We are talking… about… playoffs! Our team, the Portland Timbers, have had a brilliant season, and they are looking to keep the good times rolling against the Houston Dynamo tonight. Playoffs in the Rose City are one of a kind, and we are excited to get loud with you PTFC!!
Recently, we sat down with the first Timber to wear the captain’s armband, Jack Jewsbury, to reflect on the 2015 clubs MLS championship run. Thank you for taking the time, Jack!
WM: In 2015 you had to go through the knockout round. How does player mindset change (if at all) between having a first-round bye and playing in a knockout game?
JJ: There is a huge difference in the mindset of a player because in the Knockout round it is just one game compared to the next round which is a home and home series where you manage two games. So, in 2015 when we played KC in the Knockout round, in the span of 4 days we could have gone from clinching a spot in the playoffs to losing a few days later ending our season. Therefore, the team is put into a position where every minor detail is crucial because one mistake in that Knockout round could be the difference between you moving on or going home. In the end, that Knockout game win over KC gave us momentum as we went on a run for over a month that ended with us lifting the MLS Cup!
WM: How often do you wear your ring?
JJ: The only time I have worn the championship ring was the night we received them. I am still waiting for the perfect opportunity to wear it again but as of now it’s in a safe place displayed nicely where I get to see it daily!!
WM: What is your greatest memory from the 2015 championship run?
JJ: Oh my there are so many that’s a tough one – KC shootout, the series win against Dallas making it to the MLS Cup, the parade and rally! Of course, I will never forget all those and also the locker room celebration with my teammates, but the one thing that sticks out for me was celebrating with my family after the game. My sister flew in from Germany, my parents, and in-laws from Missouri, and of course, my wife and daughters were there as well. It was a moment that I will never forget being able to celebrate with all of them on the field after the win in Columbus!!
WM: During your playing career did you envision yourself working in a club’s front office?
JJ: During the latter part of my career I did. I had graduated with a business degree about 15 years ago and always had an interest on the business side of sports. When you are still playing sometimes it’s hard to think about what is next, but once I came to the realization that I was the oldest guy in the locker room you have to start processing that. Since starting the role there has definitely been a learning curve, but I feel really fortunate to have this opportunity with the Timbers/Thorns to learn more about this side of the organization.
WM: When you decide to drink wine, what do you look for?
JJ: When I first started drinking wine it was with my Dad who is a big Cab fan. Therefore, I tend to gravitate toward bigger Cabs. But since moving to Oregon I have really started to appreciate Pinot Noir and visiting the different wineries in the area. I would say that my favorite Oregon Pinot Noir to date is Hyland Estates, but Westmount is another go to for my wife and I. Thanks for the shoutout Jack!