The Timbers, still smarting from having victory snatched from them against Carolina last Sunday, hit the road tonight to take on the grammatically challenged Austin Aztex in Texas. The Aztex are in first place in the USL Conference—a full 11 points clear of the Timbers—so a win tonight on the road would be a great way to begin closing the gap. Game is on the radio at 95.5 The Game and video is on the internets here. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m.
Also, in a welcome development to those who like tasty food at sporting matches, the Timbers announced today the first of what they're calling "Founding Partnerships" with Burgerville. This means there will be a special Burgerville section at the newly remodeled PGE Park, ticket donations via Burgerville to underprivileged kids, Burgerville Nomad trucks serving food on gamedays, and most conveniently, you'll be able to buy Major League Soccer Timbers tickets at area Burgerville locations.
Say what you will about fast food but I've always found Burgerville's commitment to regional suppliers and sustainable practices to be something unique to the Northwest. And I always love a good Tillamook cheeseburger with milkshake.
Finally in Timbers news, the team recently released the last of their four videos for their new MLS team crest. In a build up to the official unveiling this Saturday at halftime of the outdoor World Cup viewing party of USA v. England at Director Park, the videos tease out crest design elements alongside Portland soccer culture. The first of the four, on team history, is here:
The rest are after the jump.
The Axe:
The Chevrons:
The Colors:
I think it is clear through these that the Timbers are taking a very long hard look at what makes Portland, Portland, and how to harness that locality and sense of character into the creation of a team that truly represents the area. Given some of the other MLS logos out there—I'm looking directly at you Columbus Crew and your weird-tough-guys-in-bad-hats logo—Portland's commitment to a great design is certainly exciting.
