Congratulations, Portland.

[Riot]

Sorry if this should be in another thread, but I just wanted to say how awesome it is that you guys are going to join MLS.

Years ago I was visiting some family in Dundee when my cousin suggested we go see a soccer game in Portland. I was down for anything so I said sure, I'd never been to the city before nor seen a professional soccer match in person.

I don't remember who the Timbers played or what the score was, but after that I was hooked on the beautiful game. We sat right near the supporters' section, fans who sang and cheered all game long. The action was way more intense than it looked on TV, instantly taking away the "soccer is kinda boring" sentiments I'd had before.

It's still the only professional soccer match I've seen, but even when I see a bunch more I'll never forget it. So I just wanted to stop over and say congrats to the Timbers and the fans that support them. You guys deserve it.

[VioletCrown]

Yep. Congratulations, Portland. That was a very different announcement than the Vancouver one.;)

I'm looking forward to following the stadium progress.

For selfish reasons, though, I hope y'all stick around in USL-1 next year.:)

[LittleBirdie]

I agree on how different the announcements were. Vancouver was very professional and classy. This was a ra ra kind of feel. Tells a lot about each ownership group and the city. Or, Vancouver might have known that this was coming for some time now. That is what the word has been.

[guamster]

Well, this didn't take long - new banner at top of mlsnet.com (http://web.mlsnet.com/index.jsp):

http://web.mlsnet.com/imgs/header/team_bar_exp.jpg

Congratulations Timber supporters!

[The Marquis]

The announcement was very Portland. It wouldn't have been right for Portland to be announced like Vancouver was (not that their way is wrong, it's great for them). Portland is a blue collar city who's biggest claims to fame are beer, food, sustainability, outdoor activities and strip clubs. We're not a financial center, we're not loaded with huge international corporations (though our two most prominent are both the leaders is soccer). Vancouver and Seattle are both financial centers, loaded with big corporations and big money business.

Our announcement was very appropriate for our city and very very Portland.

[LittleBirdie]

The announcement was very Portland. It wouldn't have been right for Portland to be announced like Vancouver was (not that their way is wrong, it's great for them). Portland is a blue collar city who's biggest claims to fame are beer, food, sustainability, outdoor activities and strip clubs. We're not a financial center, we're not loaded with huge international corporations (though our two most prominent are both the leaders is soccer). Vancouver and Seattle are both financial centers, loaded with big corporations and big money business.

Our announcement was very appropriate for our city and very very Portland.

Well said.

[NYC10]

I'm excited about the addition of Portland. I think it might be time to jazz up the crest a bit though.

[ecnal]

As a Sounder till I Die, Congrats Portland. I couldn't be happier for you. I am looking forward to many great games in the future. Today is a day for every fan in the great northwest to beam with pride. Enjoy. Ecnal

[Nerroth]

I missed the announcement - is it up online yet?

[Alejo]

With first Seattle
And then the rest
USL, bids farewell
To the great North West

But lest ye forget
Just read this rhyme
And dont' forget
The fun and the time

You spent with us
The left behind
Now go on lads
And show our kind

Can make it big
At any level
And for the underdogs
WIN THE TREBLE.

GO SEATTLE
VANCOUVER AND PORTLAND TOO
SHLACK THE REST
TO KALAMAZOO. :D

[BuddhaNYC]

this wasen't really news to me since i saw this coming a mile away:D but now its official! and from what i saw in seattle on ESPN last night.. this is exactly what MLS needs! 3 teams in close vicinity with awesome support. hopefully NYC2 and St. Louis go into the league soon now..

[RedRover]

Now, it is official.

Congratulations Portland on entering MLS. Cascadia shall live on in MLS in 2011.

[Nerroth]

Time to annoy Sport Billy about when to get the board moved, along with the Vancouver one...

(Just pulling your leg, SB!)

[Earthshaker]

Congrats Portland. The Timbers and its supporters will be a great addition to MLS.

[jericho]

Congrats to Portland, especially the TA guys I met before the USA/MEX game. We'll have to share a few beers when you come to Columbus in 2011!

[Minnman]

Welcome aboard Portland. All the more reason for me to plan a visit to see my sister in Bend. Well, in two years.

Love the city, love the beer. Looking forward to a "road"trip when the Crew come to town.

[santeroatomico]

Congrats Portland Timbers! I guess you do not have to worry about a name a team context since thay are already using MLS timbers on MLSnet.

[PaulUW1]

Congrats Portland. Cascadia Cup, back in action in '11!

[JohnnyRanger]

Congrats Porkland, just for today...because all of us in The great cities of vancouver and Seattle will go back to singing tomorrow:

We All hate portland
We all hate Portland
We All hate portland...

33 years!
~F&*K ALL!
33 years!
~F$%K ALL!
33years!
~F^#K ALL!
33 years!
~F*!K ALL!!!

man is that tune ever catchy! :D :D

Sincerely though, it is awesome that our last cascadian brothers are going to be joining us in our MLS Endeavors and with the Sounders in MLS we will have to keep the Cascadia Cup going for these next two years just so your lot thinks they have a chance at winning it! ;)

~stir stir

[Blackjack Shellac]

Congrats Portland.