Timbers Open 2008 Season Thursday Against Puerto Rico
April 16, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers kick off the 2008 USL First Division season Thursday as they play host to the Puerto Rico Islanders at PGE Park at 7 p.m. On Thursday, the Timbers will honor long-time team icon Jim Serrill on Timber Jim Retirement Night.
Serrill, better known as "Timber Jim," announced his retirement from the organization in January after serving as the team's icon for the better part of 12 seasons (1978-83; 2001-07). Starting in 1978 when the Timbers were members of the North American Soccer League, Serrill has become known for his high-wire acts around PGE Park and the tradition of sawing log slabs to help celebrate goals scored by the Timbers. A special halftime ceremony will highlight the career of the Northwest legend.
The first 1,000 fans Thursday receive a Farewell Timber Jim T-shirt courtesy of Shindaiwa. Also on Opening Night, the first 2,000 fans receive a 2008 schedule magnet presented by PGE.
The Timbers are 3-4-0 in season-opening matches since they joined United Soccer Leagues in 2001. Last season, the Timbers defeated the Islanders 3-1 on April 21 at PGE Park to start the year. All-time, the Timbers are 4-3-0 against Puerto Rico and have not lost to the Islanders in four matches at PGE Park. Last season, the Timbers were 1-1-0 against Puerto Rico.
Tickets, starting at $11, are available at the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (503) 224-4400.
A live broadcast of the match is available through www.portlandtimbers.com or in Spanish on "La X" 1040 AM. A live online video broadcast is available through USL Live at www.usllive.com.
USL First Division Stories from April 16, 2008
- Rhinos add international experience - Rochester Rhinos
- Timbers Add Midfielder Bryan Little For 2008 Season - Portland Timbers
- Timbers Open 2008 Season Thursday Against Puerto Rico - Portland Timbers
- Sounders sign former Su players Cascio and Fishbaugher - Seattle Sounders
- Carolina RailHawks Add Depth to Roster - North Carolina FC
- Impact team up again with local club - Montreal Impact
- Whitecaps Weekly - Vancouver Whitecaps
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