Sorry for not getting the link post up yesterday. It was just one of those work days where I was scrambling at every turn. Very frustrating, especially when all I want to do it read and write about the Timbers. You'll notice today's link thread is a little more robust than usual because of it however. There's a few choice articles in there, one of which will be more deeply dissected later today (the one about MLS expansion). So stay tuned for that!
Enjoy the morning news.
Timbers news
It's official: Timbers' game against Revolution is a "must-win"
Players say Timbers need to defeat New England to remain in playoff hunt
Ex-Chelsea, Rangers, QPR forward Spencer still has it according to Portland Timbers players
I'd like to see Spencer playing one of these days!
Behind the Axe: Cascadia Cup updates
If Seattle wins against Vancouver this weekend the Cascadia Cup is theirs.
Portland Timbers video: Troy Perkins says Timbers must protect home field
Timbers' playoff hopes riding on Friday's game against New England
Other news (after the jump)
Bar set high for future MLS expansion markets
Fascinating article with some key quotes on expansion. I'll have more on this later.
Juventus star Del Piero pours cold water on MLS rumors
Thank god. Who would waste money on this aging retiree?
Union sign English defender Taiy
The Philadelphia Union announced the signing of English defender Joe Tait on Tuesday.
First MLS season been steep learning curve for Whitecaps' rookie Salgado
1st overall SuperDraft pick hasn't had a stellar season.
Real Salt Lake on upswing of roller-coaster season
They certainly haven't been the Supporters Shield contenders everybody thought back in March/April.
Santos Laguna striker Carlos Ochoa sees improvement in Major League Soccer
Title says it all...
Prep soccer star finally playing with MLS' Fire
The Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer will welcome Jourdan Gooden, the former Gateway Charter High School standout, to train with their under-18 academy team starting today.
Impact won't show MLS hand
Not that anybody expected them to.
Kathy Carter has her eye on the soccer ball
The Soccer United Marketing president talks about growing MLS and the game in North America as part of espnW's Power Players series.