Here's The News Tribune's coverage.

And here's the report from the Sounders' site.

Here' are the basics from the Associated Press report:

It didn't take long for the newest Major League Soccer franchise to make the pregame fireworks and red-carpet arrivals an afterthought with their play on the field.

Young Colombian Fredy Montero had a two goals and an assist, and the expansion Seattle Sounders FC looked like a seasoned juggernaut in their inaugural game with a convincing 3-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Thursday night to begin the 14th season of MLS.

Brad Evans scored later in the first half on a spinning left-footed shot that split the legs of New York goalkeeper Danny Cepero, and the 32,523 fans that turned Qwest Field into a sea neon green excitement went away impressed and satisfied with SeattleÕs first result.

Wish I could have been there.

With Vancouver now officially in MLS, word here in Portland is that the Rose City will be awarded its own expansion team on Friday.

This is turning into a triple-great day for soccer in the Northwest: Sounders debut, Vancouver in, Portland apparently about to be in.

The I-5 rivalries are reborn.

After a roller-coaster round of rumors, Vancouver has officially been welcomed into Major League Soccer.

This is, of course, very good news for our soccer-loving neighbors to the north. But it's also very good news for fans of Seattle Sounders FC, who now have a rival far more worthy of the title than, say, San Jose.

Actually, the Earthquakes will have to do for a couple of seasons. But it's already good to look foward to road trips past the Peace Arch and a recreation of one of the NASL's great rivalries.

Now on to the next important issue: They've gotta keep the Whitecaps name, right?

It's gameday. How's that sound, soccer fans?

Here's my preview from this morning's paper on the first game of Seattle Sounders FC.

Here's a link to all of The News Tribune's soccer coverage leading to tonight's 6 o'clock kickoff.