Timbers announce PGE Park exhibition against British team Coventry City

PORTLAND, Ore.
- The Portland Timbers announced today that they will play host to British soccer team Coventry City FC in a special exhibition match at PGE Park on Saturday, July 8, at 7 p.m.




The visit marks the second time in as many seasons that a team from one of the top leagues in England has crossed the Atlantic to face the Timbers. Last season, Sunderland AFC of the F.A. Premier League faced off against the Timbers in front of a crowd of 15,376, the largest crowd to attend a Timbers match since the team’s inaugural United Soccer Leagues season in 2001.




“Coventry is a tremendous test for our squad,” said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. “They have a great history in this game, a great coach in Mick Adams, and I look forward to hosting them in July.”




Coventry City, known as the “Sky Blues,” competes in the Coca-Cola Championship, one level below the Premier League. Coventry was founded in 1883 and, since then, has won the F.A. Cup (1987) and has spent 10 years in the Premier League (1992-2001).




“We’re very much looking forward to training in the U.S.,” said Paul Fletcher, managing director of Coventry City. “After speaking with officials at Sunderland AFC, we’re aware that the Portland Timbers will provide our team with a very tough test.”




Tickets for the Coventry City match go on sale Thursday, June 1, at 9 a.m. On that date, individual tickets will be available at the PGE Park box office and area Ticketmaster outlets, including Fred Meyer and G.I. Joe’s locations. Additionally, tickets will be available for purchase by phone at (503) 224-4400 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. For group ticket information, contact the Timbers at (503) 553-5555.