For some reason it feels like it has a been a long time since we've since the Timbers in action at home. Maybe something about watching two frustrating road games makes me anxious to see them here, where they're much more likely to make us proud. In any case, I'm looking forward to being at Jeld-Wen Field tomorrow night. I'm also going to be keeping a close eye on that game in Vancouver, which could make the Timbers' road to the Cascadia Cup a little bit easier (still a pot-holed and gravelly road, mind you, but a little bit easier nonetheless).
And with that, I hope you enjoy the weekend and today's news.
Marcus Hahnemann recalls Vancouver rivalry
Ahead of a game with significant implications for the Timbers' Cascadia Cup chances, the Sounders goalkeeper looks back at his experience with the Cascadia rivalry when he played with the Sounders in 1994.
CCL: Islanders win seals Galaxy passage to quarterfinals
Two MLS sides are now through to the Quarterfinals, along with Mexican club Monterrey.
Real Salt Lake aiming for shutout against CS Herediano
Though they're in action against Chivas this weekend, RSL is already looking ahead to Tuesday's CONCACAF Champions League match against CS Herediano. RSL needs either a 1-0 victory or a two-goal margin of victory to advance and join the Sounders and LA in the quarterfinals.
USA defender Michael Orozco Fiscal yearns MLS return
He partly blames Peter Nowak for the fact that he's playing in Mexico, instead of in the U.S. like he had always hoped.
Peter Nowak's lawsuit against the Philadelphia Union sent to arbitration by federal judge
Speaking of Peter Nowak...
Playoff Outlook: Three more teams could clinch over the weekend
Three teams can claim playoff spots this weekend, four can be eliminated. Here are the scenarios.
Q&A: MLS UK editor Daniel Bidmead
An English fan of the Columbus Crew talks about how he got into MLS and about supporting the Crew from afar. He thinks they have the coolest crest in the league and "in any football." Seriously.
What's in a name: Chicago Fire
Warning: this takes a lot of the fun out of jokes about naming your sports team after a disaster that destroyed your city. (But it's a good read.)
Soccer By Ives: USMNT Daily Update: Livestrong Park's chance to be the new go-to WCQ venue
Crew Stadium has been the choice venue for big USMNT games since 2001, but Livestrong could take its spot.