Updated Jul 1, 2009 - 2:34 pm

GAMEDAY: Open Cup brings out Classic NW Rivalry

Comments   |   Print this   |   E-mail this

The Sounders are in Portland today for a third-round Open Cup match against their former USL rivals, the Timbers. Fans from both cities have long memories: The Seattle-Portland soccer rivalry actually dates back to 1975 when both fielded teams in the North American Soccer League.

Sounders celebration circa 1977, thanks to GOALSeattle.com

These spirited meetings continued in the USL First Division from 2001-08. Tonight is the first official meeting between the two sides since the Sounders joined the MLS earlier this year.

Seattle Sounders' Michael Rodriguez wins the ball against Timbers' fwd Takayuki Suzuki in a 2008 USL matchup (via Oregonian).

Make no mistake: This is the biggest game of the Timbers' season so far, and they will fight for every ball. The Sounders should not take their old rivals lightly, especially on their home turf at PGE Park. The atmosphere should be electric: The Emerald City Supporters and Gorilla FC are sending busloads of fans to Portland this afternoon; the Timbers Army will be eager to act as welcoming committee.

"Every ball is contested, and obviously, with the two clubs situated so closely together, there's a lot more on the line," Timbers' manager Gavin Wilkinson told The Oregonian. "The pride in representing the area and also the bragging rights. I'm expecting a highly entertaining game with obviously a few heated moments."

Things will get particularly heated if Sounders coach Sigi Schmid decides to put Roger Levesque into the game. Levesque played for the USL Sounders for five seasons, scoring a number of goals against Portland. Timbers fans (again, long memories) hold a fierce grudge against the seemingly mild-mannered forward:

"It came to fruition when I played with Portland in an exhibition game against Toronto FC at the end of the 2007 season. I was actually wearing a Portland jersey, started and played in the game," Levesque said. "At the start of the game, the Timbers Army had a huge sign that said, 'True fans hate Levesque.' Even when I was on their team, they were rooting against me."

What passion! I hope Levesque gets minutes today, if only to see more sparks fly.

Kickoff at 7 PM -- News/Talk 97.3 KIRO FM is not carrying Open Cup matches, but you can watch live television coverage on FSN. I'll also be blogging the game from one of my favorite Seattle soccer spots, The George & Dragon in Fremont.

• Add A Comment
  
  
  0
  0