The Timbers are learning how to share the offensive load

Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images The Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders kicked off at CenturyLink Field on Sept. 6, marking yet another match in one of the most heated (if not THE most heated) rivalries in the MLS. In the first few minutes, Sebastian Blanco was involved in a seemingly innocuous challenge. But the MLS is Back MVP couldn’t carry on. He tore his ACL on that challenge, effectively ending his season.

Blanco is crucial for the Timbers. He was having an MVP-caliber season and was an integral part of how the Timbers moved the ball forward and created goal-scoring opportunities. With his injury, Portland has been forced to adjust, trying to fill a Blanco-sized whole…