Timbers officials plan to engage more fans this season with Guerrero now on boardtimbers
The Timbers are “set to sign” competitive gamer Edgar Guerrero to represent the team in the new EA Sports "FIFA 18" league called eMLS, which will “feature elite gamers" from 19 different MLS clubs, according to Jamie Goldberg of the Portland OREGONIAN. When MLS announced the creation of the league in January, Guerrero “saw an opportunity to combine his passion for video games with his love for the sport.” He “immediately reached out to the Timbers and, after an in-depth interview process, was chosen to represent his hometown team in the new gaming league.” Before the announcement of eMLS, the Timbers were “already making an effort to get more involved in the eSports space and learn more about video game culture.” Last season, the club “partnered with Portland resident and highly-popular gamer Brennon O'Neill, who livestreamed his experience at Providence Park before a Timbers match on Twitch.” With Guerrero on board, the Timbers “plan to put an even greater emphasis on engaging fans within the eSports platform this season.” Outside of the eMLS competition, the Timbers “hope Guerrero can be involved in creating content, running livestreams and participating in events for the club.” The team is also “looking at the possibility of running some gaming events with Guerrero, such as a 'FIFA 18' friendly between Gurerrero” and the Sounders' esports competitor ahead of a Timbers-Sounders game. Within the esports space, the Timbers “believe that there is an opportunity to continue to provide different experiences for longtime fans and introduce their brand to a new and important demographic” (Portland OREGONIAN, 3/2).
