Portland city council OK's stadium deal, clears way for 2011 MLS debut

The final hurdle to bring Major League Soccer to Portland was cleared on Wednesday when the Portland City Council voted 4-1 to approve $31 million in funding to renovate PGE Park. The vote means the Portland expansion team can begin play in 2011 as planned.

Portland will join Vancouver as 2011 MLS expansion cities as the league expands to 18 teams.