Kiki Lara is only 1 game into his Timbers tenure.....but don't be shocked if he's jumping for joy for next Wednesday's game vs. Necaxa. Sure, there is a game Saturday vs. rival Seattle.....but that pales in comparison to what's brewing inside Lara.
"It wasn't my favorite team", Lara said laughing. Not even close! Lara, who's parents are Mexican immigrants, grew up a huge fan of Chivas--one of Necaxa's fiercest rivals.

Timbers Head Coach Gavin Wilkinson figures to get his new midfielder some serious minutes too. "You know Kiki has grown up supporting a different team...and that team may have got the best of his team a few times...so now it's his chance to rectify that", Wilkinson said.

Necaxa features four players who have played with the Mexican National Team – midfielder Gerardo Galindo, forward Aaron Padilla and defenders Joaquin Beltran and Salvador Cabrera. Both Galindo and Beltran participated in 2006 World Cup qualifying matches.

In particular....it's Lara who is just plain giddy to face the team he grew up cheering against. "Anytime you play a first division team....it's real special. And to play against guys i grew up admiring...it's a pretty special feeling". Here's hoping that feeling lasts long after the match is over.