PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns will put on on the "Green Is Gold Charity Match" Wednesday in support of nature sustainability and conservation efforts.
The match at Providence Park is free to attend, but fans are encouraged to make a donation.
"It's obviously a really good cause that we are really excited about," said Timbers defender Eric Miller when discussing the upcoming match. "I think for our fans to be able to just see us all play on the same field is really really cool, and I think for us to play with some world-class players on the Thorns is a great opportunity."
The Timbers and Thorns will play a mixed scrimmage against one another, with two captains from each team on both sides, as well as two retired Timbers legends gracing the pitch at Providence Park once again.
Jack Jewsbury headlines Team Green during the match. Jewsbury was a member of the Timbers' inaugural season in 2011, and rightfully earned the nickname "Captain Jack" after he was named the team's first ever captain. Jewsbury made 157 appearances for the Timbers, including their 2015 MLS Cup winning side, before retiring in 2016.
"It's an awesome opportunity for the players to have some fun in a different capacity, and not as serious," Jewsbury said about the match. "I haven't played in any games since probably 2016, so hopefully there isn't a lot of expectations."
On Team Gold stands arguably the best player in Timbers' history, Diego Valeri. Valeri leads the club all time in goals and assists, and was honored as MLS MVP in 2017, the only Timbers player to do such. Valeri also played a key role in the Timbers' run to the MLS Cup in 2015, scoring a goal in the opening minute of the championship game against Columbus.
"It's an amazing feeling to have the opportunity to be on the field again. I have great memories with these guys and hope to share a little bit of time on the field tomorrow," said Timbers captain Diego Chara, regarding playing with his former teammates Valeri and Jewsbury.
Chara is one of the team captains for Team Green alongside Thorns defender Meaghan Nally.
Team Green is highlighted by Christine Sinclair and Diego Chara, while Team Gold has two of the best attackers the city of Portland has ever seen in Sophia Smith and Diego Valeri.
This is the second time since 2022 that the clubs have held a mixed charity match, with the last one in support of relief efforts in Ukraine. This time around, the clubs are highlighting their effort to be sustainably conscious and their nature conservation around the Portland area and Providence Park.
Last match, the club raised over $600,000.
The game will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT. The Timbers will live stream the event on their home website.