I love the Portland Timbers current head coach so much so that I'm dedicating this entire link thread to him. I'm not sure the Timbers FO could have found a better man to lead the team, at least in terms of fitting in with who we are here in Portland. Seriously, his quotes yesterday were amazing. Not so much for what he said specifically, but that he was even willing to say that at all. How often do you hear a head coach talk like that?
Anyway, today we have quite a few links devoted to Spencer given his reactions to Saturday's game. But we've also got the regular league news as well. Enjoy!
Timbers Specific News
Bemused Spencer blasts Sounders as full of excuses
The original article where John Spencer gets his quoting roll started. Love this guy!
Timbers coach John Spencer disappointed in Seattle's 'excuses' following Saturday's 1-1 game
The notion that Portland should be an easy home win for opponents does not sit well with the Timbers coach.
John Spencer blasts Sounders FC excuses in Portland press
Quote round up of John Spencer blasting the Seattle Sounders' reaction to last weekend's draw.
Seattle vs Portland Timbers Report
Not sure why they have Darlington Nagbe as "Flop of the Match" I thought he played well enough and he's improving with each game.
Seattle, Portland far ahead in TV ratings for first MLS matchup
Seattle's 3.0 and Portland's 2.2 ratings are more than three times the next-highest-rated city's for the ESPN2 broadcast.
Sounders-Timbers not as progressive as some hope
An argument on why the Cascadia Cup proves that soccer still has a long way to go before being culturally accepted in America.
League News (after the jump)
MLS Designated Player Dissection: The breaking out of the 'lesser DPs'
I just want to point out that Diego Chara is a DP for Portland because of his transfer fee.
¡MLS Futbolito! to make stops in eight cities nationwide
One of MLS's most unusual and successful grassroots initiative returns. Can't wait!
Vancouver Whitecaps and United States international defender Jay DeMerit discusses his adjustment to Major League Soccer and the upcoming Gold Cup
I'm not sure there's anything I can put in this description that the title doesn't say already. Good read for USMNT fans though.
TFC, Whitecaps hope to salvage season
Both teams have chance to redeem MLS shortcoming by winning Canadian championship
GALAXY: Champions League foes await
The Galaxy will know its path to next year's knockout stage in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday, when the draw will be staged in New York.
International star Marquez helps MLS' credibility, growth
It's actually quite surprising that Marquez is here at all, given he's such an enemy to our USMNT.
Caps get a fresh start against TFC
It was 60 long days ago when the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Toronto FC 4-2 in a thrilling home debut, can they do it again?
Robert Pires says Thierry Henry wants him in MLS
Ugh, no thanks. I don't want him in MLS at all. We certainly have no need for a retiring 37 year old midfielder.
Could US stars Bradley, Donovan be headed to Roma?
I don't like this. While it sucks playing against Landon Donovan, his being in the league raises the perspective of what were doing here. Essentially he's MLS's most marketable player. I'd rather he stick with LA until he retires.