Last night in Portland, the Seattle Sounders downed the Timbers 2-1 in the third round of the US Open Cup. It was a back and forth match, with good chances for each side, physical play, and the obvious heat of a natural rivalry.

But for me, the game itself wasn't the real story.

Instead, I was focused on the atmosphere at PGE Park; it's one that few stadiums in MLS can match, and it was on full display last night.

The Timbers and their fans only reinforced the notion that MLS needs them desperately. The league needs Portland for the fans and the atmosphere, for the rivalry with Seattle (and Vancouver), for the environment and energy that a packed stadium with flags, banners, signs, giant lumberjacks, and even a contingent of traveling support brings.

There is, of course, a problem; the city has yet to finalize the financing for the stadium renovations. A $15 million gap remains, and all of the mayor's efforts to fill it to this point have been fruitless. A September 1st deadline looms, and he's now showing down with the County Chair over the matter.

It would be a pity if MLS is forced to pull out of Portland and rescind the expansion franchise; the league would take a public relations hit and Garber would have to serious damage control.

Let's hope they get it done. I won't go as far as to suggest that MLS should knock $15 million off of the franchise fee in order to help Paulson fill the funding gap himself (which was my first instinct), I will say that extreme measure might be necessary. America's top division needs Portland more than Portland needs them.

Head over to Ginge's place for a nice gallery and video of the atmosphere at PGE Park.