When I read the report that there was going to be 10,000+ fans at the Portland Timbers reserve match this past Sunday I thought it was pretty cool. Little did I know that it was actually really cool. At least according to the dozens of news articles from seemingly every soccer site and newspaper in the USA. As such I thought I'd dedicate this link thread to it. 10,000 is a hugely impressive number for what amounts to a game that means little to the actual season.
Not to discount the players efforts in said games. Keeping the players fresh is 100% important. I was speaking entirely from a stats and standings point of view.
Enjoy the morning news!
Timbers specific news
August 22, 1982: Last Timbers Match of the NASL Era
A bit of history regarding the Timbers last NASL game... interesting stuff!
Portland Timbers fans celebrate a Cascadia Cup victory over Vancouver Whitecaps
Another great photo essay from OregonLive.com. Seriously these things are great.
Portland Timbers attract more than 10,000 fans…to reserves match!
Yes, yes... we're awesome.
League news (after the jump)
Zusi earns MLS Player of the Week honor
Also odd... the Timbers have not won a single PotW award yet.
MLS, Blackburn agree deal for George John
Major League Soccer and Blackburn have agreed to terms on a transfer for defender George John.
The MLS Playoff Picture in Four Tiers
The action this weekend in MLS really clarified the playoff picture and set clear markers as to who is in, who is contending, and who should begin planning for the next season.
MLS weighs tie-game issue amid crazy numbers
This season, 11 of 18 MLS teams have more ties than wins
RSL notes: Real's once-promising season is unraveling
Once considered to be the defacto Shield winners, RSL's season is looking bleak.