As part of our inaugural group of ticket holders, Mark and Lisa won the chance to have a VIP experience for the Portland Timbers vs. Minnesota United home opener, including KeyBank Club seats, and a chance to visit with Timber Joey on the field!
We asked Mark a few questions after the match.
What was your first memory of/first match supporting the Timbers?
"Lisa's a native Oregonian, she can remember going to the NASL Timbers in Civic Stadium as a kid. I didn't make it here until '93, so my first memories are from the USL days. An English co-worker and I would go on Thirsty Thursdays. Initially we'd just turn up 15 minutes before game time, buy a ticket at the gate, grab 2 beers each and enjoy some quality time near the army. I enjoyed it so much I eventually bought USL season tickets.
Different experience then, but no less enjoyable."
What was your favorite moment of the match tonight?
"You can't limit it to just one moment, it was opening night after all! Having the army sing the national anthem is a great tradition that we always enjoy. Being spoiled with seats at midfield, a scrumptious buffet - that key lime pie! -a 5-1 win to start the season... the whole evening was fantastic, we can't pick just one moment. We just feel so fortunate to have had our names drawn."
Who would you nominate as Player of the Match?
"It was a good team effort all around, I think everyone did their part. Obviously Valeri and Adi with the braces are leading candidates. No disrespect to The Maestro, but Adi making that run in the 93rd minute, getting the defender turned around, rifling it past the keeper and -- without breaking stride -- jumping the advertising board to run to the bench to celebrate... Adi."
What is your prediction for the next match – Timbers at LA Galaxy?
"It will probably be a tough match, as LA will be looking to avoid two home losses to start the season (Urruti.. Urruti...can I still root for Urruti? I still want to root for Urruti when we're not playing Dallas). The Timbers finally get the road-win monkey off their backs as Chara out-leaps Van Damme to head in the game winner 1-0."
What else should we know about your Timbers fandom? Any gameday superstitions? Favorite pieces of Timbers memorabilia?
"We never leave before the final whistle. No superstitions, just an acceptance that it can be a cruel game at times. You just have to roll with it, the tide will eventually turn. The newest piece of memorabilia might be the favorite - a Lucite-encased, Adi-signed game ticket we received for being Members of the Match."
Congratulations Mark and Lisa! And thank you for your continued support!
