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We're getting underway with tonight's @107ist meet and greet with coach Gio Savarese! Props to @stephanzy106 for kicking it off #RCTID 
Gio started off by thanking TA for the show of support at the last match following the passing of his father. He said that meant a lot to him and to relatives who saw it on the broadcast. #RCTID
He also appreciated the opportunity to explore the depth of the roster as the schedule got compacted, giving youth an opportunity to play and to give the coaching staff the good problem of determining who to start as each player makes his case at every game #RCTID
Gavin looks forward to the opportunity for a preseason tournament again at @ProvidencePark_ #RCTID
Question about bringing Brazilian players on board: Gavin jokes that the night life in PDX is insufficient. Then gives the serious answer that communities make it easier, eg having Valeri & Chara makes it easier to bring players from Argentina & Colombia #RCTID
Gio also notes that Brazil is an expensive market, which makes it more challenging, but it doesn't mean they don't look there #RCTID
Q about finding an eventual replacement for Chara. Gavin: we're not going to find another Chara. I pity whoever has to follow him. I expect him to play 2-3 years then perhaps manage scouting for Central & South America #RCTID
Gio: it is impossible to replace him, the way he conducts himself the way he is admired in the locker room. #RCTID
Carlos: Now that I've known Chara for almost 16 months, I'd have to agree. And not just cos he is Colombian, he is amazing #RCTID
Miles: I have been on coaching staffs in the league for ten years and I'm so glad I'm finally coaching on Chara's team and don't have to make a game plan for playing against him #RCTID
Similar question about the team whenever Valeri is no longer on the squad. Gio notes Valeri he is similarly difficult to replace. He is El Maestro, he can win championships #RCTID
Gavin wants to do everything he can to make sure whenever Valeri ganga up his boots that he retires in Portland. He is worth so much more than what he does on the field, cites eg going out of his way to make a new player like Fernandez feel welcome #RCTID
Q about goalkeeper transition. What's it like to manage that? Memo: Jeff had a shoulder issue we had to manage, Steve has also been playing well. Jeff did well last year. With the road games this year we rotated keepers & Steve did well. #RCTID
Gio: both players have played well, and it is a very difficult position. Jeff will still play an important role with the club this year. All of the goalkeepers engage in healthy competition. #RCTID
Question about securing the rights to the children of current players. Gavin: Connie will not play, she will be the GM of the Timbers and/or Thorns. Serious answer: it means something to sign players who are responsible for someone other than themselves #RCTID
Less serious Gavin answer: if we can keep the Chara twins, I would sign them now #RCTID
Q about doing away with homegrown territories. Gavin: we have a residency program and it is a unique balance. Maybe because of the number of players who play the game in the area we haven't had the talent that we'd want. Need to find right director of player development #RCTID
Gavin: at the same time we still have to value the growth and development of the game continues in the area. #RCTID
Q: how is that eg NJ or Dallas has a huge influx of youth players? What is it that they have? Gavin: if you fish in a bigger pond you have better chances. We are a big fish in a small pond relative to Dallas, SoCal. We also lack diversity. Not excuses, just barriers #RCTID
Q: pregame rituals or superstitions? Gio: yes I have so many superstitions. Look right before left. White shoes, jackets, when I get the game sheet with the players I don't touch it...but for me it is really about finding ways to focus on the game #RCTID
Q: when is the staff game going to be made public? Gavin: 9/19 and 9/20 we'll play adidas. Would actually be fun to have a game with TA. Please discuss at next 107IST FO meeting. Miles: groundskeepers couldn't kick at first, now they have nicknames like Jordan=Jordinho #RCTID
Q: 12 games on the road. Who were the guys w/good sense of humor that helped everybody get back on their feet? Gio: Lots of guys. eg Blanco is funny but he also collects team fines, so if he is joking with you you also need to watch out. #RCTID
And that's a wrap. Warm applause for all and sundry. #RCTID
Okay just kidding! Gavin: we are also looking to sign and or extend contracts on several people including Conechny, Paredes, and Blanco #RCTID
Gavin then discussed challenges of managing an asset at a particular position like eg Jamada and determine when it is better to play them at T2 vs deeper in the rotation on first team #RCTID
Gio: Conechny is a superhero who hasn't yet learned how to use his super powers. We need to find the right moments to get him opportunities to play with a strong group, that he can continue to show the tremendous quality that he has #RCTID
Gavin: the reason we are able get the caliber of players we do is because of the atmosphere/environment the TA create and for the work you do in the community. You've helped to put us on the map and make us relevant. From our part, thank you very much #RCTID
Okay, THAT is a wrap. #RCTID
