Around the Forest: Stories old and new for Christmas Eve perusing

Welcome back to Around the Forest! It’s been a long time, but with the holiday season here and Christmas a day away, it seemed appropriate to gift everyone some time to reflect on the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns. It’s certainly been a strange year, so let’s take a look at what’s happening.

Timbers and Thorns

Let’s start with Steve Clark and his disposable camera. Clark went into the bubble with a camera and came out with a trophy and some sweet pictures. Here’s a quick look at some of them below.

Next, let’s have a pair of pieces that attempt to remember what 2020 was for both the Timbers and Thorns. We have Richard Farley to thank for that, who broke down the year for the Timbers here and the year for the Thorns here.

And finally, Jaroslaw Niezgoda and his wife Izabela are having a baby! Congrats to the both of them.

MLS and NWSL Stories

Your way-too-early favorites to win 2021 MLS Cup — MLS

Report: LA Galaxy midfielder Cristian Pavon returning to Boca Juniors — MLS

A comprehensive list of soccer films to get you through life without matches — MLS

FIFA cancels 2021 U-20, U-17 World Cups due to COVID-19 pandemic — MLS

The complete list of free agents for the 2021 MLS season — MLS

DC United appoint Danita Johnson as head of business operations, making her first Black president in MLS — MLS

Reborn KC women’s pro soccer club adds three players, including two from Kansas City — The Kansas City Star

Alexander: The women of Angel City FC have a plan, and they have time — The Orange County Register

That’s all for now. Happy holidays to you all!