As part of our inaugural group of ticket holders, Matt and Hillary won the chance to have a VIP experience for the Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy match on May 11th, including KeyBank Club seats, and a chance to visit with Timber Joey on the field!
We asked Matt a few questions after the match.
What was your first memory of/first match supporting the Timbers?
I know I went to NASL matches as a kid but don't remember much about those, so I'd have to say when they were in the USL. We had season tickets on the West side but would occasionally go sit with the Army.
What was your favorite moment of the match today?
Definitely the goal to tie. After last week I was hoping for another win, but after their late goal, I'll take the tie.
Who would you nominate as Player of the Match?
Valeri scored the goal, Chara was all over the field before he went off, but I'd have to pick Ricketts. He had three or four great saves that should have been goals and it wouldn't have been a tie without him. Just disappointed he didn't get his first clean sheet. Next week.
What is your prediction for the next match – Timbers versus Columbus Crew?
We finish the home stand with a win 2-0. Nagbe gets one to start, Valeri adds a second and Ricketts gets his first slice of the log this year.
What else should we know about your Timbers fandom? Any favorite pieces of memorabilia?
I've only missed four games since the start of the MLS, and I donated my tickets for 3 of those. The people who have tickets around me are great, I've come to know them over the past three plus years and they make the game kind of a family affair. I buy a new scarf every year and have the old ones hanging up on my wall. Last year I bought two, but as soon as I wore the second one the team started losing. So I went back to the first one, and we had the long (15 game) unbeaten streak. Because of that, I'm sticking with one this year. My favorite piece of memorabilia is usually the next one I buy, and I'm getting quite the collection.
The Axe experience was just great, everyone was very nice to us and made sure we were taken care of. Had I not been picked I don't think I'd have experienced the KeyBank Club, so it was fun to do. It made for a day my daughter and me that we won't forget. Thanks so much to everyone who helped us from the moment we walked in this morning.
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Thank you Matt and Hillary! And thank you for your wonderful support!
If you are an Axe Society member and would like to enter to win the title of Member of the Match, please register here.
