Timbers host Sounders in US Open Cup

The Portland Timbers host the Seattle Sounders Wednesday night in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.

It will be the first official meeting between the clubs since the Sounders joined Major League Soccer. Portland has been awarded an MLS franchise to start play in 2011.

The Portland-Seattle rivalry dates back to 1975 when the two sides were members of the North American Soccer League. The Timbers were 11-16-5 against the Sounders from 2001-08 as rivals in the USL First Division.

The U.S. Open Cup is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament dates back to 1914.

The first two rounds feature teams from amateur and lower-rung professional leagues. MLS teams join the competition in the third round.

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