Portland Timbers match at San Jose Postponed

Update: The MLS Players Association and Black Players for Change have both released statements via social media in support of the actions of players deciding not to play. This story has been updated to include these statements.

The Portland Timbers match this evening against the San Jose Earthquakes has been postponed. According to a club statement shared on social media, the Timbers players made the decision not to play in protest of continued police brutality and racial injustice.

Earlier today, protests were touched off by the players of the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. They made the decision to not play in their playoff game against the Orlando Magic in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. All NBA games scheduled for this evening, including the playoff game featuring the Portland Trail Blazers, were subsequently canceled. WNBA and MLB teams soon followed suit, with games being postponed across the country.

The MLS match between Orlando City and Nashville scheduled for this evening did proceed as scheduled. Soon thereafter, more players on other teams yet to kickoff made the decision not to play. The league then released a statement stating that all remaining games have been officially postponed, and will be rescheduled:

No official news has been shared as of yet on when the game will be re-scheduled. The Portland Timbers traveling party arrived in San Jose this morning, and will presumably be flying back to Portland this evening.

The MLS Players Association and Black Players for Change both released statements in support of players’ actions, both emphasizing the importance of professional athletes utilizing their platforms to call for change.

There has of yet been no official statements from Timbers players. There’s also been no word yet on if there will be continued action that may impact remaining game fixtures.

This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information and statements are released. You can watch this space and Stumptown Footy social media for updates.