Cascadia Summit gameday is here and with it, comes a whole exiting grab bag of goodies.
Head Coach John Spencer is looking to play a split squad for the two games with a focus on players getting the chance to play a full 90 minutes.
“You’re only going to get so much match fitness by playing in the small sided games and playing 45’s here and there,” said Spencer.
I think it’s about time we need to start getting them ready.”
After lots of talk and experimentation with various lineups throughout the preseason, it will be interesting to see if the squad tests out 4-4-2 formations or perhaps a 4-3-3. Both have been spoken about in previous conversations and this weekend’s matches will not only give the opportunity to further fine tune the lineup, but with fans coming from Portland, Vancouver, and Seattle, the games will also be the first to have a real energetic atmosphere.
“I think it’s great,” said Spencer.
I haven’t experienced the Portland-Seattle rivalry yet. It’ll be the first game for me to get up there and see the passion that these fans have in the Pacific Northwest for the game. It gives our guys a little insight of what they’ll have to face come 2011 MLS season.”
All games will be webstreamed live at www.portlandtimbers.com with the feed beginning approximately 20 minutes prior to the opening whistle. Ongoing coverage will also be available on the Timbers Twitter and Facebook feeds. Follow both for photos and on-the-scene updates about the games and the Supporters Summit on Saturday.
Radio coverage begins on 95.5 The Game at 6 p.m. with John Strong live on location.
Friday, March 4 – Preseason match vs. Seattle Sounders FC at Starfire Sports Stadium; 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 – Preseason match vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Starfire Sports Stadium; 4 p.m.
Starfire Sports Stadium Guide
Across the Pitch
SoundersFC.com has a good preview up that looks back on the four decade history of the three teams and their interactions over the years. Timbers fans will recognize some familiar old enemies mentioned.
WhitecapsFC.com also weighs in with an interview from Teitur Thordason. He’s looking to present a lineup that he thinks can start for their season opener.
Geoffrey Arnold from The Oregonian talks with Ryan Pore who has been busy telling the new players what the rivalry is all about while The Offside does a blogger roundtable with representatives from Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver.
Finally, fan favorite and ex-Timber Ian Joy writes his first column for Prost Amerika wherein he examines just how unique the Cascadian rivalry has been and what kind of impact it will have on MLS.
