For the first time, SportsCenter on the Road will originate from the site of a Major League Soccer matchup on Saturday, July 23, at 11:30 a.m. PT, live from Providence Park in Portland, Ore. – site of that day’s special MLS Special Edition featuring defending MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers vs. LA Galaxy on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 3:45 p.m.
Max Bretos and Dianna Russini will co-anchor the 75-minute program from inside Providence Park. SportsCenter on the Road in Portland will lead into the match telecast featuring Timbers triumvirate of stars Diego Valeri, the reigning MLS Player of the Week, Darlington Nagbe (U.S. Men’s National Team star) and striker Fanendo Adi, against the star-studded LA Galaxy roster – Mexican National Team striker Giovani dos Santos, former England National Team players Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole, Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane, US Men’s National Team striker Gyasi Zardes, and former Netherlands National team midfielder Nigel de Jong.
Highlights of SportsCenter on the Road in Portland:
- Interview on the set with Portland Timbers Owner and CEO Merritt Paulson, who has fostered one of best relationships between a team and its fan-base;
- Timber Joey, the official mascot of the Portland Timbers, will be interviewed on SportsCenter on the Road;
- ESPN’s lead soccer match analyst Taylor Twellman will join Bretos and Russini on the set;
- Access-driven profile of Giovani dos Santos by Russini;
- A look at Darlington Nagbe’s journey from Liberia to becoming a Major League Soccer star and U.S. Men’s National Team player;
- Sit-down interviews with one player from either team in the MLS Soccer Sunday matchup;
- A video essay – an ode to the City of Portland – by weekday 1 a.m. ET SportsCenter anchor and native of Portland Neil Everett.
