Club America at Timbers
When/where: 8 p.m. today at Jeld-Wen Field.
TV: none.
Radio: AM 750 (AM 940 Spanish broadcast).
Why to go: The atmosphere at international exhibitions is part of the fun. Expect plenty of yellow-clad Club America fans at Jeld-Wen Field. As a friendly, match should feature creative attacking play from both teams.
ABOUT CLUB AMERICA
Based in Mexico City, Club America was founded in 1916. Las Águilas (the Eagles) play in Estadio Azteca (Azteca Stadium), one of the largest stadiums in the world.
Club America is one of the most successful Mexican clubs, having won 33 championships in 95 years. CA has won 10 national league championships, but is better known for winning eight international club competitions, most a team from the North and Central American region.
THE MATCHUP
Watch for: The timing of this exhibition, three days before a visit from Seattle Sounders FC, is hardly ideal. Expect the Timbers to play a lineup of players who will not be in the starting lineup for Sunday’s showdown with Seattle.
That said, it should offer an opportunity for some young players to get time on a big stage, and perhaps for two defenders on trial with the Timbers — Irishman John Thompson and Serbian Aleksandar Ignjatovic — to get an in-game look from the Timbers.
Today’s match is the first of six preseason matches in the United States for Club America — and the only match against an MLS opponent. Among the summer U.S. exhibitions for Club America are games against Manchester City, Juventus and FC Barcelona.
THE LINEUP
• Timbers head coach John Spencer said he will use players who have not seen a lot of game action in this match, and will rest players who are expected to play most or all of Sunday’s match against the Sounders FC.
NOTABLE
• Today’s match is one of four international friendlies at Jeld-Wen Field this season. Ajax of Holland won 2-0 at Jeld-Wen field in May. On July 20, England’s West Bromwich Albion visits, and on July 26 Club Atlético Independiente of Argentina is at Jeld-Wen Field.
FAN GUIDE
Tickets: Tickets available, including in sold-out season ticket sections as this game is not part of season-ticket packages. Advance purchase through Ticketmaster outlets, or at the Jeld-Wen Field box office. Note that exhibitions often have a large walk-up crowd, so expect ticket lines before the match.
Gates open: 90 minutes before kickoff.
Getting there: Parking is extremely limited near the stadium. MAX light rail runs extra trains on match days.
