While much of the region, much of MLS, much of the USA, North America, the WORLD will be focused on what happens in the stands. This is a game on the pitch, and the results matter. It is the first of the contests in the Cascadia Cup 2011, and both teams may look at this match as being one that determines their MLS Cup Playoff seeding. The atmosphere will be what losers and outsiders talk about Sunday, Monday and more.

The Seattle Sounders FC continue their lineup shuffling both trying to unlock the magic of Fredy Montero and to find who will provide the Rave Green with other offensive options. Seattle plays a possession game with strong, tight defense both at home and on the road. The Rose Reds will sit back in a bunker using long ball counters with set-play danger, a tactic that has worked at the Glass House, but has been largely ineffective when they travel.

Today Portland Timbers FC will unveil their Rose City Red alternate kits.

Today's game is on ESPN2 and 97.3 FM with ARLO! At 8PM. It will be available in 115 countries besides the USA.

Projected Lineups and Match Day Card

Opposing Looks at  www.StumptownFooty.com

Neutral Match-up Preview from MLSSoccer.com gives Seattle slight advantage.

Statistics

Tactical Keys

• Beware of the Counter
• Perfect Defense of Set-Plays
• Use Horizontal Switches of Attack to Confuse Inexperienced Backline
• Ride and Amplify the Emotion of the Crowd with Early Effective Attacks

Player Matchups via Scouting Report

• Osvaldo Alonso v Diego Chara
• Jhon Kennedy Hurtado v Kenny Cooper
• Brad Evans (or other RM) v Rodney Wallace

This is your gamethread; this is my birthday

Beer: Every single offering at Elysian Fields
Scarf: Nos Audietis (~15 left contact Jeremiah)
Kit: One Nation Under Sigi
Where I'm Watching: Sec: 214 Row B or C, you will see the Banner

Nos Audietis In Somniis | Nos Audietis In Altum
You Will Hear Us In Your Sleep | You Will Hear Us From The Deep