the Timbers, who are in a unique position of catering to both long-time minor league diehards and the mass appeal newcomers that will flock once next season starts. Reading the various pieces and messageboard posts about Thompson online during the last week, many include first-hand anecdotes of meeting him and talking with him.
That personal touch is invaluable for a minor league sport, and it would be a shame to lose that personal touch during the jump to the big time. Here's hoping Timbers technical director Gavin Wilkinson follows through on his statement to Arnold that he would "look at home we can keep Scot involved moving forward," so that the Timbers community can enjoy the continuity of accessibility that goes with Thompson's familiar face.
————-Related Portland Timbers Tuesday Posts——-
- Timbers Tuesday: Scouting, Sub-Letting and Rival Armies
- Timbers Tuesday: Cuts and Petitions
- Timbers Tuesday: Awards, Drafts And Demands
- Timbers Tuesdays: Portland Timbers Announce 4 Player Signings For MLS
- Timbers Tuesday: The 2010 Season Ends For The Portland Timbers, Despite AÂ Win
———-Ben Golliver
Ben Golliver is a freelance writer, native Oregonian and avid follower of the Timbers. He edits Blazersedge, co-hosts The Dontonio Wingcast and regularly contributes to SB Nation. Follow him onTwitter.
