By Nicholas Slepnikoff
On Jan. 12 of this year, Haiti was jarred by a massive 7.0 earthquake. Many lost their lives and many more remain missing as the country attempts to rebuild. Numerous nations and organizations have pledged funds, as well as aid.
Of these groups, the Pilots and a trial team for the Portland Timbers have joined in the effort. Last night on Merlo Field the teams played a benefit match for Haiti where all proceeds went to Mercy Corps.
According to University Ticketing and Marketing Director Tricia Miller, both teams lost something from the natural disaster which crippled Caribbean island.
"They have a player on their team from Haiti, so his family's all there," Miller said.
Mourning the loss of Molly Hightower, the Pilots connected with the Timbers, whose midfielder, James Marcelin, had family on the island. With the earthquake still affecting the nation, Marcelin thought the game provided a good chance for people to help support Haiti.
Though the two teams play each other every year, this year, Irwin said, was different.
"First and foremost, I think we put the game together to help the people of Haiti who were devastated by that earthquake," Irwin said. "That was the whole idea behind the game - trying to do our little bit to help the people of Haiti - and the Timbers were gracious enough to help us out."
Although the Pilots lost 2-0, with 1142 people attending the $7-game, over $8000 was raised, with both ticket sales and Timber paraphernalia proceeds donated to the charity. Mercy Corps, which helps areas affected by natural disaster, is involved in helping 16.7 million people in more than 40 countries. Miller said it was exciting to be able to bring the team to the school and even better that the event would help provide aide to Haiti.
"The University has done a ton already to help Haiti," Miller said. "This is just one more event that we can put on that will hopefully raise some more funds."
Accompanied by raucous cheers from a rowdy group of Timbers fans, the Pilots faced down the Timbers trial squad, persevering through the first half. With three shots in the first half, two from sophomore midfielder Connor Barbaree and one from junior midfielder Vlastimir Davidovic, the Pilots stayed strong despite very physical play.
"For our first spring game, it was a great way to get back into it," Barbaree said.
Although the Timbers had five shots on the night, with two on goal, the Pilots managed to put together some adrenaline pumping plays for the cold fans.
Junior goalkeeper Austin Guerrero also made two saves in the first half to keep the Pilots alive. In the second half, however, the Pilots struggled to keep up with the team.
With another six shots in the second half with five on target, the Timbers were able to connect, scoring at 62 minutes and 3 seconds.
Two minutes later, at 64 minutes and 8 seconds, the Timbers scored again to increase the lead to 2-0, where it would remain.
Barbaree thought the game offered a great chance to support those affected by the earthquake.
"They're going through a tough time there in Haiti right now and we just need to do all we can do to help," Barbaree said.
