The Portland Timbers just issued a press release concerning the Timbers home opener.
TIMBERS FEATURED NATIONALLY ON ESPN2, TO FACE PHILADELPHIA IN SEASON OPENER
Club to open 2012 MLS season March 12 in marquee match at JELD-WEN Field
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers will play host to the Philadelphia Union in their 2012 season opener at JELD-WEN Field on Monday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. (PT) in a featured matchup that will be nationally televised live on ESPN2, it was announced today as MLS unveiled national broadcast details for First Kick, presented by Dick's Sporting Goods.
The Timbers' marquee game on March 12, which will mark just the 11th Monday match in MLS history, will also air live on ESPN Deportes and ESPN3.
In total, there will be four nationally televised matches as part of First Kick, with the Portland-Philadelphia contest wrapping up the opening week of the regular season.
The matchups, times and national broadcast information for First Kick are below.
Saturday, March 10 - Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Montreal Impact at BC Place (3 p.m. PT, TSN and in French on RDS2) (PREVIEW VIDEO)
Sunday, March 11 - FC Dallas vs. New York Red Bulls at Pizza Hut Park (12 noon PT, NBC Sports Network) (PREVIEW VIDEO)
Sunday, March 11 - Chivas USA vs. Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center (4 p.m. PT, Galavisión) (PREVIEW VIDEO)
Monday, March 12 - Portland Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union at JELD-WEN Field (6:30 p.m. PT, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes & ESPN3) (PREVIEW VIDEO)