As the Portland Timbers host the LA Galaxy Saturday (12:30pm PT, ESPN), they'll also be welcoming some extra guests from ESPN.
For the first time, SportsCenter on the Road will originate from the site of a Major League Soccer at 11:30am PT, just prior to the game, live from Providence Park in Portland, Ore.
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.
Highlights of SportsCenter on the Road in Portland:
- Interview on the set with Portland Timbers Owner and CEO Merritt Paulson
- Timber Joey will be interviewed on SportsCenter on the Road;
- ESPN’s lead soccer match analyst Taylor Twellman will join Bretos and Russini on the set;
- 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 10pm PT SportsCenter anchor and native of Portland Neil Everett.
About SportsCenter on the Road:
ESPN’s popular SportsCenter on the Road initiative, which takes the program out of the studio to events and fans, began in 2015.
SportsCenter on the Road has originated from pro and college football and basketball games, the NBA Finals, the Super Bowl and NFL Draft, the College Football Playoff, the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, the Little League World Series, the Indianapolis 500, the World Series, MLB Playoffs, MLB All-Star Game and more.
SportsCenter debuted on ESPN’s launch day (Sept. 7, 1979), and is the network’s first and flagship show.
