By JUSTIN FERGUSON
How could the upcoming Seattle Sounders-Portland Timbers match, Clint Dempsey’s home debut, get any crazier?
Just add 66,800 fans.
On Tuesday, the Emerald City Supporters revealed on their Twitter account that the nationally televised Aug. 25 showdown between the two bitter Cascadia Cup rivals at CenturyLink Field is sold out.
“Sounders vs. Portland on August 25th is sold out,” @WeAreECS tweeted. “Scattered singles only available. 66,800 sold. Warned you yesterday, didn’t we?”
A crowd of 66,800 would be the second-largest standalone crowd in Major League Soccer history, behind the 69,255 mark set at the Los Angeles Galaxy-NY/NJ MetroStars match in April 1996. The crowd for the upcoming match would beat the attendance for last October’s Sounders-Timbers clash.
Here are some more MLS stories to wrap up your Tuesday:
RAPIDS SIGN URUGUAYAN FORWARD SANCHEZ
As the Colorado Rapids continue their hunt for potential designated player Gabriel Torres, the club sealed a veteran international forward with experience in Liga MX and the Bundesliga.
The Rapids officially confirmed the signing of 33-year-old Uruguayan forward Vicente Sanchez, pending the receipt of his P-1 work visa and International Transfer Certificate.
“Vicente is an experienced, professional player who can help this team both on the field and in the locker room,” Rapids head coach Oscar Pareja told the team website. “He has performed at a high level in some of the top leagues in the world, even at his most recent club in Uruguay. We’re happy to welcome him into the group.”
After a lengthy stay with Mexico’s Toluca, Sanchez spent time at Schalke 04 before returning to Liga MX with Club America. The forward was most recently at Nacional in his home country, where he played both in central forward and winger positions.
REVOLUTION RELEASE CISSE, ISSUE STATEMENT ON AGUDELO
With just a couple of days left before the MLS transfer window slams shut, the New England Revolution are freeing up some space on their roster for possible moves.
The Revolution announced the release of midfielder Kalifa Cisse, who signed with the club last November. The club terminated the contract after reaching a mutual agreement with the 29-year-old Frenchman.
Cisse made six appearances, all starts, at the beginning of the Revolution’s 2013 season. The former Mali international last appeared for New England in a 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls on May 11.
In other transfer news, the Revolution released a statement on Juan Agudelo, saying “cannot address anything publicly unless an official announcement has been made.” SBI reported Tuesday morning that the American forward has signed a pre-contract with English Premier League side Stoke City.
D.C. UNITED-GALAXY MATCH MOVED TO SEPTEMBER 14
The league announced on Tuesday that the match between D.C. United and Los Angeles Galaxy scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15 has been moved back to the previous day.
The match, scheduled for 4 p.m. ET at RFK Stadium, will feature the induction of Jaime Moreno into the D.C. United Hall of Tradition at halftime.
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What do you think of this news? Excited for the now sold-out Sounders-Timbers match? Think Sanchez can make an impact for the Rapids? See any potential moves coming for the Revolution?
Share your thoughts below.