The relationship between fan and player is normally one that's pretty straightforward: player on the pitch, fans in the stands. On Saturday night at Providence Park, that all changed for three lucky Thorns FC supporters.
As part of a contest by Tire Factory, season ticket holders Erick Wheelock, his daughter Sophia, and her friend Taylor got to watch the Portland Timbers take on Sporting Kansas City at field level with none other than Thorns FC midfielder Sinead Farrelly.
“Just being able to talk to her was great,” said Erick, who is a season ticket holder for the Timbers, Thorns, and T2. “It makes you feel like she's a fan just like you.”
Their VIP experience came complete with field seats and the four were treated to an exciting match just feet from the pitch. For Farrelly, sitting next to fans was a treat as well.
“I love meeting fans, I love being a part of this atmosphere,” said Farrelly. "It's so fun to get to know them. I want to do this every game!"
Both Sophia and Taylor, best friends who both play striker at a youth level, were excited to hang with a professional player.
"It's definitely special," said Sophia.
This wasn’t just a great night at the park for Erick and his family. Getting to meet and get to know better one of the players they support on match days, while enjoying a front row seat to a Timbers match, was another treasured memory made at Providence Park.
