Jeld-Wen Field to host 2014 MLS All-Star game

By Sports Network

The Sports Network

Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday that Jeld-Wen Field, home of the Portland Timbers, will host the 2014 MLS All- Star game, bringing the league's showcase match to the Pacific Northwest for the first time.

"The Portland Timbers and their passionate fans have certainly earned the honor of hosting the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game," MLS commissioner Don Garber said during a press conference on Wednesday. "This match will showcase to an international audience the incredible devotion to the game in the Pacific Northwest that serves as one of the most important stories for our league."

Since their MLS debut in 2011, the Timbers have sold out every league match at Jeld-Wen Field, a streak of 42 consecutive matches. The stadium also hosted a sellout crowd for the U.S. men's national team's Gold Cup opener on Tuesday - a 6-1 romp over Belize. It was the first time the men's national team had played in the Rose City since 1998.

The opponent for next summer's game will be announced at a later date.

"We are very pleased to host the national and international soccer community to Soccer City, USA, for the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game and its surrounding events," said Timbers president Merritt Paulson. "This event will be the first major All-Star Game of any sport ever in Portland and the Timbers and our fans look forward to showcasing our fabulous city and Jeld-Wen Field next summer."

"Portland is a soccer town, pure and simple, and we are honored that our city has been chosen to host the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Star Game," Portland Mayor Charlie Hales said. "Our reputation as Soccer City, USA, began in the 1970s with the original Portland Timbers and has been put on display for many other wonderful events over the years, including the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup and a recent CONCACAF Gold Cup doubleheader."

Portland will be the 16th different city to host the MLS All-Star Game and Jeld-Wen Field will be the 11th All-Star venue built or renovated for soccer.

This season's All-Star game will take place at Sporting Park on July 31 as the MLS All-Stars will battle Serie A side Roma.

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