In his latest Throw-in column for MLSsoccer.com, Jonah Freedman opines on how a precedent can set up a team's expectations. Whether it's the Cascadia Cup, Brimstone Cup, Trillium Cup, MLS Cup, U.S. Open Cup or more, Freedman posits that no matter the silverware, these trophies matter. They can help define, or at the very least, begin to define the direction a team aims to take. Given how close the Timbers are to winning this year's Cascadia Cup in what has been a difficult season, Freedman asks,
So what are fans supposed to make of these trophies? For Portland, it’s a sign of progress, a symbol of success upon which they can hang their hats in their second MLS season. It is perhaps a springboard to future glory, when a young team with a young coach can do great things as they evolve.
Read more on how varying teams aim for glory and how those first steps help set the path.
Cascadia
Maybe it all starts with a Cascadia Cup


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8:30
Timbers Performance Center Press Conference
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Timbers launch expansion of performance center with 13-acre purchase in Beaverton
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How the 1975ers helped create Soccer City, USA
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5:22
Summer of '75: The Foundation of Soccer City USA | Inside Soccer City
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Life on the road: a trip to Toronto
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Timbers suffer 3-0 loss to Toronto FC on the road
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2:18
Postgame | Diego Chara on struggles in loss at Toronto FC