YOU CALL THIS/M-L-S??? was the taunting chant from the Portland section at March 11s demoralizing charity soccer match at Qwest Field, which drew over 18,000 fans to stand in the rain to watch their Timbers (who wont join Major League Soccer until 2011) best our Seattle Sounders in a soggy canapé to the season formally opening tonight. One goal won them the game, though we outplayed them; its just that all our shots seems to land squarely, securely in their keepers arms, as if a mother were tossing him her child. Assuming labor negotiations, ongoing at press time, have forestalled a strike, well be playing the Philadelphia Union, this seasons expansion team, in their debut. (Be sure to join the rowdy March to the Match at Occidental Park at 5 p.m.) GAVIN BORCHERT
Thu., March 25, 6:30 p.m., 2010
