168.

That’s the number of days since the Portland Timbers have played at the corner of 18th and Morrison. They’re fresh off their MLS is Back Tournament win and looking good doing so. But now it’s time to build on what the Timbers put together during their run, with a return to regular season. The Timbers sit third in the West, five points behind Sporting KC wow occupy first place in the West, and one point behind second place Minnesota United FC. And the Timbers are averaging a robust 2 ppg.

It’s fitting that after a 100 plus days without soccer at Providence Park that the Timbers would welcome to town the Seattle Sounders. Lets face it, no one likes Seattle and that’s just the way things have to be. It’s time for the Timbers to protect this house and send the Sounders backup I-5 with their tails between there legs.

I’m going to be that we’ll see Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco and Jeremy Ebobisse for sure. As there is no reason not to field the strongest XI possible when playing a bitter rival. I feel blasphemous even mentioning it, but does Gio manage Valeri’s minutes for the rest of the season? I’m sure it will be a situational thing, but I don’t want the Maestro to be gassed possibly headed into the MLS Cup playoffs. But that’s really putting the cart before the horse, but if they play even half as good as they did in the bubble, I’ll be a happy camper.

Will it be weird without the Timbers Army? Yes. But it’s better than no soccer at all. I’ll be in full voice at home, and hopefully I won’t freak out my cats....this time.

Starting Lineups

Seattle Sounders

Portland Timbers

Location: Providence Park, Portland Oregon
Kick-off time: 7:00 pst/10:00 est
TV broadcast: FS1
Rival SB Nation site: Sounder At Heart
Radio broadcast: 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish)

Let’s go Timbers! #RCTID