PORTLAND, Ore.– The Portland Timbers today announced they will play host to renowned South American side Club Atlético Independiente of Argentina in an international exhibition match Tuesday, July 26, at JELD-WEN Field at 8 p.m. (PT).
The winner of 14 first division championships, Independiente is one of the most successful clubs in Argentine club soccer history and ranks third behind notable clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate in the number of total domestic titles won. Additionally, the club has garnered 16 international titles in its history, earning the nickname "Rey de Copas” or “King of Cups.”
Tickets for the exhibition against Independiente are included in 2011 season ticket packages as Game C, as well as half-season plan B and five-game plan F. Season ticket holders will have an exclusive pre-sale period to purchase additional tickets, starting today at 12 noon until Monday, June 6 at 5 p.m.
Single-game tickets start at $8 and will be available for purchase, starting Tuesday, June 7, at 10 a.m., through the JELD-WEN Field box office, Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.comor by phone at (800) 745-3000.
Independiente recently won the 2010 Copa Sudamericana, one of the top club tournaments in South America, claiming its 16th international championship. Its total number of international titles rivals the accomplishments of some of the top clubs in the world, including Italy’s AC Milan, Boca Juniors and Spain’s Real Madrid. Among its international honors, Independiente is also the owner of a record, seven Copa Libertadores titles as well as three Copa Interamericana titles, two Intercontinental Cups and two Supercopa Sudamericana titles.
Nearly finished with the 2011 Clausura campaign, Independiente features one of the top scorers in the Primera División in forward Facundo Parra, with six goals in 15 matches. The club is led by head coach and former Argentine international Antonio Mohamed, who played at the top levels in Mexico and Argentina during his 15-year professional playing career and helped Argentina win the 1991 Copa America. Independiente is unbeaten in its last six games, including a 1-1 draw with Boca Juniors.
Independiente was founded in 1905 and is one of the oldest clubs in Argentina. The club has yet to be relegated from the first division in its 80-year professional era. Independiente is one of just three Argentine clubs to boast this distinction; the others – Boca Juniors and River Plate.
