Remember when we said that we would never ever forget to update and that we would always have a post? Well, our fearless leader, Trista had a birthday and everyone should be fully aware that tequila should be barred from ever touching these lips. What’s that? Trista lives many miles from me? I suppose I am the only one that celebrates a birthday long distance. Whatever the case, here we go! And we should really have a sit down with MLS players and the fact they rarely remove their jerseys. On the rare chance they do – well we get a nice dose of under armour. The horror! Seriously, Landon Donovan just cannot uphold this tradition for the entire league. I mean he could but surely there is someone! Anyway, onto what we’re all here for…

MLS Rivalry Week will reach a pitched fever on Saturday afternoon when Seattle Sounders FC meet the Portland Timbers in the latest installment of their Cascadia Cup rivalry at CenturyLink Field. What better way to celebrate this memorable weekend than to oogle the guys?

 Fredy Montero holding the imaginary ladies back…

 Eddie Johnson flexing…well, I’m not sure what muscle that is but we can all appreciate.

 Andy Rose applauding my efforts…for the next photo

 Brad Evans in Hulk Mode…really, it’s fine…I think we will live if we don’t see your abs but please keep going…I won’t stop you.

 Sal Zizzo is what I would imagine Derek Zoolander to be like if he was a soccer player for the Timbers.

If you don’t know Darlington Nagbe – take a moment to watch him play this weekend…he’s a creative player that constantly creates chances for his team.

Jack Jewsbury taking a corner kick…and obviously a view for us to enjoy.

And there you have it! The guys are shy but I think Brad Evans might be coming to the darkside. He should tell his teammates that it’s fun and we have cookies and other goodies. I’m like Switzerland when it comes to Cascadia Cup but I can say that nothing is better than the supporters for each team that constantly up the ante for supporter groups everywhere.

Stay with the ladies of Aerys Soccer as we continue on covering MLS and post recaps of La Liga and EPL. Also, follow us on Twitter at @AerysSoccer!

The rivalry between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers is something special. The two teams really know how to put on a show come match day here in the North West. Despite the coming just short of a win against the Timbers, the Sounders showed exactly why they are one of the most talented teams in the entire league and kept the Cascadian Cup safe from the Timber’s Army.

Fredy Montero was as excellent on the ball as he typically is. It was no wonder the one and only Seattle goal was his. In the 57th minute, Montero scored off a free kick from Micheal Gspurning. Not a good start for Joe Bendik, who came on only seconds beforehand for Portland after Keeper Donovan Ricketts was substituted off due to injury.

The action continued, just as nail-biting as before but a little less tense for Seattle fans being up 1-0. It was more of a battle of wit and ball control than it was pushing and shoving. You wouldn’t expect such a clean game from a hot-headed rivalry like Seattle and Portland. Only two cards were given out, both to Seattle. The first was given to Eddie Johnson, the second to Mario Martinez.

However, at the 78th minute, Portland came back with a header from Midfielder Rodney Wallace. The game would come to the end with the draw after six minutes of stoppage time. Portland almost got another goal multiple times despite being a man down after Diego Chara went off due to injury. The Sounders drive back up North to Seattle with a point, which currently leaves them five points behind San Jose for the Supporter’s Shield race.

The Sounders play again on Wednesday, against Marathón in the Concacaf Champions League. Kick off is at 7PM PST and 10PM EST on Fox Soccer Channel.

Keep up with AerysSoccer for all your MLS needs!

We’re in Week 28 of the Major League Soccer season, and that means we’re getting down to the nitty gritty. You know what I’m talking about. Playoffs. Who in their right mind doesn’t get excited about playoffs? This is the time where games mean so much more – every point counts.

This year has finally seen a surge in the Eastern Conference – something this Columbus Crew fan has been waiting for. I know you West Coasters like to boast about your teams prowess, but to me, it’s about time we get to talk about D.C. United, Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City and New York Red Bulls.

But Hell, let’s be honest. Anything is game when it comes to the MLS playoffs. Anyone can make it and anyone can surprise you. Take Chicago Fire for example. Haven’t heard too much of anything from them this season. Until this past week, when a mid-week game with Toronto FC shot the Fire into second place in the East. I didn’t even realize they were quietly keeping a flot in the east.

Things are tight and interesting in the Eastern Conference. Everyone in the top five are within three points of each other. And as most of them are playing each other this weekend, come Monday, things might look a bit different.

One of the biggest games to see this weekend out of the East will – I think – be the Columbus Crew v. New York Red Bulls. The Crew are in fifth and the Red Bulls have been sitting in third. NYRB have been on a streak this season, thanks to their constant evolving squad. But when you get it right, you get it right, and it seems Hans Backe has stumbled on something with this team he’s built. It won’t be easy for Columbus, but the Crew having been having a hot streak of their own lately thanks to new additions.

Jairo Arrieta and Federico Higuain up front have been a fury of nature for the past seven games with the Crew. And Chris Birchall has provided an anchor in the midfield for them. After a disappointing display against New England last week, these guys will be itching to bounce back and claim three points, which would put them in a good spot, especially if Houston fall tonight. On the opposite site, New York will be looking to their fierce forwards to come up big too and their back line to be strong. But with the likes of Kenny Cooper, Heath Pearce, Dax McCarthy and, of course, Thierry Henry, the Crew have their work cut out for them. But it’s not impossible.

If you want a good game tonight, you need to check out the Sporting Kansas City v. Houston game. That one could really mix up the points. A win for SKC will continue their lead of the Eastern Conference, but a win from Houston will shoot them up to second and make the weekend all that more interesting.

When it comes to the Western Conference though, I have two words for you: Cascadia Cup. One of the biggest, fiercest rivalries in Major League Soccer is between the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers. This is going to be about more than points and playoff spots, this will be about guts and glory and pride. Portland’s interim head coach Gavin Wilkinson told the media yesterday:

“The Cascadia Cup is second on the list behind MLS Cup, and making the playoffs is something that is probably out of reach right now and the Cascadia Cup will hopefully be a little bit of a positive going into the end of this season.”

So you can imagine, Saturday’s game could get chippy and brilliant and interesting. I’ll definitely be tuning it to catch the action!

Here’s your Soccer Saturday schedule! And be sure to check back for posts about this weekend’s games!

1 p.m. EDT – Toronto FC v. Philadelphia Union

3:30 p.m. EDT – Portland Timbers v. Seattle Sounders

7 p.m. EDT – New York Red Bulls v. Columbus Crew

7:30 p.m. EDT – New England Revolution v. D.C. United
* This is another one to keep your eye on. D.C. lost captain Dwayne De Rosario during the international friendly break. Can Chris Pontius and company step up and save their playoff chances?

8:30 p.m. EDT – FC Dallas v. Vancouver Whitecaps

8:30 p.m. EDT – Chicago Fire v. Montreal Impact

10:30 p.m. EDT – Chivas USA v. San Jose Earthquakes

Another weekend, another full slate of matches to look forward to! Serie A and the Bundesliga are back in action, Premier League continues with Manchester United looking for one of their many strikers to put the ball in the net, and a huge MLS clash awaits Sunday night between Eastern Conference leaders Sporting KC and New York Red Bulls. Today’s DKA focuses on many of the top match previews, and as always at this time of year, more transfer news within EPL.

Serie A

Serie A kicks off a new season today, and Juventus are the clear favorites to repeat as champions. But will they be the same without Alessandro Del Piero? And what other clubs are condenters? Soccer by Ives offers a comprehensive preview of the season ahead.

English Premier League

Manchester United will look to get back to their winning ways against a Dempsey-less Fulham today, but don’t expect it to be “a walkover” for United, writes ESPN’s Mark Payne.

Liverpool meets Manchester City on Sunday and all eyes are on new signing Fabio Borini as Liverpool faces another tough test after their defeat at West Brom last week.

Chelsea signed two new players on Friday, Wigan striker Victor Moses and Marseille full back Cesar Azpilicueta.

Is Scott Sinclair’s switch from Swansea to Manchester City the right move for the young striker? SI’s Georgina Turner looks at his growth from bit player at Chelsea to everyday starter at Swansea and how this move could help him take the next step in his game.

 Major League Soccer

In a match nobody will be telling their grandkids about, Salt Lake and Philly finished with a scoreless draw last night as Real continued to struggle on the road, even with their new 4-1-4-1 formation.

Ignore the first five months. The time is now for F.C. Dallas, who now has hope of grabbing a postseason spot, thanks in large part to the return of  2010 MVP David Ferreira.

Ryan Meara’s season is over, after the rookie Red Bulls goalkeeper had arthroscopic surgery on his left hip yesterday.

The Vancouver Whitecaps’ digital media department has taken the rivalry of the Cascadia Cup clash with Portland to new heights in this video dubbed “Battle of the Hearts.” A must-watch for any MLS fan.

The top two teams in the Eastern Conference meet tomorrow night, with Sporting KC looking to hold their narrow lead atop the standings and extend their three game winning streak. The Red Bulls, who will be without captain and new dad Thierry Henry, look to extend their 2-game streak and return to the top of the conference.

Follow @AerysSoccer on Twitter for more of today’s top news and reactions to the weekend’s matches!

With the return of EPL, that means more of our “honorary American”, everyone’s favorite British play-by-play man for ESPN.

It’s a monster Saturday for soccer, with the English Premier League back in action. There are a few noticeable changes both on the pitch and the sidelines from last year. Andre Villa-Boas now leads the Hotspurs as they’ll try to pay back Chelsea for knocking them out of the Champions League. Both Fulham and Arsenal are missing their leading scorers from last season, with Clint Dempsey still refusing to play for Fulham and Robin van Persie completing the transfer from Arsenal to Manchester United. Aside from personell changes, what are the key questions facing each club this season? Ian Darke, of course, has the answers. This and more in today’s Daily Kick Around.

English Premier League

Before we get to Saturday results, let’s look at the key questions for each club this season, courtesy of America’s favorite English soccer announcer, Ian Darke, for the newly branded “ESPN FC”. Darke’s first question was how Arsenal would fare without leading striker Robin van Persie, and after their season-opening match vs Sunderland, the question still remains, as the home team “enjoyed plenty of possession but lacked a killer instinct in the final third.” Fulham, on the other hand, had no trouble scoring without Clint Dempsey, drilling Norwich City 5-0 in their home opener. Manchester United fans can breathe a little easier, after the club rejected a transfer of Chicharito to Chelsea. Andre Villa-Boas was sacked at Chelsea last season before the club made a miraculous comeback to claim the Champions League title, bouncing the fourth-place Tottenham Hotspurs out of Champions League contention for this season. Now Villa-Boas, head coach at Tottenham, aims for payback as he will try to get the club back into the top four. He’ll have to do better than today’s result, however. The Spurs fell to Newcastle United, 2-1. Swansea City shocked QPR 5-0 at Loftus Road. QPR had hoped that many of their new additions would make an impact to help dig them out of last season’s basement, but it was Swansea’s new face, Miguel Perez Cuesta, aka “Michu,” who made the biggest impact with two goals to lead the Swans to the win. Liverpool hoped to make a statement in their opener as they attempt to return to the top of the tables, but it didn’t go as planned, as they fell 3-0 to West Brom, losing defender Daniel Agger to a red card in the 58th minute.

Major League Soccer

The Cascadia Clash is back, as Seattle takes on Vancouver this afternoon, but the Whitecaps will be without Barry Robson, suspended for “aggravated dissent” in Wednesday’s loss to FC Dallas.

Columbus Crew’s new DP, Argentina’s Federico Higuain, could be on the pitch for tomorrow’s match against the Houston Dynamo:

Warzycha said Higuain’s role will be fluid, but emphasized that the Argentine would be deployed in familiar positions where he can find space and time on the ball. One of the players likely to be feeding Higuain, midfielder Milovan Mirosevic, said he is anxious to get their partnership off the group and suspects it won’t take long for the pair to click, just as he and [Jairo] Arrieta have done.

Follow us on @AerysSoccer for more EPL and MLS commentary and reactions this weekend!

We’re still a week and a half away from the 4th of July, but the fireworks were exploding in JELD-WEN Field for another classic between Cascadia rivals, Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders.

Green smoke bombs were let loose early by the Timbers Army in the stands, as the home team put up two goals in the first third of the match, then held off a furious rally by the Sounders to come away with a 2-1 win, only their fourth of the season. The 3 points lifted the Timbers out of the Western Conference basement, 2 points above FC Dallas.

Kris Boyd opened the scoring in the 16th minute, catching Seattle with their pants down. Steven Smith sped up the left flank and slipped behind the defense to receive the ball, crossing it into the center of the penalty area, where Boyd was completely unmarked. He finished it home from point blank range for the 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, Boyd nearly notched a brace with a scorching header that was just tipped over the bar by Seattle’s keeper, Andrew Weber. No bother. On the ensuing corner kick, Franck Songo’o crossed in to David Horst, who headed it behind the line.

Seattle would rally, though, storming back to regain the possession battle through the second third of the match, nearly getting on the board off a corner kick in the 35th, and again just before the half when an Osvaldo Alonso strike was just tipped over the bar.

Seattle could feel the momentum moving their way, and it was just a matter of time before they scored. In the 58th minute, after the Sounders won the ball in the middle of the field, Eddie Johnson latched onto it along the right flank and raced into the box. Then he pulled up, cut it back, and with his left foot launched it straight toward goal, sinking into the far corner to cut the lead in half for the Sounders.

The intensity built throughout the final third of the match, with the Sounders continuing to dominate, looking for that equalizer, though neither team could manage to find the back of the net.

The sparks finally lit up in stoppage time when an argument between Horst and Johnson blew up into a full-on fight, with Seattle’s Fredy Montero shoving Horst, and Portland’s Lovel Palmer firing  back with an elbow at Johnson. Both Palmer and Montero were sent off with red cards.

With over six minutes of stoppage time, Seattle didn’t slow down and the game came down to a Sounders corner kick saved in the final minute.

With Vancouver’s loss to the L.A. Galaxy Saturday, the Sounders remain tied with the Whitecaps for third in the Western Conference standings, behind San Jose and Salt Lake.