In case you missed it last night, Portland Timbers fans sang one of the better renditions of the National Anthem you'll hear, celebrating their team's first MLS home match in grand fashion.
Enjoy:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loYS5Vgo5JA]
In case you missed it last night, Portland Timbers fans sang one of the better renditions of the National Anthem you'll hear, celebrating their team's first MLS home match in grand fashion.
Enjoy:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loYS5Vgo5JA]
I was half expecting Portland to launch into the communist manifesto. Whew! My faith in the NW has been restored.
The atmosphere at Qwest doesn’t hold a candle to what I saw last night at Jeld-Wen. I’ve been to Sounders games, and was left impressed until last night. Seattle might have more fans, but I swear Jeld-Wen was louder last night. Blame it on Qwest?
So I shouldn’t take all of those “God Bless America” U.S. flag waving yellow ribbon patriots from Dixie too seriously then?
Dude, it’s 2011 not 1861. Not saying you gotta love the union, but come on, it’s soccer.
The great thing about this crowd is that none of these fans came out just to see some washed-up, international superstar. They came to support their team. This should go a long way in showing that MLS can draw plenty of support without bringing in injury prone players that are past their prime.
Thanks for reminding me why the South really bugs me.
no thank you lol. Thanks for the advice though
Not really. It dosent represents Southern People. We have Dixie. Which this song was written by a Northern person, and after that we have the Bonnie Blue Flag. So I would say the Star Spangled Banner only repsents the yanks.
I am in full aware of the atmosphere of the game. I thought it was really great and very happy those people showed support for thier team.
Technically you’re right that Sounder fans sing the anthem, but who can hear them over all that piped-in music/noise? If only the Sounder FO would get out of their own way and let the fans do their thing… Quest Field (soon to be known as “The Clink”, thanks CenturyLink) would be a much better place to see a match.
the USMNT needs to play in front of these fans ASAP
Shush. Having a guy with a microphone lead the crowd in singing the anthem is not the same thing as honoring the supporters group by designating them ahead of time as the anthem leaders. This was cool and unique, and had nothing to do with Seattle; let them have their moment.
The anthem /atmosphere: spectacular
The pitch size: huge disappointment
some juxtapositoin for perspective
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvfOmGI7LJE
The thing is this …
Sounders fans have been doing this at Qwest since our first home game in 2009 — and it’s much loader because the whole stadium gets in on the act, not just the supporter’s group. So while I think it’s cool that Portland is following suit, you people need to know Seattle was doing this first. I guess it just never got on TV.
I guess most MLS fans aren’t used to that level of participation their home games.
That Ramos goal was amazing. I think I might have done a backflip when he ripped that shot. Nike had just released the thunder sticks for that game too.
The crowd participation at that match was on a par with what you find in England or Italy. All that’s missing are hilarious, mean spirited chants aimed at opposing players.
Chris, take another look at the video. I hope that you learn a few things from thousands of these great football fans. Great job Portland!
and uniforms that cause seizures…and “jock rock” that comes on after a goal is scored…and Andrew Shue.
+1!
No mcm, he’s part right. The MLS originals and long time supporters going back to the early 2000’s and 90’s deserve some credit for this too. They kept the league going. That said, Pacific NW teams do have history going back to the old NASL days.
Chill-bumps!
It’s the demographics and center city locations for those teams. Rest of MLS is still AYSO heavy – too many kids.
Gotta host a key WC qualifier in this venue. Maybe bring the Ticos back to relive the Tab Ramos strike. I think this singing of the anthem might even intimidate El Tri.
Whoops… can we get a comment editor here after posting? Just a five minute window after posting or something?
Anyway… “Now let’s get back to being snarky…”
Way.Too.Hung.Over.
All.Apologies.To.My.English.Teachers.
Cool thanks! Can’t wait for Cascadia Cup. Whatever the result of those are, it will be an epic environment at each venue.
Not let’s get back to being snarky with each other.
Much more fun to sing after many beers.
That said, the Star Spangled Banner is a derivative of an old 18th century drinking song. Guys in taverns used to sing a similar tune to see if they were at their drinking limit.
Also, remember it’s a song first. It became the U.S. national anthem later. So regardless of how you feel about the U.S. government – and yeah, I don’t always like the nationalism either – it’s really an American song that represents the American people well.
I think it is a big factor! You look at new true expansion teams such as Toronto FC and they have had great fans but what Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver are doing, they are at a different level.
I wonder how much of the organic passionate support we are seeing in the Pacific NW comes from the fact that these are teams that have existed more or less since the ’70s. They have a whole generation on even the oldest MLS clubs.
congrats to the Rose City and their wonderful fans putting all the rest of supporter groups in MLS on notice for sure but not only that, last night show that MLS and Soccer have the best fans in this country bar none. Put every other sports fandome to shame. I will say this though, an event like last night, how it does not get national recognition from the likes of CNNSI or ESPN is beyond me. MLS will never truly be where we all want it to be without more support from the media, and sadly I think we will have to wait another 5-10 years until the new media comes in, people that have played the sport and love the sport and will do their best in supporting it.
+100000000000 infinity to Portland, Timbers Army and fans, The Timbers organization and MLS..
-infinity to ESPN, sportscenter, CNNSI, all the radio sports shows across the country.
lol, wut?
Passion Play in Portland
Amazing display Portland Fans, Players and Coaches. Gotta love an organization whose GM gets tossed in the home opener.
Now the irony: chopping wood on artificial turf!
I completely agree. It is way better if the entire crowd is belting it out. Plus, way more intimidating to opposing teams on the international level. Hopefully, this trend grows in US soccer.
And highschool basketball chanting.
Lets go blah blah blah.
You left out empty stadiums.
+1 this scene gave me chills. I know I would be pumped as hell if I was taking the field at JELD WEN.
Great work Timbers fans. Proud of those guys and gals.
+ 1,000,000
Supporter clubs around MLS:
You have been put on notcie.
MLS in Pacific Northwest. Made possible by MLS originals who endured hockey style shootouts, stop clock, golden goals, goalie substitute loopholes, football lines, and empty football stadiums. But hey these guys invented soccer. Hold on tight to that bandwagon because it’s a bumpy ride.
There are no doubts in my mind from watching the lakers struggle over the years in the Rose city that Portland fans KNOW how to root for their teams and that’s cool. that was awesome last night and it makes me wish that our anthem was left for us to sing in every venue instead of some idiot thinking I need to have it sung to me by some entertainer. I know that in section 136 at hdc we are letting it fly so stop hiring lousy singers Bruce and let riot squad handle the anthem!!!
Chris you sound like one of my punk high school students who refuses to say the pledge of allegiance everyday and I have to force to, at least, stand and be respectful of MY right to honor my country. America, love it or leave it, but shut the f up about in either case.
Portland and the Timbers Army have raised the bar for MLS. There presence in the league will make Seattle, Vancouver and hopefully other teams and their supporters raise their game.
Well done, Portland.
Much love (for now),
A Sounder
Move to Canada and support TFC
I kind of agree. When I’m drunk its difficult being patriotic. But, I just gotta say, that when I see this I am still thinking, “America, F**k Yeah!”
Congratulations to Portland and to the MLS. Fantastic.
-1
Yeah, you could tell from the opening bars that the crowd in general had started in too high a key.
But what a phenomenal rendition, and what a phenomenal moment for MLS.
Come for the anthem, stay for the tifo at the end.
I never understood why we have the sing the anthem before every game in every sport. Are we really here to play and watch football or to sing praise to the U.S. ? It gets really old and anoying.
as a member of an MLS supporters club, i have to say this is absolutely epic. great job portland. I hope i can make a road trip to this stadium.
Pretty cool. A few people had trouble hitting the high notes though, cracked me up.
spectacular