This is one in a series of team previews preparing fans for the 2023 MLS season. Check out the full list; teams will be revealed in predicted order of finish from Feb. 10-24.
What Portland Timbers did last year
They were making a push for the playoffs down the stretch with four wins and draw in the five matches leading up to their final two. But then a loss to LAFC combined with a Decision Day loss to RSL was enough to deprive them of the playoffs, disappointing fans accustomed to a recent consistency that included hosting the 2021 MLS Cup
Key additions
Midfielder Evander
Key departures
Forward Nathan Fogaça (out of contract), defender Bill Tuiloma (traded to Charlotte FC), defender Josecarlos Van Rankin ( purchase option declined)
Making the case for Portland Timbers
Usually, the Timbers find a way, and having seemingly ageless Diego Chara in the middle of the park is a good place to start. For better or for worse, save for new addition Evander, they haven’t done much to change their 2022 lineup. That includes retaining midfielder and fringe USMNT candidate Eryk Williamson, who was rumored to be heading out. That also includes running out two players who might be a bit under the radar but shouldn’t be. Aljaž Ivačič was a low-key top three MLS goalkeeper last season, and Santi Moreno is one of the best young attackers in the league, about to turn 23 and possibly hitting another gear this season.
Players to watch
Let’s talk a little about Evander, a 24-year-old Brazilian playmaker who could be the best creative force the Timbers have had since Diego Valeri departed. He’s been lighting it up a bit while Portland’s been down at the Coachella Valley Invitational, and though he’s really the only acquisition of note this offseason for the Timbers so far, he might be the key to getting back to MLS’s top tier. (Given the next thing we’re about to mention, perhaps there’s another Timbers move in the works.)
A nerdy tidbit
Bill Tuiloma, the center back who was just moved to Charlotte for $800,000 in GAM — $500,000 of that guaranteed for this year — was fifth in scoring for the Timbers last year with six goals, ahead of more advanced goalscorers on the roster like Yimmi Chara and Nathan Fogaça.
A fun tidbit
Damn it, they did it again. Combining what the marketingese calls “ponderosa, shadow green, and gold coming together in a plaid clad jersey to reflect the tight-knit relationship between the club and the community,” the Timbers have a new home jersey for 2023 called the “Portland Plaid” jersey.
Plaid in Portland: It just feels right.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 15, 2023
A new look for @TimbersFC.
And that’s a stack of sawed-off slabs on the jock tag, right? That’s outstanding.
Projected finish
7th in the West
As a reversal of what happened last year, we have the Timbers just making the playoffs and RSL just missing the playoffs (unless, as rumored, we really are changing the playoff format). Seventh place isn’t enough to have playoff soccer in Providence Park, which is one of the great joys of MLS, but it does heighten the chances of getting a Portland vs. Seattle matchup somewhere along the way.