Sky Blue, International Break and Pride Night (Among Other Things)

On a beautiful blue sky day, the Sky Blue match drew 2,418 spectators. At least eight of them were Riveters as the few crowd shots from the broadcast revealed. A contingent of four members of the East Coast Platoon regional sub-group were also planning to attend. The broadcast did not pick up much noise from Cloud 9, the SBFC supporter’s group. This was most likely due to microphone placement as we could clearly hear nearly every exchange between Mark Parsons and the fourth official.

The league now enters the season’s first FIFA break. The USWNT will play Sweden on June 8 at 10:30am on ESPN2 and then Norway June 11 at 10:00am on Fox. Canada will play Costa Rica on June 8 at 2:30pm and again June 11 at 11:00am. Both matches are on TSN if you can get it. Iceland plays Ireland June 8 and Brazil June 13. I could not find a US broadcast. Dagny was not called up [late breaking news – Dagny was called up but did not play in the Ireland 0-0 draw. I’m sure the 862 in attendance during a driving rainstorm were disappointed]. Australia, France and Denmark have no matches scheduled in this window.

NWSL play resumes with the rematch June 17 against Sky Blue at Providence Park. This may well see the return of Tobin Heath. We’ve also been told to expect the arrival of Ashleigh Sykes, the Australian W-League Golden Boot winner for 2017. It’s unlikely that she will hop off the plane and play for the Thorns within a day or two. But it’s entirely likely that she will be at the match and she might possibly be formally introduced to us.

The June 17^th date is also Pride Night. Q Center is hosting a special section in 209 in association with the club. You can learn about that here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1690314124611245/. There will be a special display by the Riveters also. Feel free to be as colorful as you like (that’s really no different from any match, but you get the idea).

The next big event after that will be Seattle Away on July 1 (Canada Day, so extra-special for Christine). This is always a really fun outing with shared goodies, beverages, pickup kickarounds and great seats right behind the Thorns bench near field level. This year there are three bus choices: Beer, Cider or Juice. There are also sponsorships available: if the ticket price is stopping you from going, please send an email to info@rosecityriveters.org to get sponsored.

The Rose City Riveters are remodeling a Visitation Room for foster children and their families. The room is at the Department of Human Services offices in Beaverton. Some supplies are still needed, specifically child-appropriate video games, as well as a helping hand on select dates. The fundraising is already complete, so keep your wallet tucked away. This article describes the project: https://timbersarmy.org/Blog/4777282. If you can help please check your 107IST newsletter for dates and needs, or send an email to info@rosecityriveters.org.

The Thorns have recruited one of the top social media people in the soccer world and a dog lover to boot! You may know Kayla Knapp from her previous stint in digital media for Fox Sports, or as the founder of https://womenunitedfc.com/. Follow @TheKaylaKnapp on Twitter.

Now comes the agony of the two-week break. June 17 can’t come soon enough. See you soon!

By Richard Hamje