Since 2004, when both the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers belonged to the United Soccor League's First Division, the two had competed as rivals for the Cascadia Cup. But, for two years, the two teams have been apart. In March of 2009 Portland was named as the 18th expansion team for the MLS, reviving the long played rivalry between the two teams.

One of many points of controversy between the teams is fueled by their supporters. Both teams claim to have the best support section creating a rivalry between the die-hard fans as well as the team.

The Timbers fan club met their match with the Emerald City Supporters on May 14 when these two teams met up for the first time as MLS teams competing for bragging rights and honor at Qwest Field in Seattle. Unfortunately for the Sounders, the two teams pulled a draw after their hard fought match. However, for the crowd in the stands this draw meant much more than a statistic.

The game between the two teams revived this long time I-5 rivalry, this time it's on the big stage. Every Timbers and Sounders fan has waited for this day, since the announcement made by the MLS that these two teams would meet on the field, to reignite the long time feud between the Northwest neighbors.

The next time the teams will meet each other will be on the Timbers' home turf July 10, and by the looks of things, and the two teams' progression, it should be another great game between the two cities.

Jesse Atkins - Sports Editor