Around the Forest: Timbers in Fulton County, Crystal Dunn on the election, and more

Welcome back to Around the Forest! Each week, we like to put together some of the coolest stories about the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC. We even like to throw some other MLS and NWSL stories in there too. This week, we have Fulton County election director Richard Barron talking about his infamous Timbers lanyard, Lindsey Horan talking about her journey to professional soccer, and Crystal Dunn on the ‘Bigger Than The Game’ Election Rally.’

Timbers and Thorns

Let’s start with everyone’s favorite election director, Richard Barron. As you undoubtedly know, there was an election going on this week, and Barron was center stage in Atlanta rocking a Timbers lanyard. Jeff Rueter of The Athletic talked to Barron to hear his story. You can read it here (subscription required).

Next, Lindsey Horan was on the Concacaf Futbol Talks podcast to talk about being neighbors with Esse Baharmast and working towards her dream of playing professional soccer. You can watch the video here.

Finally, Crystal Dunn joined the ‘Bigger Than The Game Election Rally’ to talk about the election, her advocacy, and more. You can watch it here.

MLS and NWSL

Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs: Match schedule, dates, times and TV — MLS

Decision Day: What’s at stake in the final week of the regular season — MLS

Doyle: What I’m keeping an eye on for Decision Day — MLS

Christian Pulisic to miss Chelsea match with hamstring injury: Can he make USMNT return? — MLS

Nedum Onuoha to retire following MLS season — RSL Soapbox

Reno 1868 abruptly folds, despite solid results in development and on the field — The Athletic

Seattle Sounders, head coach Brian Schmetzer yet to reach contract agreement for next season — MLS

In Franco Escobar, Atlanta United faces a new conundrum with a key defender — The Athletic

Ex-Sounder Henry Wingo experiencing the rewards of challenging himself in Norway — The Athletic

USMNT’s Gregg Berhalter has long-term plan for MLS call-ups with eye toward 2021 — MLS

Rapinoe, Lloyd, Press among unprotected players for Louisville’s NWSL Expansion Draft — Sports Illustrated

The Racing Louisville NWSL expansion draft preview — All for XI

Anything that we missed? Let us know below!