—by David Xochihua

It was an active day in the Northern Alliance today. Prior to the start of tonight's match, there was a small ceremony held in the concourse across from the luxury boxes. Perhaps you walked by on the way to your seats, wondering what was going on.

As reported in The Columbian on August 7th by Greg Jaybe, 85-year-old original Timbers part-owner Augusto Proano, also known as Gus or "Doc", is a long-time resident of Vancouver. Aside from his relationship with the Timbers, he also started what is possibly the first youth soccer organization in SW Washington. His contributions, both as owner, organizer, and coach embody the spirit that is the Timbers of the modern era.

In a brief ceremony, Northern Alliance leader Troy Maxcy gave a short speech honoring Proano for his contributions to the beautiful game in the Cascadia region:

"On behalf of soccer moms and dads, coaches, players, administrators, and especially Portland Timbers fans from north of the Columbia, we thank you... for your work in our soccer community, SW Washington, the region and in helping with the creation of our Portland Timbers.

The game of soccer has found it's way around the world in many different ways. It found its way to us, in part do to Doc and his family."

A band of Northern Alliance members, Timber Jim, Mick Hoban, and Jimmy Conway celebrate the legacy brought about by Augusto "Doc" Proano - Photo courtesy of Bradley York

Accompanying Doc at the ceremony were his wife Beatriz, son Fernando, and Timbers legends Mick Hoban and Jimmy Conway. All received Northern Alliance scarves and patches. Timber Jim was also in attendance.

I had a chance to ask Doc a few questions before we all dispersed. His answers are as close to exact as I could get in the noisy concourse:

How do the Timbers today compare to the NASL-era Timbers?

There's no way to say. But I can say the Timbers have magnificent personnel. They're a good attacking team. The keeper is very good and they play a nice attacking style.

How many Timbers matches have you been to this season?

Augusto "Doc" Proano - Original part-owner of the NASL Timbers - Photo courtesy of Bradley York

All of them. The LA Galaxy match was great!

Do we make the playoffs this year?

Yes! If they continue to play the way they are playing, they certainly will.

I also asked which of the current players was his favorite, and he said that he likes them all, and that they have great chemistry. One of the wings he said is quite energetic and exciting to watch, and based on his description of the player I believe he meant Kalif Alhassan.

The members of the Northern Alliance would like to salute Doc and his family as a trailblazer of soccer in the region and as a true original member of the Northern Alliance.

Cheers and RCTID!