Atticus Lane-Dupre during the match. Credit: Facebook/Portland Timbers
THE PORTLAND TIMBERS made a young boy’s dream on Wednesday when they took on his team at their home ground.
Eight-year-old Atticus Lane-Dupre, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, led his side The Green Machine out to play the MLS outfit, including former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre, at the JELD-WEN field after Make-A-Wish Oregan had arranged the exhibition game.
With the 3,000 fans present in full song, Atticus scored the decisive goal in a 10-9 win for the youngsters before being awarded a traditional log slice for his goals and a man-of-the-match performance.
A huge football fan, he even got to swap shirts with Timbers captain Will Johnson.
The two teams. Credit: Don Ryan/AP/Press Association Images
3,000 fans showed up to JELD-WEN Field. Credit: Don Ryan/AP/Press Association Images
Atticus is mobbed by this team-mates. Credit: Don Ryan/AP/Press Association Images
Watch highlights of the incredible day below:
YouTube credit: TimbersFC
He was a Rolls Royce of a player when fit. Such a shame injuries plagued his career
Thank you Adam
Best of luck to Adam for the future
Shame. When he first broke onto the scene I thought he had a good shot at being an Ireland regular. Injuries can be cruel and he had more than his fair share.
Did he just fall out of love with the game? Doesn’t seem to be injury enforced. Wishing the guy well, it’s often a brutal career for those not at the highest level, with central contracts and international caps etc.
@Aidan Farrell: @Aidan Farrell: 2 broken legs were decisive. They seemed to affect his speed, agility and confidence. After that he had the usual collection of niggly injuries