Victorious Timbers

We have become Thursday night regulars at PGE Park when the Timbers are in town, but I was feeling a little run down last night after class. However, when I called home to let Jesse know that I was on my way home, he informed me that two of our friends were coming over for drinks before the soccer game (and that he had cleaned the apartment in preparation). Score! I immediately felt energized. I rode my bike to the grocery store and picked up all of the necessary ingredients for the "Triple B" (the meal formerly known as Bachelor Broccoli Burritos) so we could have a quick bite to eat before heading out. After a cocktail or two, we were set to go.

Timbers games are always more fun with a little fire in your belly. And if you're grouped with or near the Army, there's no sitting allowed or a quiet moment to pass. The Timbers played the Vancouver (a huge rival game), so the fans were overjoyed when we beat the Whitecats 1-0. We walked into the game a little late this time around, but made with only a minute to spare before the first (and only) goal was scored by the Timbers. It was a fast-paced game that put them in a two-way tie for first place in the league and added to their unbeaten streak of 19 games -- a new record.

This was the second win over Vancouver this season, which mandated that the Cascadia Cup (an entirely fan-based rivalry) be passed to Portland for the very first time. We stopped in at the Bitter End pub for a celebratory beer after the game and the team showed up for a victory lap -- at which point someone filled the Cascadia Cup with beer for every one to drink. Gross. I happily watched from the safety of my booth as the cup was passed around by the crowd. It was quite festive and fun. Timber Joey was even there, sans chainsaw of course.

The Timbers are playing again on Saturday against the Charleston Battery and we are definitely going to make that game. By then my voice should be back to normal for more raucous cheering and goading. God, I love soccer.