A win or a tie would bring the Cascadia Cup back to Portland for the first time since 2017.
There's a lot at stake in Friday's clash with the Seattle Sounders. The Timbers are coming off a second straight away loss and need wins as they chase a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. The Sounders will be just as motivated: they are only one point above the Timbers in the standings, with a game in hand.
But one trophy could already be decided before the weekend. A win or a tie against the Sounders would bring the Cascadia Cup to Portland.
The Timbers currently sit atop the Cascadia Cup standings—the regular season record between the Timbers, Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps.
Portland has only won the fan-created competition twice in its MLS history, in 2012 and 2017. And Diego Chara is the only active player to have been with the Timbers for both trophies.
"I think we are playing for many things in this game. It's an important game for the fans and for the players," said Chara in a press conference on Wednesday. "We are mentally prepared for this challenge. To have the opportunity to win in this game and to hold the Cascadia Cup would be amazing for everyone."
