This Week in PTFC | Timbers head to LAFC, Thorns battle rival Reign and more

Timbers with a quick turnaround to travel to LAFC

After dispatching RSL Saturday in a thrilling 6-1 victory to jump up to fourth place in the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers will travel Wednesday to face Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium (7:30pm PT, FOX 12 PLUS).

LAFC are currently on the outside looking in for the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs, sitting in eighth place on 33 points – seven behind the Timbers, and three out of playoff position. With the Timbers looking to extend their six-game unbeaten streak, they'll be doing so against an increasingly desperate-for-points LAFC side.

Thorns continue hunt for playoff spot at home against Reign

Speaking of playoffs, Portland Thorns FC host OL Reign Saturday at Providence Park (7pm PT, TICKETS, FOX 12 PLUS/Paramount+) with both teams in the race to secure an NWSL Playoffs spot.

Unbeaten in their last six matches – with five wins in that stretch – the Reign are on 35 points, only three points behind first place Portland in the race for the NWSL Shield. Every battle between these two Pacific Northwest rivals is a great match to watch but adding a top-of-the table clash to it makes it even more exciting.

Be sure to get your tickets.

(NOTE: As of Aug. 24, 2021, Timbers and Thorns matches at Providence Park require proof of vaccination and masks at all times. Please check the latest stadium policies for more info.)

The Thorns Show talks with Sophie Clough

Ann Schatz has been doing great interviews all season long with Thorns players and coaches. Check out the latest episode with assistant coach Sophie Clough about her journey through the game, her time in Portland, her knowledge about the life and times of one Pierre Soubrier, the team's head athletic trainer and much more. Check it out below and see all the rest of the episodes on the team's YouTube page.

All we want is goals

Want to see all of the goals from Portland's 6-1 demolishing of RSL? Check out the highlights here.

This Week in PTFC History: A presidential visit

Much has been written about Providence Park's long and eventful history in sport. But it has also been a gathering spot for rock stars and, on occasion, presidents.

On Oct. 2, 1909 – even before the current stadium was first constructed in 1926 – President William H. Taft addressed more than 20,000 children at then-Multnomah Field in a festive event that included a tribute that "brought tears to his eyes," according to a New York Times report. The boys and girls were banked in red, white and blue rows in the grandstand to form a "living flag." The gathering later spelled out "Taft" with yellow banners.

"I did not intend to make a speech," said Taft, "but I have been so inspired by you that I cannot refrain from expressing my gratitude for your wonderful drill and the beautiful effect." He later added, "You call yourself the 'City of Roses' because of the beautiful flowers, but I look now upon 20,000 human roses, upon which I congratulate your city and your parents much more."