Confession time: I was nervous for Saturday. Like, really nervous. Like, way more nervous than I have been for a match in a very long time.
The stakes were so high. Not only were the Portland Timbers playing for their chance to appear in a third MLS Cup, but also for the chance to play in front of their home fans, something that has yet to be experienced in the Rose City. It was such a tantalizing opportunity and I did not know how the team would handle it. I was still a bundle of nerves as I settled into the press box and things got underway.