Watching the 2021 MLS Cup Final Between the Portland Timbers and NYCFC

Almost as good as the moves on the field were the wild-eyed expressions of adulation and despair from NYC fans and the Timbers Army, respectively.

New Yoek FC fans celebrate in Pioneer Courthouse Square. (Chris Nesseth)

Although Portland Timbers fans may feel crushed by the hard-won outcome of Saturday’s MLS Cup against New York City FC—the city’s first time hosting in franchise history!—it was certainly a wild ride. Almost as good as the moves on the field were the wild-eyed expressions of adulation and despair from NYC fans and the Timbers Army, respectively, as they watched the beat-by-beat battle at bars like the Civic Taproom and the Cheerful Bullpen. Penalty kicks are a hard way to lose a game, but perhaps some vicarious joy can be found in the purehearted champagne tossing that NYC fans indulged in around the 1,500-pound Philip F. Anschutz Trophy replica in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

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