Portland Timbers vs. The Green Machine Match Preview; Good Luck Atticus!

Before the Portland Timbers take on the New England Revolution this Thursday, the team will have to take on the visiting Green Machine. Kickoff for this special friendly match will take place at 11:30 am today at Jeld-Wen Field, with free admission for all those who come to cheer on the two teams.

Helmed by star player Atticus, the Green Machine will likely bring out a much younger line-up than the Timbers are used to seeing from their opponents. Averaging eight years old, the Green Machine are anticipated to play a free-flowing style with little emphasis on positioning but plenty of skill and creativity.

Of course, the Timbers will likely have some line-up changes of their own to counter the Green Machine attack. Club Captain Jack Jewsbury, who has lined up as a central midfielder, right back, and now left back this season, could slot into yet another spot for the Timbers, according to his remarks after Tuesday's practice.

Speaking to the press, Jewsbury revealed that he could line up at forward for today's match. "I think I am going to go up top for that one. I'm going to try to get some goals and maybe I can get a log at the end of that one too."

With the Timbers in the midst of an excellent run of form, Captain Jack seemed ready to get back out on the pitch for the team's next game. "I'm really excited to get Atticus and his teammates out on the field and its a great opportunity for them and for us as well. I think that any time you get an opportunity to go out with the young fans it is a special moment and especially for him to make a wish come true. I think all the guys that will be involved in that are pretty excited for tomorrow."

The Timbers' press release:

Portland Timbers Media Advisory
Timbers, Make-A-Wish to grant wish of local child Wednesday in special match at JELD-WEN Field

WHAT: The Portland Timbers and Make-A-Wish® Oregon will grant the wish of a local child on Wednesday, as select Timbers players will play a special match against eight-year-old Atticus and his soccer team, The Green Machine, at JELD-WEN Field at 11:30 a.m.

Atticus and his teammates will take on some of his favorite Timbers players, including Darlington Nagbe, Will Johnson, Jack Jewsbury and Mikael Silvestre, at JELD-WEN Field. Timbers head coach Caleb Porter and assistant coach Sean McAuley will coach the teams.

The small-sided match will feature the full game-day experience at JELD-WEN Field, with the introduction of lineups, the signing of the national anthem, and the Timbers’ traditional post-game log slab ceremony with mascot Timber Joey.

The event is open to the public and free to attend; giveaways will be distributed to first 1,000 fans at the gate.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, at 11:30 a.m.; gates open at approximately 11:15 a.m.

The special match will last until approximately 12 noon, with media availability for Timbers players and coaches, Atticus and Make-A-Wish representatives taking place following the match.

WHERE: JELD-WEN Field, 1844 SW Morrison, Portland

Media should enter the stadium through Gate 4 on the 20th plaza, and can proceed to the field through the stairway in the Northwest corner of the stadium.

WHO: Timbers players Darlington Nagbe, Will Johnson, Jack Jewsbury, Mikael Silvestre, Futty Danso, Jake Gleeson, Sebastián Rincón and Ryan Kawulok; Timbers head coach Caleb Porter and assistant coach Sean McAuley; Atticus and his youth soccer teammates from Mt. Tabor Soccer Club

About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980, the organization is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 64 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 250 volunteers, the Oregon chapter has granted more than 2,700 wishes throughout Oregon and Clark County, Washington. For more information about Make-A-Wish Oregon, visit orwish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.