As part of our inaugural group of ticket holders, Jonathan and Adrienne won the chance to have a VIP experience for the Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy match, including KeyBank Club seats, and a chance to visit with Timber Joey on the field!
We asked Jonathan a few questions after the match.
What was your first memory of/first match supporting the Timbers?
"Back in 2001, when Civic Stadium went through the renovation to become PGE Park and welcomed back the Beavers and Timbers, my sister got a job working retail at the stadium. I was still in high school and was a huge baseball fan, so I tagged along and went to Beaver games as I could. Wasn't much into soccer at all at the time but was first introduced to the Timbers around this time. I’ll never forget how dedicated the supporters were. At this time, you could easily see into the stadium from 18th Avenue. There were some dedicated fans that I have since come to find out were not allowed into the stadium, but they would set up ladders/scaffolds on 18th to see into the park and watch the Timbers. The passion was immense and I could tell it meant more than just watching a lower division soccer match. Ever since, my interest and love for the club has only grown."
What was your favorite moment of the match tonight?
"I think everyone will agree that Diego Valeri's amazing goal and Cristhian Paredes performance were two huge factors along with Steve Clark holding down the goal in the match. But my favorite moment involved Jeremy Ebobisse. Jeremy has done everything that has been asked of him this season and it seemed he might become an afterthought with the arrival of Brian Fernandez. But Jeremy has stayed a major factor for the team and put in quite a performance against the Galaxy and was able to cap his night off with a beautiful header to put the Timbers up 4-0 and thus being my moment of the match."
Who would you nominate as Player of the Match?
"It’s hard to pick a man of the match when the whole team was on fire and there were many individuals that are deserving of the honor. As Timbers fans, we all know how important Diego Chara is to the team. The midfield stepped up in a big way in his absence getting their first win without Chara since 2015 and Cristhian Paredes put in a huge performance scoring 2 goals and holding it down in the midfield and is my Man of the Match."
What is your prediction for the next MLS match – Timbers at Minnesota United?
"The Timbers head to Minnesota for their first match at the new Allianz Field that will become their home for the week as they play Minnesota United in league play on Sunday while also having a huge match on Wednesday against United at Allianz Field in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal. I don’t expect the Timbers to slow down anytime soon and I fully expect they will be out for 3 points on Sunday and then prepare to advance to the Open Cup Final on Wednesday."
What else should we know about your Timbers fandom? Any gameday superstitions?
"I have been a season ticket holder ever since graduating college in 2010 and have been in the Timbers Army up until this season before moving to the new Duracell Deck. I have been to many sporting events including Super Bowls, World Series, and traveled the country watching my teams play. There is nothing like game day in Portland, and for me that starts off with taking Max to the stadium and heading to one of the nearby spots to grab some food and drink. With the new expansion, I have fallen in love with the view of the city from the Duracell Deck, and now love to get to the stadium early to enjoy some Hot Lips pizza and a nice IPA in the view of the city while basking in the energy in the stadium that game day brings. I would highly recommend everyone take in a game at some point from the new expansion as it really is a gem and one of the best views in sports."
Congratulations Jonathan and Adrienne! And thank you for your continued support!
