FSN to Show Portland Timbers v Sounders FC GameFSN will Show Open Cup Tie
June 22
FSN’s Brian Piper has confirmed that the derby clash between Portland Timbers and Sounders FC will be televised live on FSN. The game set for July 1st had seen a rush of tickets from both sides of ‘the border’ as fans eagerly awaited the return of one of North America’s oldest soccer derby clashes.
The fixture was thought to have been in abeyance due to Sounders leaving for the MLS, at least pending Portland’s arrival in the major league in 2011, but the US Open Cup has thrown up a chance for the clubs to reignite the fierce rivalry.
The Timbers have a deal with FSN and arranged to have the match shown as part of their broadcast package. FSN are also official sponsors of the Membership Alliance, the name given to the organisation including all Sounders FC season ticket holders. Elected members of the Alliance had written to FSN suggesting that they cover it as part of their sponsorship, but it appears that it was the Portland Timbers connection that sealed the deal.
There however seems little doubt that a full house will still greet the sides as they come out in nine days time. Rachel Molloy, an elected member of the Sounders Membership Alliance, was delighted with the news. “Televising events like this will help build a great foundation in the region for football viewership. It’s the start of great things to come.”
One matter that we will try to get reassurance on is the baseball match between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees. It is scheduled to begin at 4.05 that day and is being covered by FSN.
According to Mr Piper, details of who will be providing commentary are not yet finalised.
June 22, 2009 at 7:21 pm
F*** Mariners vs Yankees. This is a classic and should be WAY more exciting than watching boringball.
June 22, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Hating the sound of following another baseball game. (at least it’s MLB) Doesn’t matter to me this time. I’ll be there.:)
June 23, 2009 at 6:22 am
I have college friends in Portland. I don’t need TV. I’ll be there.
June 23, 2009 at 9:02 am
Awesome. I won’t be there, but even if I was I’d record it so I could watch the replay! I’m excited to see the rivalry that everyone talks about since I’ve only become a fan since the Sounders joined the MLS.