2025 Portland Timbers season preview: Time to put up or shut up
After an offseason of change, the pressure is still sky high for the Timbers
The snow has thawed (mostly), the gray is clearing (kind of), and we are finally ready for some Timbers soccer (maybe).
The Portland Timbers are set to kick off their 15th MLS campaign in their 50th year of existence as a club. And they have a point to prove.
The point isn’t related to championships or trophies — although snagging one of those would be a lovely this year. The point isn’t about validating some years-long plan of building the roster — though if I had a choice I would much prefer if that was the case
No, the point is actually quite simple: the Timbers are out to prove they belong. Prove that they belong among the legitimate and serious MLS clubs, that they have the mettle to regularly fight for playoff spots, and that they can regain a spot of national relevance in a league that is growing ever more competitive by the minute.
Oh, and prove that they can overcome three straight years of disappointment and one of the most awful ends to a season in 2024. That would be nice too.
Here is your preview of the high-stakes 2025 MLS season for the Portland Timbers.
Wait, wait, wait — what the heck happened in 2024?
A typically slow start, a summer resurgence featuring a whole bunch of goals, a slide to end the season, and an absolutely humiliating elimination at home.
So, y’know — the typical stuff.
A Timbers side that never found defensive consistency but did find a high-powered offense dazzled in flashes, disappointed for stretches, but then got absolutely boat raced by the Vancouver Whitecaps to the tune of 5-0 at home in the wildcard play-in game, yeeting a once semi-promising season straight into the sun.
And then came the Evander tweets.
The entire offseason has been defined by the Evander Saga: a contract dispute spilling over into yet another tug-of-war between club and player which saw everyone wondering if Evander would be wearing Timbers colors in 2025. It cast a shadow over everything that had happened over the season, and ended with an MVP finalist leaving town.
For the club, the Timbers failed to meet their goal yet again. They got closer than in 2022 or 2023, but getting smoked by a rival in the play-in game for the playoffs was simply not good enough. The first year of the Phil Neville era showed flashes of promise, but still saw the season end just as the past two had: in failure.
What’s changed?
Outgoings:
The Timbers traded their star midfielder Evander to FC Cincinnati for a club-record fee of $12 million plus add-ons.
Forwards Marvin Loria , Mason Toye , and Tega Ikoba had contract options declined and were released.
Hunter Sulte was loaned to USL team Indy Eleven for the season (and I doubt he gets recalled this year).
Eryk Williamson was traded to Charlotte FC for $100K GAM up front and up to $350K total if certain performance incentives are met.
Incomings:
Ariel Lassiter was signed as a free agent. The versatile forward can play as a winger, striker, or wingback in a pinch.
Ecuadorian defensive midfielder Joao Ortiz was signed from Independiente del Valle, adding a veteran presence in the midfield.
SuperDraft pick Ian Smith was signed to a first team deal, bolstering the left back depth chart with a young rising talent.
Kevin Kelsy was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk (after trading for his rights with FC Cincinnati) as a U-22 Initiative player. The young forward is seen as the future of the striker position, and will be in line to make an impact immediately as well.
Colombian fullback Jimer Fory was signed, adding even further depth to the left back position in the form of an experienced presence.
And finally, attacking midfielder David da Costa was signed as a Designated Player. For better or worse, a lot of pressure will be put on the 24-year-old’s shoulders in year one to be the creative key to Portland’s offense.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the new additions of Mental Performance Coach Lacey Henderson and Player Care Manager Nate Cahoone to the technical staff. Both new hires will add additional layers of support for players the roster — in particular the new boys — and help Portland build that mental edge that is necessary for success this season.
What’s the same?
Surprisingly, quite a bit! Evander’s departure is obviously a big change, but almost the entirety of the squad from 2024 has returned.
The godfather Diego Chara is returning for his 15th season with the club after signing a new contract this offseason. It wouldn’t have felt right to commemorate 50 years of the Timbers without Diego, so it is a relief to see him still leading the locker room.
It’s also relief to see two-thirds of Portland’s fierce triumvirate of scorers still in the fold. Felipe Mora and Jonathan Rodriguez are both back, and will be asked to shoulder much of the goal scoring burden yet again.
Young exciting players Juan David Mosquera, David Ayala, and Antony are now grizzled vets, and all will be asked to continue to make leaps in their game this year. Promising young centerback Finn Surman is also primed for a big year. Stalwarts such as Dario Zuparic, Zac McGraw, Maxime Crepeau, and Christian Paredes are all still around too, providing a veteran presence.
And of course, Phil Neville returns for his second year in charge of the club. In contrast to last year at this time, this club truly is his now. He’s had a full offseason to mold the club in his image and instill his principles even further, in the hopes of lifting his squad to greater heights.
Okay that’s a lot of names — who are three players in particular to watch for this year?
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