It was the fireworks that were the tipoff — the first fireworks ever at a Portland Timbers match, yes, but so much more…a crossing of the Rubicon from scruffy, niche, punk, DIY team to the trappings of major league, a real job and tapas and Whole Foods and a Venza… “Not goodbye to the team and my fandom, of course, but goodbye to the idea that the Timbers are a niche team, in a niche sport, in a niche city. That they are the equivalent of pre-’Miss Misery’ Elliot Smith.” (Ryan Wise/Portland Sportsman; HT du Nord)
(Image: Portland Timbers Army. Image credit: La Valle PDX/Flickr through a Creative Commons license.)
