This was Cascadia unleashed, in all its wet and hazy sound and fury.
Rain pounded Providence Park. The gusts of wind whipping through the renovated stadium proved to be too much for the large inflatable MLS Cup trophy, which crumbled meekly during Saturday afternoon’s pregame ceremony. And the crowd was vintage Portland—loud and engaged, and ready with flags, drums and smoke. Some supporters had slept on the sidewalk to ensure they secured their seats. A long night outside Providence Park is one of several quirky and deep-rooted soccer traditions particular to a city and region that have embraced the sport differently, and probably more fervently, than any in the country.