History of Portland Timbers in Timeline

The Portland Timbers are a Major League Soccer (MLS) team based in Portland, Oregon, competing in the Western Conference. Established as an expansion team in 2011, they play their home games at Providence Park. The Timbers represent professional soccer in Portland.

1926: Inspiration for Steel Stand Remake

In 1926, the original, unfinished Multnomah Field plans were an inspiration for the new remade steel stand.

1926: Stadium completed by Multnomah Athletic Club

In 1926, what is now known as Providence Park was completed as a stadium by the Multnomah Athletic Club.

1933: Reference to the Disbanding of the Iron Front in Nazi Germany

In 2019, the Timbers Army staged a protest in the 33rd minute of a game, a reference to 1933, the year that the Iron Front was disbanded in Nazi Germany.

1975: Start of Portland-Vancouver Rivalry in NASL

In 1975, Portland and Vancouver's historic rivalry dates back to the original North American Soccer League.

1975: Competed in North American Soccer League

In 1975, a Portland soccer team competed in the top-level North American Soccer League (NASL) as an expansion team. They were runners-up in Soccer Bowl '75, losing to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the championship match.

1975: Timbers competed in NASL

In 1975, a soccer franchise based in Portland competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

1975: Start of Timbers-Sounders Rivalry in NASL

In 1975, the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC began their rivalry in the original North American Soccer League.

1975: Providence Park home of Portland Timbers since 1975

Since 1975, Providence Park has been the home of the Portland Timbers.

1982: Competed in North American Soccer League

In 1982, a Portland soccer team competed in the top-level North American Soccer League (NASL).

1982: Timbers competed in NASL

In 1982, a soccer franchise based in Portland competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

1982: Timbers-Sounders Rivalry in NASL Ends

In 1982, the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC continued their rivalry in the North American Soccer League.

1985: F.C. Portland established

In 1985, F.C. Portland was established as a charter club in the Western Soccer Alliance League.

1990: F.C. Portland folded

In 1990, F.C. Portland folded.

1999: Providence Park hosts 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup

In 1999, Providence Park hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup.

2001: Cascadia Cup Rivalries in USL

From 2001, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver were rivals in the USL.

2001: Timbers-Sounders Rivalry in USL

From 2001, the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC continued their rivalry in the USL First Division.

2001: Remodeled PGE Park

In 2001 PGE Park was remodeled at a cost to taxpayers of $38.5 million.

2001: Founding of the Timbers Army

In 2001, the Timbers Army was founded as the Cascade Rangers, a reference to the Cascade Range of mountains. They started in section 107 of PGE Park.

2001: USL Timbers founded

In 2001, the USL Timbers were founded and competed in Division 2 soccer in USL pro.

2002: Name Change to Timbers Army

In 2002, the group changed its name to the Timbers Army to avoid association with Scottish soccer club Rangers.

August 29, 2003: Clive Charles' Number Retirement

Clive Charles' number was retired in a halftime ceremony on August 29, 2003, just three days after his death, and his name was added to the Ring of Honor.

2003: Providence Park hosts 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2003, Providence Park hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup.

2004: Creation of the Cascadia Cup

In 2004, supporters of the Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC created the Cascadia Cup, a yearly trophy handed out to the club with the best overall head-to-head record.

2004: Finished with best record in the league

In 2004, the USL club finished with the best record in the league.

2006: Caleb Porter became head coach of the United States U-23 team and the University of Akron Zips men's team

In 2006 Caleb Porter became head coach of the United States U-23 team and the University of Akron Zips men's team until 2012.

May 2007: Paulson led group bought Portland Beavers and USL Timbers

In May 2007, Merritt Paulson led a group that bought the Portland Beavers and the USL Timbers.

October 2007: PGE Park could be upgraded for about $20 million

In October 2007, Paulson was told PGE Park could be upgraded for about $20 million, and a new baseball stadium (with 8,000 to 9,000 seats) would cost about $30 million.

2007: Peregrine Sports acquired USL Pro team

In 2007, Peregrine Sports, under the majority ownership of Merritt Paulson, acquired the then-USL Pro team.

January 24, 2008: Timber Jim Announces Retirement

On January 24, 2008, Timber Jim announced his retirement as the team's mascot.

April 17, 2008: Timber Jim's Farewell Game

On April 17, 2008, Timber Jim's final farewell game was played against Puerto Rico Islanders, which the Timbers won 1–0. His number was retired during a halftime ceremony.

June 14, 2008: Timber Joey Inaugurated as New Mascot

On June 14, 2008, Timber Joey was inaugurated as the new official mascot at an exhibition game vs Juventus Primavera, a game the Timbers won 1–0.

November 2008: Expected Portland taxpayers would spend $85 million

In November 2008, Paulson told The New York Times he expected Portland taxpayers would spend $85 million to build a new baseball stadium for his Beavers and renovate PGE Park—just remodeled in 2001 at a cost to taxpayers of $38.5 million—for soccer.

2008: Cascadia Cup Rivalries in USL

Until 2008, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver were rivals in the USL.

2008: Timbers-Sounders Rivalry in USL

Until 2008, the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC continued their rivalry in the USL First Division.

March 20, 2009: Timbers announced as MLS's eighteenth team

On March 20, 2009, the Portland Timbers were announced as Major League Soccer's eighteenth team by Commissioner Don Garber. It was also announced that the team would retain the Portland Timbers name.

July 2009: Portland City Council approves stadium renovation

In July 2009, the Portland City Council approved a $31 million renovation to prepare the stadium for the 2011 Major League Soccer season, mainly reconfiguring the grounds for men and women's soccer.

2009: Timbers win Cascadia Cup

In 2009, the Portland Timbers won the Cascadia Cup.

2009: Finished with best record in the league

In 2009, the USL club finished with the best record in the league.

2009: Club was founded

In 2009, the city of Portland was awarded an expansion berth to Major League Soccer and the club was founded. The team operating rights are owned by Peregrine Sports under the majority ownership of Merritt Paulson.

August 10, 2010: John Spencer named first head coach

On August 10, 2010, John Spencer was named the first head coach of the Portland Timbers. Gavin Wilkinson was promoted to general manager/technical director.

September 2010: Alaska Airlines to sponsor Portland Timbers' jerseys

In September 2010, it was announced that Alaska Airlines would sponsor the Portland Timbers' jerseys.

November 24, 2010: Signed five players before MLS Expansion Draft

On November 24, 2010, the Portland Timbers signed five players before the MLS Expansion Draft. They also participated in the MLS Expansion Draft with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, each selecting 10 players from existing teams. Immediately after, Timbers traded their first pick (Dax McCarty) to D.C. United for Rodney Wallace.

December 9, 2010: Portland Timbers jersey revealed at runway show

On December 9, 2010, the Portland Timbers' jersey was revealed at a runway show at Portland International Airport. The home jersey was green, and the alternate jersey was red.

2010: Vancouver Eliminates Portland from USL Playoffs

In 2010, members of the supporting groups between Portland and Vancouver jointly celebrated after Vancouver eliminated Portland from the USL Playoffs due to the shared move to MLS the next year.

2010: Timbers win Cascadia Cup

In 2010, the Portland Timbers won the Cascadia Cup.

2010: USL Timbers folded

In 2010, the USL Timbers folded.

2010: Allegations since 2010

Since 2010, Paul Riley coached more than a dozen players and there have been allegations of sexual coercion and verbal abuse of players

January 13, 2011: Participated in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft

On January 13, 2011, the Portland Timbers participated in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Portland selected Akron midfielder/forward Darlington Nagbe.

March 19, 2011: Played first MLS game

On March 19, 2011, the Portland Timbers played their first MLS game against the Colorado Rapids, losing 3–1. Kenny Cooper scored the first goal in the Timbers' MLS era. They finished the season in 6th place in the Western Conference.

2011: PGE Park renamed Jeld-Wen Field

In 2011, PGE Park was renamed Jeld-Wen Field for the Portland Timbers' inaugural MLS season.

2011: Joey Leads into MLS Inauguration

In 2011, Timber Joey continued as mascot, leading into the Timbers' MLS inauguration.

2011: Vancouver Whitecaps Move to MLS

In 2011, Vancouver Whitecaps FC moved to MLS along with Portland.

2011: Beginning of sellout streak since entry into MLS

In 2011, all regular-season home games began to be sold out after the Timbers' entry into MLS.

2011: Cascadia Cup Moves to MLS

In 2011, the Cascadia Cup moved to MLS as all three clubs played together in the same league.

2011: Began play at Providence Park

In 2011, the Portland Timbers began playing their home matches at Providence Park as an expansion team in Major League Soccer (MLS).

2011: Timbers-Sounders Rivalry Continues in MLS

In 2011, the Portland Timbers–Seattle Sounders rivalry continued after Portland entered MLS as an expansion team.

2011: Start of Home Game Sellout Streak

In 2011, the Timbers began a league-record streak of 163 sold-out home games following their transition to MLS.

2011: MLS Season Debut and Operational Capacity

In 2011, the stadium's operational capacity for the MLS season was 18,627.

July 9, 2012: John Spencer fired

On July 9, 2012, John Spencer was fired after a 0–3 loss to Real Salt Lake. Gavin Wilkinson took over on an interim basis. The Timbers won the Cascadia Cup in MLS for the first time.

2012: Launch of Portland Timbers Broadcast Network

Beginning in 2012, the team launched a regional syndication network, the Portland Timbers Broadcast Network, to provide over-the-air game coverage to additional markets.

2012: Timbers Army Growth

By 2012, the Timbers Army numbered more than 4,000 people in the north-end on match day.

2012: Caleb Porter became head coach of the United States U-23 team and the University of Akron Zips men's team

In 2012 Caleb Porter became head coach of the United States U-23 team and the University of Akron Zips men's team from 2006.

2012: Portland Thorns women's team established

In 2012, the Portland Thorns women's team was established by Peregrine Sports.

2012: Timbers win Cascadia Cup

In 2012, the Portland Timbers won the Cascadia Cup.

2012: Stadium Capacity Expansion

In 2012, the operational capacity of the stadium expanded to 20,323.

2013: Finished first in Western Conference

In 2013, Caleb Porter became the new head coach and led the Timbers to finish in first place in the Western Conference. The Timbers acquired Diego Valeri and reached the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. They also earned their first MLS playoff appearance, defeating Seattle Sounders FC in the conference semifinals. The Timbers qualified for the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League.

2013: Providence Park hosts 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2013, Providence Park hosted the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

2013: Timbers eliminate Sounders in MLS Playoffs

In 2013, the Timbers eliminated the Seattle Sounders in their first-ever MLS postseason matchup.

February 10, 2014: Stadium Naming Rights Sponsorship with Providence Health & Services

On February 10, 2014, the Timbers signed a long-term stadium naming rights sponsorship with Providence Health & Services, a non-profit health care provider, and the stadium will be known as Providence Park until at least 2028.

March 8, 2014: Mick Hoban Inducted into Ring of Honor

Mick Hoban was inducted into the Timbers Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony on March 8, 2014.

October 2014: Creation of Portland Timbers 2 (T2)

In October 2014, Merritt Paulson announced the creation of their USL Pro team, Portland Timbers 2 (T2).

2014: Qualified for the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League

Due to a change by the United States Soccer Federation of how American-based MLS teams can qualify in the CONCACAF Champions League, the Portland Timbers qualified for the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League, which was their first international tournament they would later take part in.

2014: Jeld-Wen Field becomes Providence Park

In 2014, Jeld-Wen Field was renamed Providence Park.

2014: Paul Riley coaches Thorns

In 2014, Paul Riley was the head coach for Portland Thorns

2014: First qualification for CONCACAF Champions League

In 2014, Portland qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time for the 2014–15 edition of the tournament.

2014: Providence Park hosts 2014 MLS All-Star Game

In 2014, Providence Park hosted the MLS All-Star Game.

2014: Failed to replicate success

In the 2014 MLS season, the Timbers could not replicate the success they had in the previous season, finishing in 6th place in the Western Conference. They were eliminated in the group stage of the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League. New acquisitions included Nat Borchers and Adam Larsen Kwarasey.

2015: Timbers Defeat Vancouver in MLS Cup Run

During the Timbers' 2015 MLS Cup run, they defeated Vancouver 2–0 on aggregate over a two-game series in the Western Conference semifinals.

2015: Paul Riley coaches Thorns

In 2015, Paul Riley was the head coach for Portland Thorns

2015: Timbers win MLS Cup

In 2015, Portland became the first team in Cascadia to win the MLS Cup.

2015: Providence Park hosts 2015 NWSL Championship Game

In 2015, Providence Park hosted the NWSL Championship Game.

2015: T2 Begins Play

In 2015, T2 began play in the USL pro season, using Merlo Field as their stadium.

2015: Won Western Conference Finals and MLS Cup

In 2015, the Portland Timbers won the Western Conference Finals in the playoffs, and won their first major trophy, the MLS Cup, becoming the first team in Cascadia to do so.

2015: Qualified for the MLS Playoffs

In 2015, the Timbers began their campaign without Diego Valeri and Will Johnson due to injuries. They defeated Seattle in the U.S. Open Cup but were defeated by Real Salt Lake. The Timbers qualified for the MLS Playoffs and finished third in the Western Conference.

2015: Franchise's fifth season

The 2015 season marked the franchise's fifth season as an MLS franchise, and the fortieth anniversary of the Timbers' legacy that traces back to the original North American Soccer League, which has been recognized by the team.

September 10, 2016: 100th Consecutive Sellout

On September 10, 2016, the Timbers achieved their 100th consecutive sellout of a regular-season home game since entering MLS in 2011.

2016: Borchers injured and not offered contract

In 2016, Nat Borchers was injured and subsequently was not offered a new contract with the Timbers, leading to his retirement.

2016: Defending Champions

In 2016, Portland's offseason consisted of transfers of key players. As defending champions, the season began with a win against Columbus Crew SC. However, the team struggled on the road, finishing with a record of 0–11–6 away from home.

November 16, 2017: Caleb Porter Resigns as Head Coach

On November 16, 2017, Caleb Porter resigned as head coach of the Portland Timbers, parting ways with the franchise.

December 2017: Portland City Council approves Providence Park expansion

In December 2017, the Portland City Council approved an US$85 million expansion project to increase seating capacity for Providence Park by an additional 4,000 seats, increasing overall capacity by 20%.

2017: Finished first in Western Conference

In 2017, the Portland Timbers again finished the regular season in first place in the Western Conference.

2017: Timbers improve defense and midfield, qualify for playoffs, win Cascadia Cup, and Valeri wins MVP

In 2017, the Portland Timbers focused on improving their defense and midfield, acquiring Roy Miller and David Guzmán. Nat Borchers retired, and Sebastián Blanco was signed. Larrys Mabiala joined mid-season. Diego Valeri set a new MLS record by scoring in nine consecutive games. The Timbers qualified for the playoffs, won the Cascadia Cup, and Valeri received MLS's Landon Donovan MVP award for scoring 20+ goals and earning 10+ assists.

2017: Timbers win Cascadia Cup

In 2017, the Portland Timbers won the Cascadia Cup.

December 8, 2018: Timbers defeated in MLS Cup by Atlanta United

On December 8, 2018, the Portland Timbers were defeated 2–0 by Atlanta United in the MLS Cup.

2018: MLS Cup final

In 2018, Giovanni Savarese led Portland to MLS Cup finals.

2018: Timbers Advance to Conference Finals on Penalty Kicks

In 2018, Portland faced Seattle in the Western Conference Semifinals, advancing to the Conference Finals on penalty kicks after a dramatic tie on aggregate in extra time.

2018: Testy Matchup with LAFC in US Open Cup

In 2018, Portland had a testy matchup with LAFC in the US Open Cup.

2018: Timbers advance to MLS Cup Final

In 2018, the Portland Timbers advanced to the MLS Cup Final after defeating New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union in the playoffs.

2018: Made the MLS Cup

In 2018, the Timbers 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.

2018: End of Spanish Broadcast on KGW-DT3

Until 2018, games were broadcast in Spanish by Estrella TV affiliate KGW-DT3 (channel 8.3).

July 1, 2019: Expanded Providence Park Opens

On July 1, 2019, the expanded Providence Park opened for the first time as the Timbers hosted LAFC, selling out the capacity of 25,218. The expansion gave Providence Park the 4th-highest seating capacity of any soccer-specific stadium in MLS, including the addition of three decks of new seats, two new video boards, a modern edge-to-edge roof, and updated LED lighting throughout the park.

September 24, 2019: MLS Reverses Policy on Iron Front Symbol

On September 24, 2019, Major League Soccer announced it would be reversing the policy that prohibited the Iron Front, allowing Timbers supporters to use the symbol again after protests by the Timbers Army.

2019: Timbers' 2019 season overshadowed by Providence Park renovation and playoff loss

In 2019, the Portland Timbers' season was impacted by the Providence Park renovation. The team played their first 12 matches away, finishing with a 4–6–2 record. They ended the season in 6th place in the Western Conference and lost to Real Salt Lake in the playoffs.

2019: Timbers Army clashes with MLS over Iron Front symbol

In 2019, the Timbers Army clashed with the MLS front office over the use of the Iron Front symbol on flags, leading to protests and a silent demonstration during a game against Seattle.

January 2020: Blanco says LAFC is biggest rival outside of Cascadia

In January 2020, Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco said that LAFC was Portland's biggest rival outside of Cascadia.

March 12, 2020: MLS season suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic

On March 12, 2020, the Major League Soccer season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in North America.

August 26, 2020: Timbers players strike, game rescheduled

On August 26, 2020, Portland Timbers players voted to strike and not play their game against the San Jose Earthquakes as part of the 2020 American athlete strikes. The game was rescheduled to September 16.

2020: Portland's Advantage Over Vancouver

As of 2020, Portland holds a 12–7–7 W-D-L advantage over Vancouver in MLS play.

2020: MLS is Back Tournament title

In 2020, Giovanni Savarese led Portland secured the MLS is Back Tournament title.

2020: Won the MLS is Back Tournament

In 2020, the Portland Timbers won the one-off MLS is Back Tournament, defeating Orlando City SC in the final, and once again qualified for the Champions League.

2020: End of Sellout Streak Due to Pandemic

In 2020, the Timbers' league-record streak of 163 sold-out home games ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 23, 2021: Timbers announce deal with TikTok as sleeve sponsor

On February 23, 2021, the Portland Timbers announced a deal with TikTok as the team's sleeve sponsor, starting in the same year.

September 2021: Investigation into Paul Riley's abuse allegations

In late September 2021, The Athletic published an investigation into Paul Riley, alleging sexual coercion and verbal abuse of players, including during his time as Portland Thorns head coach. This led to fan discontent and administrative leave for GM Wilkinson.

2021: MLS Cup final

In 2021, Giovanni Savarese led Portland to MLS Cup finals.

2021: Providence Park hosts MLS Cup 2021

In 2021, Providence Park hosted the MLS Cup.

2021: Won Western Conference and runners-up in MLS Cup

In 2021, the Portland 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.

2021: Continued Pandemic Impact

In 2021, the Timbers continued to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting attendance and game schedules.

2021: Timbers finish fourth, lose MLS Cup final

In 2021, the Timbers finished fourth in the Western Conference and reached the MLS Cup final, which they hosted but lost to New York City FC in a penalty shootout.

October 3, 2022: Yates Report Released

On October 3, 2022, the Yates Report revealed further transgressions within the Timbers and Thorns organization. Mike Golub was cited for inappropriate conduct. Corporate sponsors, including Alaska Airlines, Tillamook, and KeyBank, withheld or canceled financial contributions.

October 5, 2022: Wilkinson and Golub fired from the club

On October 5, 2022, Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub were fired from the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns following the release of the Yates Report.

2022: Timbers attendance declines amid controversies, club accused of toxic environment, Polo's contract terminated

In 2022, Timbers' attendance declined due to COVID-19 and discontent over abuse allegations handling. The club was accused of a toxic environment, and Andy Polo's contract was terminated following domestic abuse allegations. However, the Timbers and Thorns hosted a charity match, PTFC for Peace, raising over $600,000 for UNICEF.

2022: Timbers win Cascadia Cup

In 2022, the Portland Timbers won the Cascadia Cup.

July 15, 2023: Diego Valeri Inducted into Ring of Honor

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.

November 2023: DaBella replaces Alaska Airlines as sponsor

In November 2023, DaBella replaced Alaska Airlines as the Portland Timbers' sponsor.

2023: Changes in TV Broadcasting

Before 2023, regular-season games not televised by Major League Soccer's national television partners were broadcast by Root Sports Northwest. After 2023, every Timbers match is available to stream via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.

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2023: Availability on MLS Season Pass

From 2023, every Timbers match is available to stream via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.

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2023: Timbers fire Savarese after loss, miss playoffs, hire Neville

In 2023, the Timbers fired Giovanni Savarese midway through the season after a 5–0 loss. They missed the playoffs and hired Phil Neville as coach, which drew criticism from fans.

2023: Portland Thorns sold

In the 2023 offseason, the Portland Thorns were sold.

February 28, 2024: Timbers terminate DaBella sponsorship

On February 28, 2024, the Portland Timbers terminated the sponsorship with DaBella, after allegations of sexual harrassment against the company's CEO.

May 12, 2024: Timbers announce Tillamook as new jersey sponsor

On May 12, 2024, the Portland Timbers announced a multi-year deal with the Tillamook County Creamery Association as their new front of jersey sponsor.

2024: Timbers win Cascadia Cup

In 2024, the Portland Timbers won the Cascadia Cup.

2024: Timbers finish ninth, lose play-in game, sell Evander

In 2024, the Timbers finished ninth in the Western Conference and lost the play-in game to Vancouver. They sold Evander to FC Cincinnati for $12 million.

2024: Timbers start season with win, shirt sponsor canceled, Tillamook replaces DaBella, charity match held

In 2024, the Timbers started the season with a 4−1 win. DaBella's shirt sponsorship was canceled due to sexual harassment allegations and replaced by Tillamook. The Timbers and Thorns played a co-ed charity match, raising around $100,000.

2025: Apple TV+ patches added to MLS club kits

For the 2025 MLS season, Apple created custom-designed Apple TV+ patches for the left sleeves of all clubs' kits, with the Timbers' patch featuring green and gold.