Timbers owner allowing fans to root for rival team for playoff purposes

The Portland Timbers are battling with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the final spot in the MLS playoffs, and they will need some help from their hated rivals, the Seattle Sounders, to lock up a berth. As a result, team owner Merritt Paulson has posted a funny letter granting fans permission to root for the Sounders for two hours when Seattle takes on the Whitecaps on Friday night.

The Portland Timbers are battling with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the final spot in the MLS playoffs, and they could use some help from their hated rivals, the Seattle Sounders, to lock up a berth.

As a result, team owner Merritt Paulson has posted a humorous letter granting fans permission to root for the Sounders for two hours only when Seattle takes on the Whitecaps Friday night.

The Sounders have already clinched their position in the playoffs with 60 points in 31 games played, while just two points separate the Timbers from the sixth-place Whitecaps.

- Brendan Maloy