So, my bother and I went down to the LAFC game (read: massacre) back in March. After the game we were at this British pub in Santa Monica and ended up talking to these two guys in their mid 50s from the UK (one was from Leeds, the other from Aberdeen) who were in town for a concert. We had a great night watching karaoke and talking music and football. On our way out the door the guy from Aberdeen asked for my No Pity scarf. Without thinking about it, I handed it over.

The next morning, however, I was struck with regret. I had had that particular scarf for over a decade. I got it when I moved back to Portland in 2008. To get that scarf I had to hunt down Gisele pre-match at the Bitter End Pub and she pulled it from a handful she had in her backpack. That scarf had been around my neck for hundreds of games, whether at the match or while watching in front of a TV, from the Cal FC loss to winning MLS Cup. That scarf was soaked in blood, sweat, tears (and cider). That scarf had meaning, history. I was sad I had given it away. When I got back home to Salem I told my wife and she offered me her No Pity scarf. I was almost offended, I didn't want hers, I wanted mine!

But now that I think about it, owning that scarf isn't Timbers Army. Handing that scarf to some random guy from Scotland and (hopefully) making a new fan is Timbers Army. I'd like to think Gisele would be happy. Today, on my way to the home opener, I'll stop by the No Pity Van and buy another scarf. But, again, owning it won't be Timbers Army. Wearing it around my neck when it's 85+ degrees out, holding it above my head after every away goal and while singing You Are My Sunshine, and, yes, maybe giving this scarf away at some point too... that's Timbers Army.

I'm looking froward to finally having a No Pity scarf around my neck again (it's felt way too bare these last few games) but now I'm also looking forward to having another reason to pass it on. I hope I don't own this next scarf for a decade.

Onward, Rose City.