Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers are an American professional soccer club based in Portland, Oregon. The Timbers compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. The Timbers have played their home matches at Providence Park since 2011, when the team began play as an expansion team in the league.

Peregrine Sports, under the majority ownership of Merritt Paulson, was awarded an expansion berth by Major League Soccer in 2009 to operate a Portland team. Paulson had acquired the second-division incarnation of the Timbers in 2007 and later established the Portland Thorns women's team in 2012. The MLS team is a phoenix club, and the fourth soccer franchise based in Portland (second top-level) to carry the legacy of the Timbers name, which originated with the team that competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1975 to 1982.

In 2013, the Timbers finished the regular season in first place in the Western Conference, clinching both their first-ever playoff appearance and a CONCACAF Champions League berth. In 2015, the franchise won the Western Conference Finals in the playoffs, and their first major trophy, the MLS Cup, becoming the first team in Cascadia to do so. In 2017, the club again finished the regular season in first place in the Western Conference. In 2018, the Timbers again made the playoffs, advancing in three rounds, defeating archrival Seattle in the semifinals along the way, and made the MLS Cup where they lost 2–0 to Atlanta United FC. In 2020, the Timbers won the one-off MLS is Back Tournament, defeating Orlando City SC in the final, and once again qualified for the Champions League. In 2021, the Timbers won the Western Conference and once again were runners-up in MLS Cup, falling to New York City FC 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 score at extra time.

Portland has long-standing rivalries with nearby clubs Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, with whom they compete for the Cascadia Cup.

History

Soccer roots in Portland and first MLS seasons

Following England's World Cup victory in 1966, soccer became more popular in English-speaking countries, including the United States. This growth led cities like Portland, Oregon to embrace the sport. The Portland Timbers began as an expansion team in the top-level North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1975 to 1982. Their biggest achievement came in their first season during the league's playoffs, where they won the division final but lost in the championship match. This success helped bring more attention and fans to soccer in Portland.

The Timbers joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2011 after a long process led by Merritt Paulson. The team played their home games at Providence Park and retained the Portland Timbers name, reflecting the city's long-standing connection to the team. The Timbers had their first MLS game in 2011 and finished their first season in 6th place in the Western Conference.

Caleb Porter era (2013–2017)

In 2013, with new head coach Caleb Porter, the Timbers achieved great success. They finished first in the Western Conference and reached the MLS playoffs for the first time. Diego Valeri, a key player acquired from Club Atlético Lanús, helped the team reach the conference finals. In 2015, the Timbers won the MLS Cup, their first major championship, by defeating Columbus Crew SC.

Giovanni Savarese era (2018–2023)

Giovanni Savarese became the Timbers' head coach in 2018. Under his leadership, the Timbers reached the MLS Cup finals in 2018 and 2021. In 2020, during the MLS is Back Tournament, the Timbers won the championship. However, the team faced challenges, including declining attendance and controversies related to allegations of inappropriate conduct by some within the organization.

Phil Neville era (2024−present)

In 2024, Phil Neville became the Timbers' head coach. The team had a difficult season but showed moments of strong attacking play. They finished ninth in the Western Conference and participated in the MLS Cup playoffs. In 2025, the Timbers ended the season in eighth place in the Western Conference.

Colors and badge

The Portland Timbers' logo in Major League Soccer uses a circle shape, showing unity and wholeness. It includes an axe, honoring the Pacific Northwest's logging industry. Three chevrons shaped like a pine tree represent the team's history in three leagues: the original North American Soccer League, the United Soccer Leagues, and Major League Soccer. The team's colors, ponderosa green and moss green, reflect the forests of Oregon.

Sponsors

The Portland Timbers' jerseys were first sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Their home jersey was green, and the alternate jersey was red, honoring Portland’s nickname, the Rose City.

In 2021, TikTok became the team's sleeve sponsor. Alaska ended their sponsorship after the 2023 season. In November 2023, DaBella, a home renovations company, became the new sponsor but was replaced shortly after due to accusations against its CEO. In 2023, the Timbers also began featuring Apple TV+ on their jerseys.

In May 2024, the Timbers announced a partnership with the Tillamook County Creamery Association as their new jersey sponsor. For the 2025 season, Apple created special patches for all clubs, including the Timbers. The right sleeve sponsor spot became open at the start of the 2025 season after the TikTok deal ended. In December 2025, the Timbers announced that Bank of America will be their new primary sponsor starting in the 2026 season.

Uniform evolution

Home, away, and alternative uniforms.

• Home

• Away

• Alternate

Stadium

The Portland Timbers play their home games at Providence Park in downtown Portland, Oregon. They share this stadium with the Portland Thorns of the National Women's Soccer League. Providence Park is the oldest stadium built just for soccer in Major League Soccer and has a very long history, dating back to 1893.

The stadium has hosted many important soccer events over the years. It was renovated and expanded several times to make it better for soccer. The most recent expansion added more seats, making it one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the league. The Timbers have called Providence Park home since 1975.

Club culture

Supporters

Main article: Timbers Army

The Portland Timbers filled every seat at their home games from 2011 until 2020. Fans loved to watch the team play, and there was often a long wait for tickets.

The main group of fans is called the Timbers Army. They are famous for cheering loudly and creating a fun atmosphere at games. The Timbers Army started in 2001 as the Cascade Rangers, named after the mountains near Portland. They met in a special part of the stadium to cheer, wave flags, and chant. By 2002, they changed their name to the Timbers Army. By 2012, over 4,000 fans were part of the Timbers Army.

Rivalries

Main article: Cascadia Cup

The Cascadia Cup is a special trophy for a competition between three soccer teams in the Pacific Northwest: the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The three teams created the Cup in 2004, and Portland has won it six times.

Portland and Seattle have a strong rivalry that began in 1975. Fans from both cities often cheer very loudly and energetically when their teams play. Portland has had exciting matches against Seattle in the playoffs.

Vancouver Whitecaps also compete with Portland for the Cascadia Cup. While this rivalry is not as intense as the one with Seattle, Portland fans still enjoy these matches.

Portland fans also have a rivalry with teams from Los Angeles, like LAFC and LA Galaxy. These matches are often very exciting and full of energy.

Mascot

The Timbers had a mascot named Timber Jim, a lumberjack, until 2008. Now, the mascot is Timber Joey. Joey cuts a piece of wood with a chainsaw every time the Timbers score a goal and gives it to the player who scored. If the team does not let any goals in, the goalkeeper also gets a piece of wood. Joey wears a special jersey made by a Portland company called Leatherman.

Broadcasting

From 2023, every Timbers match can be watched through the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. Before this, the Timbers games were often shown on local TV in the Portland area.

Before 2023, games not shown by Major League Soccer's national TV partners were broadcast by Root Sports Northwest. Some games were shown in English by Fox affiliate KPTV (channel 12) or its co-owned MyNetworkTV affiliate KPDX (channel 49).

On the radio, all Timbers games are broadcast in English on KXTG (750 AM, "The Game") and in Spanish on KXET (1150 AM and 93.FM, "La Gran D"). KXTG also has a weekly radio show called Talk Timbers about the team and soccer.

Roster and staff

For details on former players, see All-time Portland Timbers roster.

Current roster

As of March 13, 2026

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Retired numbers

Main article: List of retired numbers in association football

Coaching and technical staff

Executive staff

Source: Portland Timbers

Head coach history

General manager history

Club captain history

Ring of Honor

Given to those involved with the Portland Timbers deserving of special honors. Currently there are only six members of this exclusive group:

Those inducted have their names displayed in the upper northeast corner of what is now Providence Park. Clive Charles' number was retired in a halftime ceremony on August 29, 2003, just three days after his death. Timber Jim's number was retired in a halftime ceremony on April 17, 2008. Timber Jim is currently the only non-player to be inducted to the Ring of Honor. Both John Bain and Jimmy Conway were unveiled as new members at halftime of the club's first ever MLS home game on March 19, 2011. Mick Hoban was inducted on during a halftime ceremony on March 8, 2014. Diego Valeri is the first MLS-era player to be inducted into the Timbers Ring of Honor, which took place on July 15, 2023, during a match against Columbus Crew SC at Providence Park.

Honors

The Portland Timbers have won several important titles in soccer. They won the big championship game, called the MLS Cup, once in 2015. They also were the runners-up, or second place, two other times.

They have been champions of their group, the Western Conference, three times during the playoff games in 2015, 2018, and 2021. They also led their group during the regular games in 2013 and 2017. In a special tournament called the MLS is Back Tournament, they were champions once.

Awards

The team also received a special award for fair play in 2011.

Portland Timbers 2 (T2)

Portland Timbers 2, also called T2, is a team connected to the Portland Timbers. It was started in October 2014 by Merritt Paulson. T2 began playing in 2015 and used Merlo Field for their home games. The goal of T2 is to help young players develop and show their skills before joining the main team.

Records

Main article: List of Portland Timbers seasons

Here are some important records from the Portland Timbers, a soccer team in Oregon. The Timbers have played in Major League Soccer since 2011.

Since joining MLS in 2011, the Timbers have had many sold-out home games. Their games were always full until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The Timbers have also played in an important international tournament called the CONCACAF Champions League three times, starting with the 2014–15 edition.

**^**1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
**^**2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in League, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back Tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

DNQ = Did not qualify

Portland has qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League three times, the first time being the 2014–15 edition of the tournament.

Scores and results list Portland's goal tally first.

Table

Player statistics

Matches

As of August 5, 2024. Not all competitions included.^{[citation needed]}

USOC = U.S. Open Cup; CCL = CONCACAF Champions League
Bolded players are currently on the Portland Timbers roster.

Goals

As of April 25, 2023. Not all competitions included.^{[citation needed]}

USOC = U.S. Open Cup; CCL = CONCACAF Champions League
Bolded players are currently on the Portland Timbers roster.

Assists

As of February 10, 2022. Not all competitions included.^{[citation needed]}

USOC = U.S. Open Cup; CCL = CONCACAF Champions League
Bolded players are currently on the Portland Timbers roster.