ATLANTA, Ga. – “There are a lot more butterflies,” Portland Timbers right back Alvas Powell says, laughing, when asked to compare the final days of this year’s MLS Cup run to the one he played a part in three years ago.
Back then, the Jamaican right back was the team’s unquestioned starter, playing at Nat Borchers’ side as the Timbers claimed their first MLS crown. This year, ahead of Saturday's 2018 MLS Cup though (5pm PT, FOX), Powell has had to adopt a different approach, with the new depth 2018 can afford putting him in constant competition for his spot.