Just what is it that makes Soccer City, USA so unique? Along with the incredible atmospheres at a Portland Timbers or Thorns FC match, there's a sense around Portland, Ore. that soccer is part of the fabric of the place. British photographer Rob Low, who's made specialty out of capturing the culture around soccer set out to document what soccer looks like in Portland. He came to Timbers and Thorns games, yes, but he also scoured the indoor futsal courts, the city parks, the pubs, and more to see how Portlanders watch, talk and play the beautiful game.
Working in conjunction with the Timbers, Thorns, The Toffee Club and Where Is Football, Low's work--which includes many familiar Timbers and Thorns scenes--will open with a collection of his work entitled "Roses: The World's Game in Portland, Oregon" in the special Toffee Club gallery beginning Oct. 20.
"MLS has been gaining a foothold in the UK in terms of reputation and coverage. One of the clubs at the center of this is the Portland Timbers and the women's team the Portland Thorns," said Low about the show. "Every football-rich culture needs a focus and these two teams provide it in abundance. Unlike in other American cities with half a dozen professional sports teams, in Portland you have a passion that is so raw, focused, and ever-present. I wanted to open a window into that."
Head on over to The Toffee Club (1006 SE Hawthorne) to have a pint, talk soccer, and take in what soccer looks like in the Rose City.
