Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell sits down to talk about the atmosphere at Providence Park, bowling, FIFA, and family.
Moving to Portland from Jamaica three years ago, Alvas didn't know what to expect coming into a new city. Upon arriving to the Pacific Northwest, Alvas admits that the gameday atmosphere at Providence Park and the overall soccer culture in Portland was eye opening and have since become some of his favorite things about the city.
"When I first moved here, the gameday atmosphere surprised me the most. I never thought the stadium would have that many people and when I first got here, it was a full house. I was able to experience just how much this city loves soccer, and I was really surprised by the soccer culture in Portland."
Known for his laid-back personality off the field, Alvas is big on spending quality time with his friends and family when he's not at the training ground, either going bowling at his favorite bowling alley or playing FIFA against his teammates.
"I like to bowl a lot. Big Al's is the place that I go to regularly if I'm in the mood. But, otherwise, I just like to chill at home and play FIFA 16."
Since arriving to Portland on vacation, Alvas' family has developed a newfound love for the Pacific Northwest.
"The first time they visited, I never got the chance to take them places because I was traveling with the team. But since they've come back this year, I've taken them to a lot of places to see a lot of different things. They've been enjoying their time here. They love Portland they don't want to leave."
When it comes to his favorite meals, a home-cooked Jamaican meal, preferably prepared by his mom, does the job for Alvas.
"I prefer to eat at home. If my mom is here, my mom will make me a plate of Jamaican food, and that's rice and chicken. That's I eat, really. If I travel with the team, I eat what they provide, pasta and different things like that."
