Post by Kasey on Mar 5, 2015 13:28:59 GMT -8
March 5 - The University of Portland Pilots women's soccer team will host the Thorns in an exhibition match sponsored by Providence Health & Services.
The match will be held at Merlo Field on Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
Here is the official release from the Pilots:
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"Providence is pleased to be presenting this game at the University of Portland," says Dave Underriner, Providence's chief executive for Oregon. "Our partnership with the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC creates opportunities to promote health and wellness, and these games highlight our scholars of today and athletes of tomorrow."
"It's truly exciting to be hosting the Thorns at Merlo Field, which is one of the best venues for collegiate soccer in the nation," Portland Athletics Director Scott Leykam said. "Having Providence involved makes it even more special, and we're thrilled to be supporting screenings and sports physicals for our young athletes. It'll be a fun weekend."
"Our sincere thanks to Scott Leykam for helping forge this relationship between the University of Portland, the Timbers and Thorns FC," Thorns FC general manager Gavin Wilkinson said. "This partnership is beneficial to both organizations on many levels and this game will serve to allow the Thorns to prepare for their season in front of our collective fans."
Tickets for the game will go on sale on Tuesday, March 10 at 11 a.m. on TicketMaster.com and through the Pilots Box Office (503-943-7525). Prices are $10 for stadium chairs, $8 for bench backs and $5 for bleachers.
The Thorns, who won the inaugural 2013 NWSL Championship and reached the semifinals last season, feature UP women's soccer alums Christine Sinclair and Kendall Johnson. Sinclair won a pair of NCAA Championships with the Pilots (2002 & 2005) and Johnson was named 2012 West Coast Conference Defender of the Year. The Thorns traded for Johnson during the off-season after the defender spent her first two years in the league playing for Sky Blue FC.
"I am stoked for our game against UP," Johnson said. "It'll be a bit strange stepping onto Merlo as an opponent, but any opportunity to play on that field is a special one. In preseason it's important to play competitive matches and I know the Pilots will provide us with a challenge. I'm looking forward to an incredible atmosphere."
The Portland women will also be hosting the Seattle Reign in an exhibition match on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m. The Reign reached the NWSL Finals last season and feature seven UP alums, including U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Megan Rapinoe.
Connecting Providence to our communities through sports is part of our Creating Healthier Communities strategy. Proceeds from the games will support sports screenings and health education in the community through the efforts of Providence Health & Services' sports medicine providers. This includes concussion screening, injury risk assessments, and sports physicals. Providence believes health and wellness provided at a young age can lead to lifelong healthy habits.
Providence Health & Services enjoys a long partnership with University of Portland's School of Nursing, educating future nurses who join our organization to care for our community.
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Click for the Thorns 2015 regular season schedule.
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