Team

Generations inspire change: Timbers – past, present and future – join to showcase new Black Players for Change training top for Juneteenth

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Timbers alumni along with first team, T2 and Academy players participate in special photoshoot of new shirt

As part of this year’s Juneteenth celebrations, MLS is collaborating with Black Players for Change and adidas on a special “I AM #19” pre-match top that emphasizes the significance of Juneteenth and unites players across all levels of the league as agents of change.

From academies to first teams and beyond, generations inspire change in new ways. A collection of Portland Timbers – past, present and future – gathered together at the Timbers Training Center for a special photoshoot in the special Juneteenth shirts.

Current Timbers Zac McGraw, Larrys Mabiala and Eryk Williamson joined USL-era defender Scot Thompson and former Timbers MLS striker – and Portland native – Danny Mwanga alongside Timbers2 defender Keesean Ferdinand and Timbers Academy players Olivier Bergstrom (U15), Dario White (U17), Kai Carlson (U17), and Jordan Villanueva (U15) to showcase the shirts.

Thompson played for the Timbers from 2004-10 and is the club's USL all-time leader in appearances (144) and minutes played (12,291). Mwanga starred locally at Jefferson High School and later at Oregon State University before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. He played for the Timbers in 2012.

Fans can purchase the new shirts at MLSstore.com, with league-wide sales supporting local beneficiaries in each MLS city; the Timbers' local beneficiary is Juneteenth Oregon.