Sounders Thump Timbers, Gain Edge In Playoff Race, Remind World That They're Actually Pretty Good

The Seattle Sounders got the win they desperately needed against the Portland Timbers, and after securing the win continued to beat their rivals into submission. There was only one team on the pitch anywhere near deserving of a win, and if this evening's performance is indicative of the Sounders' current form, the playoffs may well hold some intrigue just yet.

Nothing was in doubt from the moment the Sounders got onto the board, and the three points earned tonight put Seattle ahead of the LA Galaxy (with a game in hand) and just two points behind Real Salt Lake (with a game in hand on the second place side as well.) Perhaps more importantly, Seattle showed the ability to fully dominate a lesser side from beginning to end, which bodes well with the playoffs right around the corner.

If nothing else, Seattle has something off of which to build heading into the playoffs. At no point did it appear as though the Timbers belonged on the same pitch as the Sounders; if Seattle can transfer that kind of swagger and dominance to the postseason, special things may happen. In any case, it was the clearest signal that has been sent by the Sounders to this point; Seattle rules Cascadia, and it's going to take a whole lot to alter that reality.

Sounders Crush Timbers - Take 3rd In West

Stories aren't often written where you have to count on one antagonist to succeed while the other antagonist fails and the protagonist sits aside and waits for that contest to resolve. That is exactly the tale that must take place for the Sounders to win the Cascadia Cup.

Brian Schmetzer makes sure Sounders-Timbers rivalry remains strong

Sounders assistant coach has experienced the rivalry from the very start, as a fan, player and coach.

Sounders v Timbers Cascadia Cup - Gamethread

Join the community as we discuss the tactics, the players, the stats and the game itself.

You are a Sounder; Let them hear you

You are a Sounder. Let them hear you.

Scouting Report: Defending the Cup

A tactical preview of the third match agains the Portland Timbers, and the one (again) that could determine the winner of the Cascadia Cup.

VIDEO: Roger Levesque reflects on time with Sounders

Because there's no such thing as too much Roger Levesque, the Sounders put together this piece in which the legend reflects on his time in Seattle.

Mike Fucito Talks About Cascadia Rivalry

After two and a half seasons as a Seattle Sounder, Mike Fucito is now with the Portland Timbers. He talks about learning the Cascadia Cup from two different angles, the importance of the match and former roommate Roger Levesque being awarded the Golden Scarf.

48 seconds. (Animated)

Roger Levesque will be remembered for many reasons, but if you mention "48 Seconds" most all Sounders' supporters know what you are referring to.

Wall Street Journal details the Adrian Hanauer-Merritt Paulson friendship

It might seem strange to some, but even though Adrian Hanauer and Merritt Paulson own teams that are bitter rivals, they actually get along swimmingly.

Sounders v Timbers Cascadia Cup - Three Questions

A chat with StumptownFooty to prepare for Sunday's evening match between the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers.

Animated video pays tribute to one and only Roger Levesque

Yes, this has been shared here before, but with Roger Levesque receiving a Golden Scarf on Sunday we felt it was appropriate the remind everyone of this totally awesome video. Probably NSFW.

Roger Levesque To Receive Golden Scarf Before Timbers Match

In his 29 games versus the Portland Timbers Levesque has 11 goals and five assists. Pre-match Sunday he will tally one more stat, this time as a recognition of what he has meant to soccer in Seattle.

More Than 66,000 Tickets Distributed For Sounders v Timbers

Per a team spokesman more than 66,000 tickets are already distributed for the Sounders final Cascadia Cup match of 2012. It will be the third time this season that a regular season game will draw better than this year's friendly.