Just Getting Warmed Up

It's August of a "rebuilding" year, and instead of my mighty mighty Timbers merely scrapping for a playoff spot, we're in the hunt to win the Whole Fecking Shmear. And who are we fighting it out with? It's none other than those posers from the north, Seattle. Zach has the rundown on the craziness up north.

Tomorrow night, 7pm, PGE Park, the Timbers fight for precious points against last-place Minnesota Thunder. Then this Saturday (same time, same place), a truly fierce clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps may have huge implications on the finish to this season. Only three home games left this season! Must the magic end so soon? NO! GIVE US A PLAYOFF RUN!!!

As one season winds down, another winds up. The English and Scottish leagues are primed and ready to go as the season begins this week. Champions League qualifiers are already in motion, and DaMarcus Beasley kicked off a great week for Yanks abroad by sealing victory for his new Glaswegian club Rangers in a Champs' League second leg qualifier over FK Zeta with the game's only goal.

Run DMB's first goal for Rangers was marred unfortunately by monkey chants from the Zeta supporters, and props to Beasley for speaking out against it. Rangers look to take on Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, who have their own large history of racism, so this is the time for UEFA and FIFA to make good on their promises of cracking down on this.

Continuing the great news from our countrymen, Bobby Convey is finally healthy! After a debilitating season of multiple surgeries, Convey's knee has come back from the brink and he scored the game winner from one of his classic free kicks in a closed-door preseason friendly with Queen's Park Rangers.

And finally, to cap it off, Brian McBride gets some well-deserved love from his new manager, who named him the full-time Fulham captain today. Considering that Sanchez has completely revamped the team with his own guys, it's a testament to McBride's professionalism and heart that he gets the armband. Even though they open against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, I can't wait for Fulham's season to begin.

And to kick off the UK excitement, True Fan will unveil, starting tomorrow, a four-part, drinking-from-the-firehose introduction to the Premier League for all you Yanks that are new to watching England's top flight, and are wondering what's the deal with all the funny town names.

Yes, it's.... True Fan's Awkwardly Earnest Guide For The New Yank Fan Of The Premiership. Look for it tomorrow! Set your RSSerizers appropriately!