The Advocate, Issue 24 - April 20, 2018

Independent Student Voice of MHCC

Volume 52, Issue 24 APRIL 20, 2018 advocate-online.net

Working with weed PAGE 4

How Gandhi inspired MHCC alum PAGE 5

DRUG MONEY ROLLING IN

High school art showcase PAGE 5

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ยกLos Timbers ganan en casa!

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2016 FIRST PLACE

General excellence Oregon Newspaper Publisher Association

OPINION EDITORIAL

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

POSSIBLE CURE FOR OUR WOES:

Can marijuana heal our physical, mental, economic issues?

“L

egalizing it would just, like, fix everything, dude.

I’m telling you.”

These sage words, and various iterations of them, have been uttered by just about anyone who’s ever gotten stoned on a couch and attempted to discuss the finer points of federal drug policy since the inception of the 1970 Controlled Substances Act and cannabis’ subsequent classification as a Schedule I drug. Most are familiar with the rhetoric, but for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of listening to a hippie wax philosophical about the rationale for legalization, here’s a brief summary of the main points: No. 1, it cures everything. Literally everything. Can’t sleep? Smoke a doobie. Irritable? Anxious? Constipated? Burned out? Bored? Smoking weed can cure all of these. Aside from its historical medicinal properties, the cannabis plant’s industrial applications are manifold; it’s one of the most versatile plants out there.

Plastic, canvas, lubricant, biofuel: You name it, it can be made out of hemp. The seeds have Omega-3s, for crying out loud! On an ethical level, this country was founded on the concept of personal liberty, of an individual’s right to choose their own lifestyle, and cannabis prohibition spits in the face of that.

Speaking of prohibition, didn’t work out so well for alcohol, did it?

In fact, the smear campaign against cannabis came at the behest

of the cotton tycoons of the early 20th century. The criminalization of cannabis is rooted in racism, from its earliest days (reefer-crazed black men are going to steal white women!) to its current application in the drug war, a war which many say disproportionately targets, incarcerates and systematically disenfranchises people of color. This war doesn’t come cheap, either. The taxpayer cost of keeping pot illegal and enforcing that is astronomical.

“

liable market for it and the government is missing out on a chance to collect tax revenue,” which Oregon consumers have indicated is not in question.

In fact, the numbers for the first round of cannabis taxes collected statewide across Oregon were released in October. And the proceeds are split up into five main branches.

Out of the $85 million to be distributed to state programs (after the OLCC – the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, charged also with overseeing legal cannabis endeavors – reclaimed its initial investment

It’s this last part that has attracted and convinced lawmakers in the past decade or so. More and more the pro-cannabis rhetoric has shifted from “It’s the right thing to do, man,” which is debatable, to “There’s a re-

amount), the State School Fund takes the lion’s share, $34 million, or 40 percent of the total.

Next is the Mental Health, Alcoholism and Drug Services account, which received $17 million

Opinion Editor Kyle Venooker

Video Team Andy Carothers

Associate Editor/ News Editor Greg Leonov

Sports Editor Jonathan Zacarias

Web Editor Position Open

Graphic Design Team Prisma Flores Nicole Meade Sheila Embers Nina Charkhsaz

Ad Managers Megan Phelps Twesiga Disan

Arts & Entertainment Editor Ryan Moore Associate Arts & Entertainment/ Social Media Manager Cassie Wilson PA G E 2

in mind how much it costs to operate the state’s K12 system: roughly $30 million a day,” per Otto Schell, legislative director for Oregon PTA. In other words, all the weed that was sold from Day One of legalization, until October 2017, paid for…a single day of school.

So, can cannabis fix all the things that pro-cannabis campaigns have claimed? Probably not at the current rate of use and/or taxation. While it certainly doesn’t hurt, if we really want to fund education to appropriate levels using cannabis revenue, we have two

IT CURES EVERYTHING. LITERALLY EVERYTHING. IRRITABLE? ANXIOUS? CONSTIPATED? BURNED OUT? BORED? SMOKING WEED CAN CURE ALL OF THESE.”

Editor-in-Chief Matana McIntire

Associate News Editor & Copy Editor Bethany McCurley

(20 percent). Next are the Oregon State Police, who got $12.75 million.

The Oregon Health Authority got just over $4 million, and the cities and the 36 counties of Oregon received $17 million, the divvying up of which is somewhat complicated (it depends on population, and if a county/city contains a dispensary, growers, etc.).

Wonderful! It all worked just like pot advocates have been saying for literally decades. Budgeting issues solved.

And they say stoners can’t do math. Take that, Mr. Henderson!

Photo Editor Fletcher Wold Photo Team Fadi Shahin Andy Carothers Lisa Sellers

Advisers Howard Buck Dan Ernst Staff Writers Logan Hertner Kente Bates Lukas Brito Barry Morganti

People who actually have to do math for a living are somewhat less enthusiastic about legalized cannabis’ efficacy as a cure-all, however.

According to The Oregonian newspaper, “it’s important to keep

Cover graphic by: Sheila Embers Contact us!

E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net Twitter: @MHCCAdvocate Facebook: facebook.com/TheAdvocateOnline Instagram: @MHCCAdvocate #MHCCAdvocate Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030 Room AC1369

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions

options: We can increase the amount of tax applied to each cannabis sale.

Or we can all promise to

must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission.

Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board.

The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print.

Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

OPINION

APRIL 20, 2018

HOW MARIJUANA GIVES YOU SUPERPOWERS FT. TIMMY Anonymous the advocate

I have this friend – Timmy – and when he was little he wanted superpowers. This of course, was perfectly reasonable, because there was a time in our lives when we all wanted some form of a superpower.

Sadly, with growing of age comes the acceptance of reality, and Timmy knew that superpowers were delusive. He soon came to accept the fact that he would never have superpowers, until several years down the road. Unlike the rest of humankind, Timmy can say that momentarily he had super powers. But for one

night only – the same night he

just so happened to get stoned for the very first time.

It was a summer night, and it was the eve of his brother’s wedding.

Timmy and his siblings decided to blow off some steam before the big day, so they took on the town, aimlessly wandering around the waterfront. After devouring a dozen of Voodoo donuts, and interacting with some quite peculiar people, the bride-to-be whipped out an oil pen and began puffing away. Timmy thought to himself how much she resembled Cruella De Vil, not in the evil manner, but the way she held the pen, mimicking Cruella’s Opera cigarette holder.

Of course, Timmy wanted to try this pen, but did not want to ask. As the night got darker and he waited patiently, he was finally offered to take a hit. As clueless as he was about smoking, he was doing what he was instructed to do – suck in until the light turns green – it took about seven seconds for that light to turn green.

Those were some of the longest seven seconds of Timmy’s life.

After taking his first dab, he had a pleasant exhale followed by an abrupt coughing spasm, which nearly brought back up his donuts. While being on the verge of coughing his brains out, he asked himself – why the hell do people do this? It’s so painful.

Before Timmy knew it, he finally overcame his cough attack, and then took a second dab. Now remember, Timmy had never smoked before; therefore, within minutes, he was smelling colors. Knowing that Timmy had to go home soon, his siblings thought it would be best to stop by a convenient store and pick up some Gatorade for him.

On the way to the store, Timmy sat in the back of the car, letting his mind wander in ways it had never done before. He began talking up a storm about anything that popped into his mind, and was very honest about it – very honest.

When Timmy rolled up to the 7-Eleven at three in the morning, he hopped out of the car and stumbled to the front door. When entering the store, for some peculiar reason, there was an absence of the ringing bell above the door. At the time, Timmy’s mind was much too serene to notice. Making his way to the back of the store, he found his Gatorade, and headed to the checkout.

Startled by my appearance, the cashier looked at me curiously and said, “Oh you startled me! I did not hear you come in.” Hearing this, an immense smirk grew on my face. I waved my hands in front of my face, looked the cashier in the eyes, and said in a whisper, “I am invisible. I have superpowers.”

Letter to the Editor

APRIL IS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH Fellow Saints, Listening to the collective voices rise following the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements, the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (OCADSV), along with the MHCC Title IX Team, are inviting you to engage with us for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

This year’s theme, “Mobilize! Our Voices, Our Power, is grounded in our collective clout to dismantle systems of oppression that create and condone violence. This year’s campaign was born out of a statewide committee that centers social equity, inclusion, community driven initiatives, accountability, and collective humanity.

Together we have the power to end all forms of violence, including sexual violence and transform communities,” organizers say.

According to OCADSV, 1 in 4 women attending college in Oregon will be the survivor/victim of some type of sexual violence, while 1 in 16 men are victim/survivor of an attempted or completed assault. (Krebs et al., 2011) Therefore, preventing sexual violence on college campuses takes more than one department, office, club, team, or person. It takes all of us working together, standing up with one voice, to create a culture of safety, equality, inclusion and respect.

Everyone benefits when campuses are safer. Please “Embrace Your Voice” join us from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, at the Student Union. MHCC will host Jenna Harper from the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) for an interactive discussion – let’s change our culture and raise awareness to end sexual violence.

Cherilyn Nederhiser MHCC Lead Public Safety Officer

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NEWS

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

WORKING IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY IS ACTIVISM Photo by Greg Leonov // the Advocate

Greg Leonov the advocate

With recreational, adult-use marijuana being legal in Oregon for three years now, those working in the cannabis industry see some stability, yet face many challenges on the job. So long as the grass is still illegal on a federal level, day-today life in the industry comes with some level of stress and paranoia.

Since cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the DEA, and the U.S. Attorney General has been quite antagonistic towards cannabis, the names of the sources for this story have been changed to protect their privacy.

According to “Jim,” a gardener at a Portland marijuana farm, the laws governing the production and sales of adult-use cannabis are constantly in flux. The regulation of medicinal use cannabis has been around in Oregon since the 1990s, but with the legalization of recreational, adult-use (approved by voters in November 2014), a whole new

market exists and the state faces challenges to keep it under control.

“There’s this green market you have to deal with – you can be told a very specific interpretation of a law into an administrative rule, but then two weeks later, the (state legislative) joint committee on Measure 91 has changed their perspective on it because of a recommendation from (its) advisory committee,” said Jim. Business still a bit ‘crazy’ Since 2014, the “green market” has seen tremendous growth. The tumultuous scramble to figure out the best path for regulation seems to have settled, but there is no certainty when it comes to forecasting the future of regulation.

“I would like to believe we area at the tail end of that in Oregon and things are settling, but there’s no telling because everyone keeps saying, ‘It’s going to settle,’ and then it just gets crazier,” said Jim. With U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinding the Cole memo (which required/permitted the states to come up with their

own systems of regulation) and President Donald Trump’s praise of the Philippines’ dictatorleader Rodrigo Duterte’s ordered executions of drug dealers, a paranoia sets in on the day-to-day workplace of a marijuana farmer.

“You tell yourself, ‘No, this is not going to happen, that’s an extreme off chance.’ But then you work in a windowless room, and all day you’re wondering ‘if the DEA did come in, where would I go?’ ” said “Albert,” a farming colleague of Jim’s.

Regarding the potential of federal legalization in the future, Jim said it’s like “reading tea leaves.

I know what I advocate for, but who the fuck knows what’s going to happen?”

Albert said that if John Boehner (former Republican Speaker of the House who, according to the Washington Post, previously said he was “unalterably opposed” to decriminalizing marijuana laws) can change his mind, then there is hope. Boehner these days is a board member of Acreage Holdings, an

investment company that produces cannabis and operates dispensaries in 11 states.

Daily form of protest With the legalization of cannabis in Washington state, billboards for Weedmaps (a service similar to “Yelp!” that provides locations and reviews of legal dispensaries) that declare the benefits of cannabis have been popping up there. The boards are mostly propaganda, according to Jim. Some refer to about marijuana’s contribution to a decrease in opioid use in the state.

“I can definitely say it beats heroin, it beats the shit out of it and stabs it a couple times,” he said.

When it comes to working as a cannabis farmer, the job itself is satisfying, both men say.

“On my worst day working in the garden, it is still ten times better than my best days working in the service industry, hands-down,” said Jim. “You still get a sense of gratification when you see a large amount of weed – like, a really

large amount. It’s like the law of diminishing returns doesn’t apply and just that little eighth-grader in the back of your head goes, ‘Haha, that’s a lot of weed!’ and you just get real stoked,” said Albert.

“There’s something juvenile about it for sure,” added Jim. “It’s just gardening, and you get to do it high,” said Albert.

While it’s still illegal on a federal level, working as a marijuana farmer remains a form of rebellion.

“My job is activism,” said Jim. “I go to work and by virtue of watering a plant, I am saying to the government that they’re wrong every day. It’s so stupid, and I always overlook that shit, but I go to work in protest of stupid laws every goddamn day. It’s fucking awesome.”

Another perk of working on a weed farm is that the plants enjoy the same type of music Albert does, which is metal. “It’s because they like the higher frequency, and it’s the fastest music,” he said.

Graphic by Matana McIntire // the Advocate

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 20, 2018

A L U M N I where your studies can take you PHILOSOPHER PLANTS SEEDS OF TRANSFORMATION Ryan Moore the advocate

So much of how we see and interact with the world around us can be influenced most by one thing: ourselves.

That’s one of many things I learned after speaking with MHCC alumnus David Ahlson, who attended his first course here in 2000. During his time since at Mt. Hood, he attributes much of his motivation to some of his instructors, including former writing instructor Lidia Yuknavitch. The two became friends after he took her first Writing 121 class for the college, and his ability to write eventually led him to a very influential opportunity.

Ahlson would come to work for the Advocate initially organizing its archives and attending editorial meetings. Once the team was aware of his interest in contributing more, he began writing articles for the paper. Later that year, the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association awarded him with best columnist honors for two of his articles, the first for a piece featured in a Veteran’s Day issue on better ways people can talk to service veterans.

Titled, “Dodging Bullets,” Ahlson had a personal connection with this article, since both he and his extended family are

Photo by Ryan Moore // the Advocate

MHCC alumnus David Ahlson found his passion for philosophy while studying here, and continues his education at Portland State University where he works towards a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution.

veterans of the U.S. Air Force.

Despite being brought up in a very traditional Christian household, Ahlson always considered himself the philosopher among his siblings. To this day, he recognizes his method of abstract thinking

and embraces it. It wasn’t until taking a class at Mt. Hood with instructor Chris Jackson, however, that he was really able to take hold of the passion he is currently pursuing – philosophy.

In early 2015, the opportunity came

for Ahlson to sit down with Arun Gandhi, one of Mahatma Gandhi’s grandsons, who came to speak at a special MHCC event.

Ahlson, who has family from parts of India, even dressed in a traditional Indian sherwani (long coat), only to meet Arun – who was dressed in a clean, tailored suit.

They laughed at the contrast and Arun said Ahlson looked like the whitest Indian he had ever seen.

This would lead to Ahlson’s next award-winning article. But he said being awarded wasn’t nearly as significant as the praise he got from Arun himself: Once Arun read his article, he said that Ahlson understood his grandfather very well.

Since attending MHCC Ahlson has moved forward, studying at Portland State. He’s gathering multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas of psychology and philosophy, and he will soon work towards a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution.

He best described carrying out his personal goals by pointing out a nickname he favors, “the gardener.”

By planting “seeds of transformation,” Ahlson explained, he can help teach people – even just one at a time – methods they can use to think about the world in different ways.

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHINE IN MHCC GALLERY Megan Phelps the advocate

Mt. Hood’s annual regional high school art exhibit, going on for over 30 years now, is up in the Visual Arts Gallery.

We had the opportunity to meet and interview a few of the high school artists during the special reception held on April 12.

This year’s exhibit comprised of work submitted from five schools: Sam Barlow, David Douglas, Reynolds, Springwater Trail, and Centennial high schools.

(Gresham and Sandy high schools were contacted, but scheduling conflicts prevented them from participating in this year’s exhibit, said Miles Browne, coordinator for the Visual Arts Gallery.)

Many of the students showcasing their work were honored to have

the chance to have display their art in a gallery. For most, this was the first time being showcased in such fashion.

Many of the students see art as a passion they will carry with them throughout their life.

One artist we talked to, Reina Castañeda, hopes to one day work on concept art with companies like Disney, DreamWorks, or Blue Sky Studios, she said. Another artist, Alondra Alvarez, holds art close to her heart, and plans to become a tattoo artist, she said.

As per tradition, awards are given out for student pieces. (See list below.)

There is a wide variety in styles on display in the Gallery. These students have a lot to offer.

If you have time, we highly recommend checking out the exhibit before it closes after May

2. The Gallery is open and free to all visitors, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday.

The final display for this academic year in the Visual Arts Gallery will be showcase MHCC’s own visual arts students, set for viewing May 14 through June 7.

– interviews for story contributed

by Barry Morganti Awards, 2018 High School Artists exhibit: (grade in school) Best of Show: “Little Girls”

by Ester Petukhova (11) of David Douglas

For a complete list of student winners, visit: advocate-online.net

Photo by Fletcher Wold // the Advocate

ABOVE: “Pre-school” acrylic painting by David Douglas High School junior, Ester Petukhova earned an honorable mention award at the MHCC Visual Arts Gallery show this year.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

IDENTIFYING AS STRAIGHT EDGE Encouragement in a user culture Cassie Wilson the advocate

Straight edge culture has been around since the early-1980s, existing as a subculture in the punk music scene, and still continues to hold a big place in hardcore today.

People like myself who identify as straight edge typically do not drink, use tobacco products, smoke weed, or do any other recreational drugs.

For some people, the straight edge lifestyle goes beyond those things, and also includes avoiding caffeine, eating a vegan diet, refraining from promiscuous sex, and often extends to including progressive political beliefs.

Before continuing, I want to make it clear that I’m underage, so I legally can’t partake in drinking, smoking weed, etc., but that doesn’t mean much nowadays. Nearly everyone I know has participated in using these substances before they were of age, and I’m constantly in safe situations where I could easily try them out if I wanted.

But I just have never had even the slightest interest in doing so, and I understand my beliefs well enough that, when it comes to this, I know

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they won’t change.

Although I am part of the alternative/punk music scene, the term ‘straight edge’ is more of a convenience than anything, for me.

Just like any other label, it’s a way for me to most easily explain why I’m saying, “No thanks,” when people are doing shots or passing around a joint at social gatherings, and they’ll usually understand and ask no further questions.

I don’t intentionally listen to straight edge bands. In fact, I’m not sure I listen to any. To those who take the lifestyle very seriously, that could mean I’m not really straight edge to them, and that’s fine with me because my takeaways from it are different.

When I was 16 and became really ingrained in the music scene, it felt like I couldn’t find anyone who wasn’t smoking weed all the time. It’s not only a gateway drug in the way that it can lead to the use of harder drugs, but it’s also used as a gateway to friendship. It’s something people bond and connect over, and it made me feel like there was something wrong with me for not understanding it or wanting to participate in it.

If you think about it, it’s pretty weird that not using potentially addictive and often harmful substances makes me the odd one out. Don’t get me wrong: I admire and respect the ways that marijuana has helped people with their physical and mental health. But it just seems strange that wanting to always be sober isn’t the norm, at all.

One day I stumbled across a YouTube video with a title that was something along the lines of “Why I’m Straight Edge,” and I clicked on it because I had no idea what the term meant, and thought it sounded funny.

As the video played, I grew emotional as I realized that I wasn’t as alien as I had felt. I was astounded that there was a whole community dedicated to people feeling this exact way. It helped me understand and accept this part of myself.

A lot of people who identify as straight edge believe it makes them healthier and more clearminded. While I agree with those perspectives, what led me to feeling this way was more about the people around me, and not myself.

While people try to say that marijuana isn’t addictive, I have very clearly seen otherwise. It’s addictive in the same way that social media, caffeine, and food can be addictive. It happens rather passively, as people find that it’s easier to pass their free time by being intoxicated, so it just becomes normal to them.

I’ve had people pick drugs over me too many times to count, and have seen how poorly friends deal with withdrawals when they run out of weed and can’t afford anymore.

As marijuana becomes legal in more places, and smoking weed becomes seemingly just as common as drinking, it’s important to remember to have healthy conversations surrounding the use of these substances. Avoid assuming everyone drinks and/or smokes, and when you learn that someone doesn’t, try not to make them feel like more of an outsider than they’ve likely already experienced.

For me, identifying as straight edge means feeling a little less alone in a social climate that heavily revolves around getting intoxicated to pass the time.

ROAD TO CLARITY Anonymous the advocate

I once was a stoner like you, Smoking fatties as big as canoes, Selling copious amounts I could flip half an ounce Just as fast as a kid ties their shoes.

It was grand, for a while, in truth, All the fabled excesses of youth – Music, food, sex – were better Like a dumb Irish Setter I was happy, and safe from reproof.

All my problems seemed quite esoteric I was safe, in a vault, hyperbaric, I would smile and sigh As the world dawdled by Far removed, I could finally bear it.

It didn’t quite happen at once, It was more like a matter of months – But I dated a lady, We can call her, say, Sadie Who abstained from my bongs, pipes and blunts.

And she told me quite plainly that she Didn’t like anyone who smoked weed And so I, the pushover, Went and got clean and sober Though I definitely felt like a dweeb.

Me and Sadie eventually split Newly single, I took a fat hit And I coughed and I coughed With no water to quaff, Taking breaths as my lungs would permit.

Once my baby pink lungs had subsided, My attention was caught, undivided By the startling fact That the bowl that I’d packed Somehow no longer got me excited.

So I guess all it took was a year Spent unfuzzied, unmuddied and clear.

Though at heart I’m still fond Of the reefer, the ganja, I think I’ll just stick to good beer.

SPORTS

APRIL 20, 2018

PORTLAND TIMBERS GRAB FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

Jonathan Zacarias the advocate

Last Saturday night the Portland Timbers finally returned for their home opener, after having to be on the road for five straight games due to the Providence Park stadium expansion construction that’s been under way since last summer.

The club was suffering a notso-pleasant start to its 2018 MLS season, after not being able to get a single win in those five games. The last three were the most painful for Portland fans as the Timbers took the early lead in each, only to fail to close out all three, the games ending with a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas, a 2-2 draw at Chicago, and a huge heart-breaker 3-2 loss against Orlando City after being up 2-0 most of the second half.

But what a homecoming it was!

Hours before the game, you could walk down Morrison Street and notice fans already waiting for the stadium doors to open; some even camped out the night before.

There is a reason why Portland is known as Soccer City, USA: The people here live soccer. Regardless of the bad start to the season, many fans were clearly excited to welcome their beloved Timbers back home.

And the Timbers gave their fans the show they rightfully deserved, defeating Minnesota United 3-2 in front of a sellout crowd of 21,144.

“The energy tonight from the fans gave us what we needed to fight all the way to the

end and get the result that we needed,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese during the postgame press conference.

It was a huge win for the Tim-

leb Porter, and the first victory without midfielder Darlington Nagbe, a longtime fan favorite traded to Atlanta United in December.

This also marks the 15th straight

Photos by Fletcher Wold // the Advocate

ABOVE: Timber Joey had a busy night. BOTTOM LEFT: Coach Giovanni Savarese.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Bill Tuiloma and Larrys Mabiala celebrating after the game.

bers, taking a lot pressure off the players as well as the coaching staff.

This marked the first MLS win for Savarese, hired away from the New York Cosmos of the (second-tier) North American Soccer League to replace Ca-

year that the Timbers haven’t lost a home opener, going back to their USL (pre-MLS) era.

Saturday’s game was mostly controlled by the Timbers side with an incredible support from the Timbers Army fans who cheered for their team all night long.

“Es una sensación única. La verdad que uno tiene la expectativa pero es mucho más de eso,” said Savarese, a Venezuela native, asked in Spanish his thoughts of the Providence Park atmosphere.

“El sentimiento que uno siente en el momento de estar aquí a sido fantástico y por eso son los mejores

fanáticos que hay y lo demostraron esta noche y los muchachos estaban con mucho deseo de estar acá porque desde noviembre que no se jugaba en el estadio. Así que estaban muy contentos de estar aquí en esta noche con los fanáticos, con nuestros fanáticos y conseguir esta buena victoria.”

Timbers defender Alvas Powell opened the scoring against the Loons with a beautiful individual run from the back, taking on three defenders and putting the ball into the net with a rocket of a kick in the 20th minute.

(The goal earned the right fullback MLS Player of the Week and Goal of the Week honors.)

Powell also got an assist three minutes later, serving up a ball that was deflected a bit by a Minnesota defender but found the feet of “El Maestro,” midfielder Diego Valeri, who tapped it in to give Portland a 2-0 lead.

The second half was more pleasant to Minnesota fans as their newly-acquired playmaker Darwin Quintero netted a goal in the 64th minute. That silenced the Timbers fans a bit, but forward Fanendo Adi gave his side the 3-1 lead in the 74th minute after a great team build-up: Midfielder Sebastián Blanco serving a cross toward the far post, Valeri heading the ball back to the top of the box, then Cristhian Paredes with a volley and Adi deflecting it past the goalkeeper with a surprise header.

All seemed well for the Timbers, and the

Army was chanting Adi’s name after he ended a long scoring drought.

Then came the 81st minute when Portland defender Bill Tuiloma gave up an own goal, pulling Minnesota back within one. This got the whole stadium nervous as the fans feared their Timbers once again giving up a win in the last minutes. But Timbers held on for the 3-2 victory.

“Si veníamos tranquilos. Obviamente los goles esos nos habían malacostumbraron los partidos anteriores, entonces perdimos el control del juego un momento, comenzamos a perder bellotas, también había cansancio lógica,” Blanco told the Advocate afterward.

“Los muchachos hicieron un desgasto importante pero bueno Minnesota también tomó muchos riesgos, es un equipo que intenta jugar que viene haciendo buenas cosas y obviamente hay que dale meditó al rival. Es importante que pudimos sacarlos adelante y sumar los tres puntos para comenzar a trabajar con tranquilidad,” he explained when asked how it felt finally getting a win and relieving that pressure of not being able to finish off an opponent.

The Timbers’ next game is Sunday, April 22, as they host first-place New York City FC at Providence Park, starting at 3 p.m.

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Photo by: Fletcher Wold // The Advocate

Fanendo Adi ends his grueling 10-month goal drought this past Saturday in front of the home crowd at Providence Park. His goal gave the Timbers their first win of the season, 3-2 over Minnesota United.

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To view more images of Timbers coverage, advocate-online.net