I was so happy to be able to be at the Timbers match on Tuesday, July 3rd. I love going no matter what, and defeating San Jose just made it that much better. I had a great night beginning with a smooth ride on the light rail down to the front door of Jeld-Wen Field. Before getting in line I went over to Coffeehouse Northwest a block away and read quietly for a few minutes. Then I went back over to the stadium to wait for admission. While in line I met four interesting people who are OSU students. I even got to share with them what I am studying and how I believe God has a will and plan for everyone. As the time for us to enter got a little closer they even shared their Hot Lips pizza with me, which I greatly appreciated.
Finally I made it into the North End and found seats for the three of us who would be there that night. About an hour before the match, the team came out on the field to warm up. Thousands of us sang and cheered for them, calling out specific players by name hoping they'd respond with a hand in the air. When the teams went back into the dressing rooms, we knew it was close. A short while later they emerged again, arrayed in the Timbers first choice green and white match apparel. At one corner of the stadium a ladder truck had its bucket hoisted high above the stadium featuring our beloved American flag while the national anthem dedicated to it was sung in fine Timbers Army style (complete with "whooshes" in between lines). At last it was time to start. I spent the rest of the match standing, jumping, singing, cheering, and screaming toward the pitch for my Timbers. We scored first on a perfectly placed cross by Songo'o to Mwanga who deftly flicked it past the 'Quakes goalkeeper and into the net. Just prior to that the TA were singing "Goals." Now the entire stadium erupted in a single unified and very loud cheer. Smoke bombs were set off, and I confess I couldn't really see what happened for the next minute or so. Flags could be seen flying high through the swirling green smog, and the fans fervor intensified. After halftime the team came out once again with a fine performance. This time the goal was scored from a headed combination off a free kick. The ball came flying in, and Futty jumped heading it past their keeper. As Bingham scrambled back to try to save it, Captain Jack was one step ahead of him as he came sliding in low to smack the ball into the back of the net. Filled with elation and yet wondering what the Timbers would do with the lead for the next thirty minutes, we in the Timbers Army sang on in support. Unfortunately, the Earthquakes were able to bring one back on a shoddy defensive clearance. Thankfully it was their only goal leaving the final scoreline at Timbers 2, Earthquakes 1.
After the match and the log slice hoisting by the players, I and those with me made our way out of the stadium and back to his car. I ate some of his chicken and rice in the car. My sister-in-law motioned that we stop by Salt & Straw for some ice cream instead of heading straight home. So I found myself standing in line again. But the Coffee and Bourbon, Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache cone was worth the wait, as was the victory inside Jeld-Wen earlier that night. Now I can't wait for the next match I have tickets to, Chivas vs. Timbers.
