UPDATE (April 28, 2022): It was bigger than soccer in Oregon during the PTFC For Peace match Wednesday.
On a night when the Portland Timbers (MLS) and the Portland Thorns (NWSL) played together in a mixed game for the first time in history, peace and community were center stage.
The historical outing ended with the Yellow team defeating the Blue team 3-2. However, there were truly no losers as the charity match raised $500,000 in donations (and counting), including the $100,00 contribution from the clubs for UNICEF's Humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.
The funds will aid in the relief efforts of families in Ukraine who have been affected by the war. Further donations can be made at www.unicefusa.org/PTFC. The final tally is ongoing till May 5. The auction with game-worn shirts from the event and other items, including flags and the game ball is also still available at this time at www.PTFC.givesmart.com.
ORIGINAL (April 27, 2022): A special occasion is set for Providence Park tonight, with the Portland Timbers (MLS) and Portland Thorns (NWSL) playing their much-anticipated PTFC For Peace game – a historic mixed teams, U.S. first division charity match to raise funds for Ukrainian children and families affected by the war.
Kickoff is set for 9 pm ET and admission is free to the public with an encouraged donation. All donations, which will be matched by the club up to $100,000, and proceeds surrounding the event will support UNICEF’s relief efforts in Ukraine and bordering countries.
Here’s a look at key information to know ahead of time.
How to donate
Fans in attendance and those watching remotely can visit www.unicefusa.org/PTFC to make donations.
There will also be an online auction for fans to bid on game-worn shirts from the event and other items, including flags and the game ball at www.PTFC.givesmart.com.
Tickets can also be purchased, with donations encouraged.
How to watch
The 60-minute, full-field match will be streamed on the club’s websites www.timbers.com and www.thornsfc.com.
Timbers television play-by-play announcer Jake Zivin will call the match alongside special guest commentator Thorns FC midfielder Crystal Dunn, with sideline reporters Thorns FC general manager Karina LeBlanc and Timbers television analyst Liam Ridgewell providing live in-game updates and interviews.
Rosters
Last week, the clubs held a draft to determine which players will play for Team Blue and Team Yellow.
Co-captains Diego Chara and Kelli Hubly selected their draft picks for Team Blue, while Christine Sinclair and Sebastián Blanco selected the roster for Team Yellow.
Team Blue
- Goalkeepers: Aljaz Ivacic, Abby Smith, Justin Vom Steeg
- Defenders: Pablo Bonilla, Kelli Hubly, Natalia Kuikka, Larrys Mabiala, Emily Menges, Meaghan Nally, Gabby Provenzano, Justin Rasmussen, Dario Zuparic
- Midfielders: Dairon Asprilla, Natalie Beckman, Diego Chara, Marissa Everett, Marvin Loría, Cristhian Paredes, Yazmeen Ryan, Hina Sugita
- Forwards: Hannah Betfort, Blake Bodily, Felipe Mora, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Sophia Smith
Team Yellow
- Goalkeepers: David Bingham, Bella Bixby, Shelby Hogan, Hunter Sulte
- Defenders: Claudio Bravo, Meghan Klingenberg, Zac McGraw, Madison Pogarch, Becky Sauerbrunn, Bill Tuiloma, Josecarlos Van Rankin
- Midfielders: David Ayala, Sebastián Blanco, Yimmi Chara, Sam Coffey, George Fochive, Olivia Moultrie, Santiago Moreno, Taylor Porter, Rocky Rodríguez, Eryk Williamson
- Forwards: Janine Beckie, Diego Gutierrez, Tega Ikoba, Christine Sinclair, Morgan Weaver
Stories to read
- Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco reflects on his time in Ukraine, where he played for Metalist Kharkiv.
- Portland Timbers goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic discusses the importance of the game.
- UNICEF USA CEO Michael Nyenhuis discusses the game's impact and how he's a fan of Portland soccer.
Ukraine ties
The game will be reffed by Sergii Demianchuk, the only Ukrainian referee with PRO Referees. He immigrated to the United States in 2013.
Ukrainian-American singer Darka Dusty Stebivka will sing the Ukrainian national anthem ahead of the match.
