PORTLAND, Ore. – It rained; of course it rained.
It rained, but the people still came, lining downtown’s Broadway Street, toting banners and flags, clad in green and gold. They came to pay homage to the MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers, embodying the true Oregonian spirit in defiance of the elements.
The fact that Tuesday’s downtown parade to honor Portland’s championship triumph over Columbus Crew SC – conjuring images of the ticker-tape parade following almost the same route for the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers NBA title – was marked by a driving rain, as have so many of the iconic images of the Timbers’ five years in MLS, was perhaps fitting.
Just like they do when the weather turns rough at Providence Park, the supporters sang up and down Broadway, giving thanks to the club they have grown to love so passionately.
“This is Portland,” Timbers season ticket holder Kathleen Anson told MLSsoccer.com when asked why the inclement weather didn’t keep her away. “I love Portland.”
Anson traveled to Columbus for Sunday’s MLS Cup final and arrived back in town late on Monday night. She said there was no way she’d miss the parade even after devoting so much time and effort into the support of the Timbers.
“It’s huge, since 1977 – and the Thorns, of course,” she said, referring to the 2013 National Women’s Soccer League champion Portland Thorns. “That’s it.”
The parade started rolling at noon local time, from the intersection of Broadway and Stark, led by a police escort and team mascot Timber Joey riding atop a logging truck, revving his chainsaw all along the way. A truck pulling an open trailer followed, with the team, coaches and staff aboard.
The procession slowly made its way along the 0.4-mile route, with the crowd growing as people emerged from nearby shops and offices, players high-fiving and hugging fans, allowing people to touch the MLS Cup trophy. Team owner Merritt Paulson and head coach Caleb Porter raised scarves above their heads to the cheers of the crowd.
“It’s amazing,” said Charlie Cooper, who grew up in Tillamook, Ore., and has lived in Portland for six years. “It’s amazing. I mean look at it.”
He also likened the reception from fans to the 1977 Trail Blazers parade.
“As soon as you see the Army and you’re a part of it, of course it’s possible not to imagine this,” he said. “It’s like church, everyone coming together for one thing.”
As the procession moved up Broadway, the crowd filled into the street behind the team, cheering and singing to the end. The parade stopped briefly at the end of the route for one last wave to the crowd and sped away in anticipation of a fan rally at Providence Park later in the evening.
“It’s huge for the city, Soccer City USA,” Cooper said, walking off into the rain.
Dan Itel covers the Timbers for MLSsoccer.com.
