It is this prospect of the unexpected that gives the tournament a different, though no less enticing, cadence in its early days. The lack of pressure on some of the participants can also serve to make the games more open, as opposed to the drab tactical chess matches that often ensue when the noose of increased expectations begins to tighten in the later rounds.

With that in mind, click here to view top 10 games of this year’s World Cup.

Whatever your choices, we can all agree that the world’s biggest sporting event can’t arrive soon enough.

South Africa and Mexico kick off the World Cup on June 11, but until then we can only count down the days until the tournament begins. We’re going to do that with 101 different stories running over 101 days — call it World Cup 101.

We begin with the top 50 players of the World Cup, a consensus ranking as determined by a panel of 23 contributors to ESPN’s soccer coverage. Click here to view the top 50 players.

Mike Golub

In his position, Golub, 48, will oversee all business operations for the Timbers, who were awarded MLS’ 18^th franchise on March 20, 2009, and will mark their inaugural MLS season in 2011.

Golub, who has been serving as a consultant with the Timbers for the past year as they prepare for their inaugural MLS season, has more than 25 years experience in professional sports marketing and management, including a wealth of experience in Portland and the Pacific Northwest; his professional background locally includes executive leadership positions with Nike, the Portland Trail Blazers and Vulcan Sports and Entertainment.

“Mike will be an outstanding addition to the Timbers,” said Paulson. “He offers both a wealth of industry experience and a strong connection to the Portland community. 

“After several months of consulting with us, we are excited to officially welcome him on board.”

Golub served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Trail Blazers from 2006-08, transforming the team’s business and brand into one of the most successful in professional sports. In this position, he oversaw the day-to-day management of the team’s marketing, advertising, ticket sales, community relations, sponsorship, media relations, broadcasting, arena management and event presentation operations.

With Nike (1996-99), he was a founding member and director of Nike Sports Entertainment, a global sports marketing division that established new strategic alliances and created and administered Nike-owned sporting events.

A graduate of Dartmouth College with a master’s degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Golub also brings considerable experience in a variety of major league sports. He served as the Executive Vice President for the National Basketball Association’s Memphis Grizzlies from 2000-05 and was the Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Chief Marketing Officer for the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers prior to joining the Trail Blazers in October 2006.

Golub’s event experience began with the NBA league office from 1991-96, serving as the league’s Managing Director of Events and Attractions. In this capacity, he managed the group responsible for the planning and execution of all league events, including the NBA All-Star Game, NBA Jam Session, USA Basketball’s “Dream Team” and international events in Japan and Europe.

Before joining the NBA, Golub served as the Director of Marketing for the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum from 1988-91, and was an award-winning producer for Major League Baseball Properties from 1983-86.

Golub is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Portland Center Stage and serves on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Humane Society and Oregon Sports Authority. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Trusted Sports, Inc., based in Bend, Ore., and is a member of the editorial board of the national publication, Journal of Sponsorship.

Mike and his wife, Sam, reside in Portland.

Toronto FC – BMO Field
One of Major League Soccer’s newest soccer-specific venues, BMO Field is the home of Toronto FC as well as Canada’s National Soccer teams. Opened in 2007, BMO Field is located in downtown Toronto and saw over 500,000 fans enter through its gates in its first season of operation. Also Canada’s first soccer-specific stadium, BMO Field was the main venue for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. With over 260,000 fans watching 12 games, the U-20 World Cup was the third most-watched sporting event in the world that year. BMO Field is owned by the city of Toronto, and also features a winter bubble which supports year-round usage by community, youth and adult soccer leagues.

Seattle Sounders FC – Qwest Field
On July 28, 2002, the world’s game helped open Qwest Field as the Seattle Sounders, then of the USL First Division, played host to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the stadium’s inaugural event. Now a member of Major League Soccer, Seattle Sounders FC joins the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks in calling Qwest Field home. Designed with a 67,000-seat capacity, Qwest Field has hosted several major soccer exhibitions and tournaments in recent years, including English powerhouses Manchester United and Chelsea, Spain’s Real Madrid and Barcelona, and CONCACAF Gold Cup games. Located in downtown Seattle, Qwest Field is just blocks from Puget Sound and provides a scenic view of the city’s skyline.

San Jose Earthquakes – Buck Shaw Stadium
Since the San Jose Earthquakes’ return to Major League Soccer in 2008, the franchise has played a majority of its home matches a Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Located on the campus of Santa Clara University, the venue was named after former SCU football coach Lawrence T. “Buck” Shaw and opened in 1962. The stadium is no stranger to the sport of soccer, serving as the home of the Bronco men’s and women’s soccer teams. From 1988-92, the men’s squad assembled a 43-match unbeaten streak in Buck Shaw. In 1994, the stadium was the practice facility for the Brazilian National Team during the FIFA World Cup; Brazil would go on to win the 1994 World Cup title.

Real Salt Lake – Rio Tinto Stadium
Before a national television audience, Rio Tinto Stadium opened its doors in October 2008, as Real Salt Lake played the New York Red Bulls in the new state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility. Located in Sandy, Utah, Rio Tinto Stadium has already hosted several marquee events, including the 2009 Major League Soccer All-Star Game. The stadium provides views of both the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountain ranges and features a natural playing surface designed for Utah’s high-desert climate. The playing surface was supplied by the same group who designed the playing surfaces for Lambeau Field, Wrigley Field and Notre Dame Stadium.  In addition to Real Salt Lake matches, Rio Tinto Stadium has also held USA Ruby events and American football games.

Philadelphia Union – Name TBD
A new waterfront stadium in Chester, Pa., will be the home of 2010 Major League Soccer expansion club Philadelphia Union. The new facility will hold 18,500 spectators for soccer matches, including a 2,000 person supporters section, and expand to a capacity of 26,000 for concerts. The stadium is situated along the Delaware River and at the foot of the Commodore Barry Bridge and is a key part of a $500 million waterfront revitalization project. Fans at the new facility will have an excellent view of both the pitch and scenery, as 60 percent of the capacity will be able to see both the river and bridge from their seats. The stadium will be constructed with brick and natural stone, giving the building a traditional Philadelphia feel.

New York Red Bulls – Red Bull Arena
Set to open this spring, Red Bull Arena will be the new home of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls. With aspects similar to that of European soccer venues, Red Bull Arena is structured to create a one-of-a kind atmosphere and experience; fans in the front row will be just 21 feet from the touchlines. One of its unique elements is the roof – a curving structure that wraps the entire stadium in a shell. The roof will extend 120 feet from the last seat to just over the field’s touchlines, with 60 feet of the roof being translucent, letting in natural light. Located in Harrison, New Jersey, the new Red Bull Arena will hold approximately 25,000 fans.

New England Revolution – Gillette Stadium
On May 11, 2002, Gillette Stadium opened its doors as the new home of the New England Revolution and has been one of the longest tenured venues in all of Major League Soccer. With annual world-class soccer events staged at the facility, Gillette Stadium has also become the hub of soccer in the Northeast region. Not only has the multi-sport facility provided a home-field advantage for the Revolution, but also for the men’s and women’s U.S. National Teams, who have a combined 13-1-1 record at Gillette Stadium. The venue has also played host to major international tournaments and friendlies, including 2003, 2005, and 2007 Gold Cup games, and exhibitions between European powers.

Los Angeles Galaxy & Chivas USA – Home Depot Center
A 27,000-seat state-of-the-art soccer stadium, the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., is the home of Major League Soccer clubs the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA. The stadium stages one of the biggest rivalries in MLS each season when its two home teams – Galaxy and Chivas USA – faceoff in the SuperClassico. In addition to MLS competition, the Home Depot Center has hosted major national and international soccer events, including the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship match. In addition to being designated as the official training headquarters for the United States Soccer Federation, the Home Depot Center has also been the home for major concert tours, football, rugby and other special events.

Kansas City Wizards – Community America Ballpark
Opened in 2003, Community America Ballpark has been the home of the Kansas City Wizards for the past several seasons, providing an intimate and family-friendly atmosphere. The venue, which is also the home of independent baseball club the Kansas City T-Bones, won’t be the Wizard’s home for much longer as the team broke ground on a new soccer stadium in January 2010. The yet-to-be-named stadium is planned to seat approximately 18,000 people, a vast majority of which will be covered by a distinctive ascending roof inspired by stadiums in the United Kingdom and continental Europe. It is estimated that the new development will draw over 2.5 million outside visitors per year.

Houston Dynamo – Robertson Stadium
When the franchise moved to Houston, Texas, in 2006, the Houston Dynamo settled into Robertson Stadium. Also home to University of Houston athletics, Robertson Stadium was originally constructed in 1941. A massive renovation of the facility took place in 1998, thanks to a $6 million gift to the university from the John and Julie O’Quinn Foundation. The upgrade added 20 luxury suites and replaced the track with additional seating, bringing the stadium’s capacity to 32,000. In honor of the O’Quinn’s generosity and support, the field at Robertson Stadium is now named “John O’Quinn Field.”

FC Dallas – Pizza Hut Park
On Aug. 6, 2005, Pizza Hut Park, the first large-scale soccer facility of its type in the United States, opened its doors as the new home of FC Dallas. Located 30 miles north of downtown Dallas in Frisco, Texas, Pizza Hut Park played host to the 2005 MLS Cup, and marked the first time the league’s champion was crowned in the state of Texas. As part of a massive 117-acre complex, Pizza Hut Park sits adjacent to 17 quality soccer field and holds nearly 22,000 spectators for MLS matches, international exhibitions, major concerts and high school football. In addition, the venue and complex is the headquarters for the U.S. Youth Soccer Association, providing playing fields for numerous youth games and tournaments.

D.C. United – RFK Stadium
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK) has been the home venue for D.C. United since the club and Major League Soccer started in 1996. The stadium, which is the former home of the NFL’s Washington Redskins and baseball’s Washington Senators, has been the host venue for several major MLS events, including three MLS Cups and two MLS All-Star games. Additionally, RFK was a site for FIFA World Cup games in 1994 and Olympic men’s soccer in 1996. The first major stadium designed specifically as a multi-sport facility for both football and baseball, RFK has also provided a stage for some of music’s biggest stars, including Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, the Eagles, Elton John and the Grateful Dead.

Columbus Crew – Crew Stadium
The first of its kind, Crew Stadium opened in 1999 as the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer. The 22,555-seat facility has created several benchmarks for other soccer-specific stadiums in MLS. Home to the 2008 and 2009 Supporters Shield-winner Columbus Crew, Crew Stadium has also been a destination for other marquee sports and entertainment events, including the MLS Cup, the MLS All-Star game, men’s and women’s U.S. Soccer matches, NFL exhibitions, NCAA soccer, high school soccer and football and a variety of music concerts. In front of a home crowd, Columbus captured its first championship – the 2002 U.S. Open Cup – at Crew Stadium.

Colorado Rapids – Dick Sporting Goods Park
Including an 18,000-seat stadium and a 24-field soccer complex, Dick Sporting Goods Park is the home of the Colorado Rapids. The award-winning facility was unveiled to the public on April 7, 2007. One of the largest professional stadium-and-field complexes in the world, Dick Sporting Goods Park, located in Commerce City, also houses the city offices of Commerce City, retail outlets and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on its 917-acre site. Open just a few seasons, the facility has already hosted large-scale events, including the 2007 MLS All-Star Game, SuperLiga matches, a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier and international exhibitions featuring some of the world’s best clubs.

Chicago Fire – Toyota Park
Open for just three Major League Soccer seasons, Toyota Park is the home stadium of the Chicago Fire. Located in Bridgeview, Ill., the facility is owned by the Village of Bridgeview and managed by Andell Sports Group. Toyota Park holds approximately 20,000 for sporting events, and expands to 28,000 for concerts at the venue. Among its notable amenities are 42 luxury suites and a full-service Stadium Club. Other professional clubs that call Toyota Park home are the Chicago Red Stars of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and the Chicago Machine of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). The Fire made their Toyota Park debut on June 11, 2006, against the New England Revolution.

A portion of the tables are already in market and can be found at the following locations…
1. Kell’s - 112 Southwest 2nd Avenue, Portland
2. Thirsty Lion – 71 Southwest 2nd Avenue, Portland
3. Gypsy – 625 Northwest 21st Avenue, Portland
4. Hollywood Bowl – 4030 Northeast Halsey Street, Portland
5. Macadam’s Bar & Grill – 5833 Southwest Macadam Avenue, Portland,
6. The Bitter End - 1981 West Burnside Street, Portland
7. The Free House – 1325 NE Fremont St. Portland
8. Kraven’s Sports Bar – 29991 SW Town Center Loop West Wilsonville
9. Irishtown Bar and Grill - 11600 SE Mill Plain Blvd Suite #F Vancouver, WA
10. Big Al’s – 16615 SE 18th St. Vancouver, WA

First developed in the winter of 1993, Major League Soccer came to life on June 15, 1994, when the league announced its first seven teams to compete in the league – Boston, Columbus, New Jersey, New York (Long Island), San Jose and Washington D.C. Since its first player signing (Tab Ramos) in 1995, MLS has evolved into the top flight of soccer in both the United States and Canada and a league recognized around the world.

As it enters its 15th season in 2010, MLS features 16 clubs across North America with additional clubs in Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C., set to join the league in 2011. MLS teams play a 30-game regular-season schedule from late March to October, supplemented by exhibition matches, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament and MLS All-Star Game. Ten MLS clubs play in a stadium built specifically for soccer, opening in 2010 are the new homes of the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls.

Entering the 2009 season, the MLS player pool represented 51 different countries, showing how far MLS has reached around the globe.

In the second installment of “MLS 101,” we provide a brief summary of team and player history for the existing eastern conference clubs…

As it enters its 15th season in 2010, MLS features 16 clubs across North America with additional clubs in Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C., set to join the league in 2011. MLS teams play a 30-game regular-season schedule from late March to October, supplemented by exhibition matches, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament and MLS All-Star Game. Ten MLS clubs play in a stadium built specifically for soccer, opening in 2010 are the new homes of the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls.

Entering the 2009 season, the MLS player pool represented 51 different countries, showing how far MLS has reached around the globe.

In the first installment of “MLS 101,” we provide a brief summary of team and player history for the existing western conference clubs…

Western Conference:

Chivas USA – Founded on Aug. 2, 2004, Club Deportivo Chivas USA took flight in Major League Soccer’s 2005 season. Simply known as Chivas USA, the club is the only Mexican-owned major professional sports franchise in the United States. As it enters its sixth season in MLS in 2010, Chivas USA has quickly made its presence known around the league, successfully reaching the postseason in each of the last four seasons. As a sister team of Mexican side Club Deportivo Guadalajara (more popularly known as Chivas), Chivas USA’s uniform bears the same vertical red-and-white stripes worn with blue shorts and blue socks.

Chivas USA is based in Los Angeles, Calif., and shares its home turf at the Home Depot Center with the Los Angeles Galaxy. The rivalry between Chivas USA and Galaxy is called the SuperClasico.

Notable Players: Francisco Mendoza, Jonathan Bornstein, Ante Razov, Sacha Kljestan, Brad Guzan, Claudio Suarez, Jesse Marsch, Maykel Galindo, Juan Pablo Garcia, Zach Thornton

Colorado Rapids – One of the 10 founding franchises of Major League Soccer, the Colorado Rapids were introduced on Oct. 17, 1995. In their 14-year history, the Rapids have reached the postseason nine times. While still looking for the club’s first MLS Cup title, Colorado isn’t short on achievements. They reached the 1997 MLS Cup, played in the 1999 U.S. Open Cup finals, and made back-to-back Western Conference championship appearances in 2005 and 2006. The Rapids played the last professional sporting event held in Denver’s Mile High Stadium on Sept. 8, 2001. Roughly six months later, the club opened Invesco Field at Mile High in front of 25,000 fans.

Based in Commerce City, Colo., the Rapids moved into their own facility – Dick Sporting Goods Park – in 2007.

Notable players: Chris Henderson, Paul Bravo, John Spencer, Carlos Valderrama, Pablo Mastroeni, Marcelo Balboa, Mark Chung, Marcus Hahnemann, Connor Casey, Dominic Kinnear, Joe Cannon

FC Dallas – A charter member of Major League Soccer, FC Dallas played its first game on April 14, 1996, defeating San Jose in front of 27,779 fans at the Cotton Bowl. FC Dallas is the third-most winning team in MLS history, and racked up 148 wins in its first 10 seasons of existence. Nicknamed the “Hoops” after the horizontal red and white stripes on the home kit, FC Dallas has advanced to the postseason nine times and captured the 1997 U.S. Open Cup. From its inception in 1996 through the 2004 season, the club was known as the Dallas Burn. As part of the rebranding of the club, FC Dallas’ current logo includes a picture of a bull, the kind of Texas cattle driven along north Texas trails throughout the 19th century.

Based in Frisco, Texas, FC Dallas is owned by the Hunt Sports Group and plays its home matches at Pizza Hut Park.

Notable players: Jason Kries, Kenny Cooper, Dante Washington, Dario Sala, Matt Jordan, Bobby Rhine, Eddie Johnson, Carlos Ruiz, Ronnie O’Brien, Jeff Cunningham, Brian Dunseth

Houston Dynamo – Despite entering just its fifth Major League Soccer season in 2010, the Houston Dynamo have already staked their claim as one of MLS’ top clubs. In December 2005, the franchise – including players and coaches – moved to Houston from San Jose, Calif. Houston fans didn’t have to wait long for the Dynamo to find success, becoming the second team in league history to capture back-to-back championships by winning the MLS Cup in each of its first two seasons in 2006 and 2007. Houston has won 11 or more games in each of their first four seasons and have reached the playoffs each year.

The Dynamo, whose ownership group includes retired professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya, plays its home matches at Robertson Stadium on the campus of the University of Houston.

Notable players: Pat Onstead, Brian Mullan, Brian Ching, Dwayne de Rosario, Brad Davis, Stuart Holden, Wade Barrett, Richard Mulrooney, Paul Dalglish

Los Angeles Galaxy – Perhaps the most decorated club in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Galaxy are among the 10 founding clubs of Major League Soccer. Known around the world as the MLS home for soccer superstar David Beckham, the Galaxy are the 2009 Western Conference champions. Among the club’s many successes, the Galaxy have reached the postseason in 11 of its 14 seasons, claiming MLS Cup titles in 2002 and 2005 and the Supporters Shield (given to the team with the best regular-season record) in 1998 and 2005. Los Angeles is also a two-time winner of the U.S. Open Cup (2001, 2005). The Home Depot Center is the home venue for the Galaxy.

The Galaxy established a team milestone April 28, 2001, as former U.S. National Team star Cobi Jones scored the club’s 300th goal in a 3-2 win over Colorado.

Notable players: Carlos Ruiz, Cobi Jones, Eduardo Hurtado, Jorge Campos, Kevin Hartman, Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Tyrone Marshall, Mauricio Cienfuegos, Chris Albright, Clint Mathis

Real Salt Lake – The 2009 MLS Cup champion, Real Salt Lake was welcomed into Major League Soccer in 2005, along with Chivas USA, as expansion club. When it joined the league, it became just the second major sports franchise in the state of Utah. Salt Lake has made a splash in the playoffs in recent seasons, advancing to the Western Conference finals in its first playoff appearance in 2008. Last year, they reached the title game, defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy in a penalty-kick shootout to win their first piece of hardware. The club opened its new state-of-the-art facility, Rio Tinto Stadium, in October 2008, and the venue played host to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game.

The Utah MLS organization is owned and operated by long-time sports entrepreneur Dave Checketts and associates, representing Sports Capital Partners.

Notable players: Andy Williams, Chris Klein, Nick Rimando, Eddie Pope, Kyle Beckerman, Robbie Findley, Jason Kries, Jeff Cunningham, Chris Brown

San Jose Earthquakes – The San Jose Earthquakes were first established in 1994, becoming one of 10 charter members of Major League Soccer. First known as the Clash, the club adopted the Earthquakes moniker in 2000 – the same name of the NASL team that was popular in the Bay Area in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Earthquakes rose to the top of the league in the early 2000s, capturing the MLS Cup title in 2001 and 2003, and claimed the 2005 Supporters Shield. But, in December 2005, the franchise was relocated to Houston, where they now play as the Dynamo. The Earthquakes made a successful return as an expansion club in 2008, and recorded more wins (8), points (33 and goals (32) than any another expansion club between 1998-2008.

Notable  players: Richard Mulrooney, Ronald Cerritos, Landon Donovan, Dewayne De Rosario, Pat Onstad, Joe Cannon, Ian Russell, John Doyle, Eric Wynalda, Paul Bravo, Brian Ching, Jeff Agoos

Seattle Sounders FC – With a successful launch, Seattle Sounders FC played its first season in Major League Soccer in 2009. In its inaugural season, Seattle set multiple league attendance records averaging over 30,000 fans at Qwest Field. The club also saw successful results on the pitch in its first MLS campaign, winning the U.S. Open Cup and reaching the postseason. The club’s name was voted on by fans, which links the MLS franchise to the city’s soccer history. Fashioned after a European club models, Sounders FC season-ticket holders belong to an exclusive group called Sounders FC Alliance. This unique supporters group can vote on the direction of the franchise, including the fate of the general manager.

Entering the 2010 MLS season, Sounders FC capped their season-ticket holder base at 30,000 at Qwest Field.

Notable players: Kasey Keller, Freddie Ljungberg, Fredy Montero, Steve Zakuani, Tyrone Marshall, Nate Jaqua, Peter Vagenas

You have been a part of the Timbers’ modern era since it started in 2001, serving in several different capacities as a player and a part of the front office. With as much as you have invested in the club, what are your thoughts on being a part of the Timbers move to Major League Soccer?

GW: I am extremely excited to be a part of the Timbers organization as we make our transition to Major League Soccer. When I first came to Portland in 2001 as a player, I envisioned that it would be one of the stops in my playing career. However, I’ve since fallen in love with the city of Portland and its passion for the sport. I am grateful for the opportunities the Timbers have provided me over the years as a player, coach, general manager and now as the technical director. Being a part of the Timbers organization is something I take a lot of pride in.

Looking at your new responsibilities as technical director, what tasks are at the top of your “to-do list” in preparation for the 2011 MLS season?

GW: There is a list of things that need to get done before starting the MLS season in 2011. Firstly, we need to establish a list of exceptional coaching candidates. Second, find a core of players that can help us be successful in our inaugural MLS season. Being able to bring some of those players in for this season will be an important step in the process, not only for the success of the 2010 season, but for the seasons ahead in MLS.

This year will be a busy one for you in particular as you integrate your technical director duties with your current role as the club’s general manager and head coach. How do you think you’ll approach the 2010 season, while still planning ahead for 2011?

GW: Helping to establish the foundation for the Timbers MLS franchise and building towards that future is a significant responsibility as technical director. While that will be a priority, it is important to focus on the season ahead and work towards a successful 2010, both on and off the field. Finding the right players, and the right mix of players, for 2010 is a focus for us right now; this transitional season is an important one for our organization on many levels.

In preparation for the 2011 MLS season, and in order for me to get out and network or scout players my new role will require quite a bit of traveling. I will still be the team’s head coach, but Amos (Magee), my assistant coach and our director of player development, will have an increased role in the coaching duties in 2010. This will allow me the flexibility to execute my technical director responsibilities. We have the utmost confidence in Amos and know he will be successful in this role.

How do you think being the Timbers general manager and head coach for the past three seasons will help you in your role as the MLS franchise’s technical director?

GW: What I’ve learned over the past three years as the Timbers general manager and head coach is that it comes down to balance. Balancing the business aspects of the organization with the soccer-related side and finding a way to put the two together. Finding a balance between all of my responsibilities as the technical director – scouting, player evaluation, personnel, etc. – will be important while tackling the day-to-day tasks yet still looking after the long-term well-being of the club.

Seattle has gone through the expansion process, and Philadelphia is only weeks away from starting its first season in MLS. What have you learned from observing these two clubs tackle expansion and preparation for MLS?

GW: Watching both Seattle and Philadelphia go through the expansion process over the past two seasons we have seen different, yet both successful, ways of going about expansion into MLS. That said, I’m sure in many ways we’ll be different from Vancouver as we approach 2011.

While there are different paths, what is important is that you do what is right for your club and best represents your city. I think we will benefit from being in a position where we can transition from a Division 2 club to MLS. We are committed to building an organization that our fans and the city of Portland can continue to be proud of.

Between now and the Timbers’ first kick in 2011, there are a lot of things that need to be put in place – coaches, players, staff, etc. What part of helping to build a club interests/excites you the most?

GW: The complete package really. Searching for the right coach and the right mix of players … then seeing how they all gel together. Ultimately, I’m excited to be able to have a hand in and be able to watch the Timbers reach their potential at the highest level like MLS and find successes in our first season in the league. I think that is something we are all striving for and is achievable.

What do you feel will be the biggest project leading up to the club’s first season in MLS?

GW: From my perspective, it has to be fielding a competitive and entertaining squad that will live up to the expectations of the fans – one that will represent Portland well on a bigger stage.

The 2010 season will be your 10^th overall season with the club. Sifting through the years, what are some of your favorite Timbers moments, either as a player or coach? Where does this fall in line?

GW: I have many favorable memories from over the years with the Timbers organization. Certainly being part of the healthy Northwest rivalry between Portland and Seattle that has developed over the modern eras of both clubs will always be memorable. From first signing with the Timbers and playing under Bobby Howe, to becoming the head coach and GM, seeing the potential for the club and then getting to be a part of reaching those goals has been enjoyable. But, being a part of MLS coming to Portland and serving as the technical director to help steer the Timbers towards MLS is a great honor.