Timbers, Thorns to play mixed match to benefit Ukraine

PORTLAND — The Portland Thorns and the Portland Timbers announced Wednesday that the clubs will host PTFC For Peace — a mixed teams, U.S. first division charity match to raise funds for Ukrainian children and families affected by the war.

The match will kick off at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Providence Park.

Admission is free with an encouraged donation.

“Soccer is a universal and unifying sport, and as professionals, it’s important for us to use our platform for those in need and right now that’s Ukraine,” Thorns forward Christine Sinclair said in a statement. “This is something we’ve wanted to do as a club for years, and I couldn’t think of a better reason to pull it off now than to raise money for an important cause.”

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.

All seating for the event will be general admission and redeemable through SeatGeek (https://seatgeek.com/ptfc-for-peace-tickets) with an option to donate to UNICEF USA while acquiring a ticket.

“I always believe we are stronger together, and I’m excited to be able to play in a match that means so much more than soccer,” Timbers midfielder Diego Chara said in a statement. “This is an opportunity for us as players, as a club and as a city to help the people of Ukraine in an incredibly difficult time.”

Chara and Thorns defender Kelli Hubly will co-captain one team and Sinclair and Timbers midfielder Sebastián Blanco will co-captain the other team.

The yellow Nike team and the blue Adidas team will square off in a 60-minute full-field match. If tied after regulation, the match will move to a shootout to determine a winner.

The match will also be streamed on the club’s websites www.timbers.com and www.thornsfc.com.

Fans in attendance and those watching remotely will have various opportunities to contribute to their efforts and 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.