Special Olympics Washington and the Seattle Sounders FC as a Global Football partner invited Special Olympics Oregon to partner with the Portland Timbers to participate in the Cascadia Championship Series on Saturday. A groundbreaking series featuring two Special Olympics teams with affiliations to their home-state MLS clubs met on the soccer field. This matchup was the first game of the home and away series.
The Special Olympics Oregon Unified Sports gold-medal-winning soccer team from Bend High School proudly wore the Timbers' Rose City red uniforms in Seattle on May 14th. They took on a Unified Sports all-star team from seven different Seattle high schools. Unified Sports teams are comprised of individuals with intellectual disabilities playing alongside teammates without intellectual disabilities.
“We are so grateful to have a partnership with the Portland Timbers and are excited to be a part of this event,” said Margaret Hunt, CEO of Special Olympics Oregon. “Opportunities like this have such a positive impact on the growth of our soccer program.”
Special Olympics Oregon, the Portland Timbers and adidas will be hosting the Special Olympics Washington Sounders on Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th at JELD-WEN Field – don’t miss the action!
For more information about Special Olympics Oregon, go to www.soor.org.
Saturday, May 14th – Cascadia Championship Series – Leg 1 Recap
2:30pm – 5v5 Friendly Match featuring Special Olympics Oregon (Timbers) vs. Special Olympics Washington (Sounders) at the Sounders FC Training Facility - Starfire Complex.
o After opening ceremonies, anthem and player introductions, teams exchanged gifts.
o Final Score: SOWA Sounders 6, SOOR Timbers 2.
- After a tightly contested first half, the SOWA Sounders pulled away with two goals just before intermission to take a 3-1 lead.
- The SOOR Timbers worked hard and managed to maintain offensive pressure the entire game, but the SOWA Sounders took advantage of counter-attack opportunities and some stellar goalkeeping to earn the victory.
6:00pm – Mini Match & Skills Exhibition in Fanfest Area just outside of Qwest Field.
8:00pm - Both teams braved the rain and watched the match sitting together in the north end.
Exhibition game highlights were played on the big screen at half-time of the Timbers-Sounders Match that night.
