After scoring his 45th career MLS regular-season goal Saturday against Columbus Crew SC, Portland Timbers forward Fanendo Adi tied the club's all-time, all era goal-scoring record set by John Bain during the team's NASL era some 35 years ago.
With Adi now on the cusp of surpassing the mark, and midfielder Diego Valeri right behind him at 41 career regular-season MLS goals himself, Oregonian/OregonLive.com writer Jamie Goldberg talked with Bain about what the record means to him, the club and how soccer has grown in the Rose City since he played.
"Records are there to be broken," Bain told the Oregonian/OregonLive. "It was just a matter of time before someone broke the goal scoring record that I have and that's kind of nice that there are two players that are going to break it this year. Adi is a fantastic goal scorer and Valeri is a fantastic player."
Bain, a native of Scotland who later settled in Portland after his playing career finished, continued his involvement in soccer becoming a coach for numerous youth and high school teams. He's currently the Director of Soccer Operations with the adidas Timbers Alliance Club Westside Timbers.
Bain will be in the Providence Park stands Sunday as the Timbers host the New England Revolution (6pm PT, ESPN2) with an eye on Adi.
"I'll definitely be there," Bain told the Oregonian. "Hopefully, Adi will score at home and he'll pass me on Sunday."
