We don't plan to host gamethreads for every Portland Timbers match, but when they face their "ally" in the Chicago Fire for the opening of The Glass House I figure why now?

ESPN2 has the action on the TV, but let's be honest. Who wins isn't what's most important.

I want to see authentic non-sponsored small money football* with a passionate group of supporters that includes everyone**, and doesn't raise themselves above everyone else***.

* Timbers have 9 sponsors on their scoreboard
** Timbers Army includes everyone willing to call themselves Timbers Army - this is actually a good thing
***TA is singing the national anthem, on National TV, but the rest of the fans? No, they don't count.

Oddly, by a formula I'm about to release, both teams are expected to end with about 36 points. The MOE is +/- 7, and so one, and maybe both could make the Playoffs, but it isn't likely at this time. Portland has just added a DP, so that potential addition is not yet accounted for in the numbers.