The Timbers acquired Frank Boli in 2023 from Hungarian side Ferencvárosi Torna Clube. They had an option to keep him for 2024 but they didn’t exercise it. I could have sworn he played for us for more than one season. He ended up going to Atlético San Luis after he left the Timbers. It looks like 2024 was the last year he played professionally. I don’t remember a lot about him, but my recollection is fuzzy positive one. Boli was born in Yamoussoukro in the Ivory Cost. He’s on Instagram if you want to follow him, but his posts are infrequent.
As of r the interview, Redditor u/acquiesce sent him some questions, and Frank obliged to answer. There are no bombshells in there, in fact he’s almost too diplomatic to make it very interesting, but it always nice to hear from a player after they’ve left. Thanks to u/acquiesce for letting me repost this. I added some bonus videos of some of Frank’s goals after the interview.
Photo: Timbers.
r/timbers Interview With Frank Boli
Source: Reddit. Reposted with permission.
Which food scene do you prefer more, San Luis Potosí or Portland? Where does Portland’s food scene rank in all of the cities you’ve played for? (u/LaikenJordahl)
The food scene I prefer the most, I’d say I didn’t eat a lot outside as I had some homemade food almost everyday. But I loved the few times I’ve tried some restaurants and I loved it so I’d say Portland. Been in many cities and I’ll rank Portland as one the top 5 on my list!
Was there a noticeable vibe in the locker room around Gio coaching from the hot seat? (u/-Chandler-Bing-)
The vibe in the locker room was actually amazing, it was always fun to be there and a plus for me as I had Mabiala who spoke French and we became (brothers)!
What was the most surprising thing about playing in MLS? What was the least surprising thing? (u/the_grapes_of_faff)
The most surprising thing about playing in the MLS I’d say was the freedom the players have compared to Europe, the professionalism of the staff, the infrastructures and facilities and the organization before every trip! The least surprising was the game tempo and almost every team had more or less the same level.
Always appreciated your hustle & reliability in an otherwise tumultuous season for the Timbers! Which of your Timbers goals is your favorite, if you have a favorite? (u/caryy)
Thanks a lot, i appreciate it! My favorite Timbers goals are my first ever Timbers goal on my first game and my first goal at home.
What’s the atmosphere actually like behind the scenes at the club and dealing with the front office\ownership? Did it feel sketchy, tense, or normal compared to other clubs? (u/Onus-X)
The atmosphere was most of the time pretty chill, of course when things weren’t going our way sometimes you’d feel some tension which was normal but overall it was really good. In other clubs I felt a lot more pressure as the teams I was playing for wanted to be champions every season so you could really feel the tension when we weren’t winning.
What moment do you hope to be remembered for? (u/nonopz)
The moment I hope to be remembered for would be that I came in period where it was a bit hard for the Timbers, but I gave everything I had to fight for the team as I love the team the city and the the fans.
How did playing at Providence Park in front of the Timbers Army compare to other stadium environments you experienced in your career? (u/acquiesce)
Honestly I understood quick enough why Timbers supporters are the best in the MLS. I thought I wouldn’t see anything like my previous club before I joined the Timbers but I was positively surprised how good they were. The energy was just amazing, it made you wanna put you body on the line for the badge.
What’s something you feel the Timbers organization or MLS as a whole could improve on? (u/dhammm)
I really don’t have much to say outside the field, i enjoyed my time there and in the league. Everything was well organized.
Who was the timber player you’d most want to join you at another club in the future? (u/-Chandler-Bing-)
Hahah I think, that’s an obvious one. The player I wanted to join me anywhere and especially who made me not wanna leave the Timbers is Larrys Mabiala as we became brothers and our families are very close today.
How were you approached to join the team and what was the recruitment process like? What led you to sign with Portland? (u/Onus-X)
It was approached in a pretty normal way. The general manager (Ned) was in contact with my agent who tired to convince me to joined the MLS. They had to pay a transfer fee to my former club and what led me to come was the fact that I always wanted to play in the MLS to challenge myself.
He also added:
Just wanna thank the Timbers for the opportunity to play in the MLS, I wouldn’t have chosen any other club or city to start my journey there. Love the club which I still follow till today, love the city, its culture and its love for the game and I love the fans. Found good friends and brothers over there!
Now let’s see some goals!
Boli had 7 goals for us in 2023 and his XG was 7.53. I wonder why we didn’t keep him. I suppose the team felt he was too expensive of the output. I can’ remember the talk if there was any.
Here’s one the favorite goals he mentioned, “opening his account” with the Timbers on the road.
This must be the second one, a goal after only 80n seconds with the Whitecaps in the house.
This is a home goal against Chicago on June 21st, 2023. We should ultimately lose this 2-1.
Here’s a home goal with an assist from Evander. This Ione was his 4th goal of the season.
Here’s a back heel that was the lone bright spot in a 4-1 defeat to Montreal. I guess they made the bonfire that day. Assist from Yimmi Chara!