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There would be the built in rivalry with Seattle, and who knows--some crazies might travel down to San Jose for a game.

They already do -- quite a few made the trip down last summer to see the Timbers take on the California Victory (based in SF) in the USL.

It's pretty clear the hardcore fan support is there for MLS to succeed. That doesn't tend to play much role in MLS' thinking, though. Market-size is definitely a consideration, but it's still all about being able to fund your own stadium and having deep pocketed owner-investors lined up.

Despite the involvement of the Paulsons with the Timbers and the possibility of turning their current minor league baseball stadium into a soccer specific stadium, it's not really clear Portland has those two things, hence the lack of buzz about their candidacy.