For the third time in the last seven years the Timbers have won the MLS Western Conference. In arguably the biggest game in Providence Park history, the Timbers controlled the game from start to finish and will play for the MLS Cup at home next weekend (12pm PT, ABC).
Because the game was so big, I wanted to be sure to capture it from every angle. I setup a bunch of remotes around the stadium before the match, including one that would be for the trophy presentation. I wanted a wider shot showing the fireworks and the stage.
The on field game action pictures wouldn't matter as much as as the post game celebrations which would tell the story of the game. Felipe Mora and Santiago Moreno would knock in the goals to put the Timbers ahead, but the best photos of the night came at the end of the match. I had a different mindset this match. Where normally I would be focused on the game action, last night I was more focused on the reactions and the atmosphere for the historic night.
As the clock was winding down the bench was going crazy. I saw the guys going nuts and positioned myself in the middle of the bench to capture all the excitement.Then as the final whistle blew, the team rushed onto the field to celebrate the victory.
After the on field celebrations, the team took to the stage to lift the Western Conference Trophy. The fireworks and confetti mixed with raindrops flew around the field. This was the most important action images from the match so in addition to my remote I had my assistant Fletcher Wold shooting tight photos from one angle while I shot a mix of wide angle shots from a low angle and then moved to a side angle to get some additional shots.
After the trophy presentation the Timbers made their way over to the North End of the field to lift the games log slabs.
After the log slabs, Diego Chara made a lap with the trophy as the rain was falling. I've talked about it before, but I'm a big fan of rain on game days. It makes the photos just have a little extra flair and this photo is a perfect example of that. The forecast for next Saturday in the MLS Cup ? 46 degrees and rainy. Let it rain, Let it pour. I cannot wait for next weekend.
