Potluck is arguably the reason I am a 107IST member.

Beginning in 2004, my boys played club soccer for Bernie Fagan’s Oregon Soccer Academy. Bernie gave every kid who played for him a season ticket to the Timbers (in West Side Library seats), wisely figuring we wouldn’t just drop off our 10-year-old kids at the stadium; we’d buy tickets for the family.

It worked. We bought season tickets in 216 and then 116. We were hooked. The soccer was questionable, but the match day was a blast. And it was clear that, win or lose, whatever was going on in the North End of the stadium was a great time. We figured out some chant lyrics, and I found Soccer City, USA (SCUSA) online.

For those who don’t know, SCUSA was an old-style message board for soccer fans in Portland. There were discussion sections for Portland Pilots fans, fans of soccer around the world, and many more—and of course for the Portland Timbers and the Timbers Army. I was fascinated … but also intimidated.

I LOVED the energy of the TA on match days, and the online community was amazing. I created an account so I could log in and read stuff, but I was hesitant to post in a place where I didn’t really know anyone. I lurked on SCUSA for a long time, learning all I could but not having the courage to post.

Finally, one day, after reading multiple posts about “prefunk” potluck activities on previous match days, I decided that it was a safe place for this tragically unhip soccer mom to finally type something.

I think my first actual SCUSA post was something like, “I can bring a pie.”

And I did. We showed up before a match at a designated prefunk parking lot, where an ad hoc, prematch barbecue was happening. Lots of people brought food to share. A couple of guys grilled meat on a barbecue. I found an incredibly warm and welcoming group of people.

Fast forward to 2026. We are a nonprofit with a lease on our very own space right across from the stadium. On match days I volunteer at the membership services counter, greeting new and returning friends before every game. And I always bring food to share.

That’s why this past weekend’s newest potluck provider warmed my heart. I could see myself in her. Food was where I first found my way to contribute to this community. For all of the stuff that came later—manning the Fanladen, fighting (and defeating) MLS lawyers, and so much more—for me it all started with a pie.

At the first regular season Timbers home game this year, a woman signed up for 107IST membership at the Axe & Rose. She had been going to games for awhile, but this was her first foray into our community space. She was psyched to see that there was a potluck, and she asked how she could contribute. I sent her a link to a spreadsheet that a few of us use to keep track of who is bringing what. At the next Timbers game, her second match day as a member, she brought chorizo, egg, and cheese casserole.

This is what building community looks like.

Want to bring food to Legends on a matchday? Sign up here! It’s a great way to contribute to the community we are building together.