Who Are Portland Timbers? History, Stats & More
The Portland Timbers is a professional soccer team, and part of the Major League Soccer representing Portland, Oregon. They play in the Western Conference. The team was established in 2009, and since then, it has become one of the most successful clubs in the league.
The team is owned by Peregrine Sports and plays at Providence Park when considering their home games. Providence Park is large enough to host over 25,000 spectators. There is a majority ownership of Merritt Paulson in the team, who also owns the Portland Thorns women’s team. The Timbers have won several accolades and keep creating a buzz with their amazing gameplay. This includes the MLS Cup (2015) and the MLS is Back Tournament (2020).
They have a fiery rivalry with two other teams i.e. Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Cascadia Cup is the ultimate goal that the teams are after. Overall, the Portland Timbers is a respected and successful club with an appreciable rapport. The position they have attained is obviously thanks to the ownership and management with a passionate team and fanbase.
History Of Portland Timbers: Founded In 2009
Portland, Oregon has a long-standing history with professional soccer as it included the earlier constitutions but only got re-constituted in 2009. The North American Soccer League expansion team has been playing from 1975 to 1982. The current team dates back to 1985 in its roots and the alliance with the Wester Soccer Alliance until 1990 under the title of F.C. Portland.
Professional soccer returned to the city in 2001. The USL Timbers as it was then known, played in Division 2 soccer in USL pro. Sadly enough they played only until 2010 when the club had to fold. A two-year process followed, spear-headed by Merritt Paulson. Since 2009 when the current team was set up Portland Timbers with their return have made quite a place with a passionate fanbase.
Who Was The Founder Of Portland Timbers?
Merritt Paulson, the majority owner of Peregrine Sports, is considered the founder of the Portland Timbers in their current iteration as a Major League Soccer team. Paulson spearheaded an effort group back in 2007 that succeeded in acquiring the then-USL Pro Team.
This subsequently led to the Timbers being awarded the expansion berth in the 2009 MLS, thereby making the Paulson-led group successful in their efforts. Paulson is also responsible for establishing the Portland Thorns women’s team in 2012, which has been a dominant force in the National Women’s Soccer League. Paulson’s impact on the Portland Timbers and soccer in the Pacific Northwest cannot be overstated.
Current President Of Portland Timbers; Who Is Heather Davis?
Heather Davis, associated with the Portland Timbers since May 2022, is the CEO of the Portland Timbers. The club’s official announcement came after the time as he joined as a general counsel initially. Davis is a woman of experience with prior knowledge of handling international operations for the NFL League office. One of the first female handlers for the league and only the fifth in the MLS Davis has made quite a mark for herself.
He as a president is the managing authority for the business and operations of the Portland Timbers. Not only this, but he also looks after the Portland Thorns FC, and Providence Park in tandem. He with all of this has also been a negotiator for the NFL’s major events such as the NFL Draft, the Pro Bowl, and the Super Bowl- also followed y the stadium partnership negotiations with the English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
Davis has also been associated with the international games in London and Mexico. With her appointment, Davis becomes one of the highest-ranking female sports executives in Oregon sports history, reinforcing the Portland Timbers’ commitment to promoting diversity and equality in the sports industry.
Stadium Of Portland Timbers: Providence Park
Providence Park, since 1975 has been the bearer of the team even way before the current team was reconstituted, located in downtown Portland. The stadium, which is the oldest soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer, has undergone several renovations throughout the years. In 2009, a $31 million renovation was approved to prepare the stadium for Major League Soccer for the 2011 season, increasing the operational capacity to 20,323 in 2012.
In 2014, the Timbers signed a long-term sponsorship with Providence Health & Services and the naming rights.
The stadium sponsorship has therefore led to the stadium’s current name. In 2017, the stadium underwent an $85 million expansion project, increasing its capacity to 25,218 and adding new seating, video boards, and an updated roof. Providence Park has played host to several historic soccer events, including 1999 as well as the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups and MLS Cup 2021.
Q: What is the name of Portland Timbers’ stadium?
Ans: PROVIDENCE PARK is the home stadium of Portland Timbers, with their ties dating back to 1975 before the team was reconstituted.
Fans And Culture Of Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers have been incredibly successful in attracting fans, selling out every home game since joining MLS in 2011 until the pandemic hit in 2020-2021. The team has an impressive season-ticket cap of 15,300, and a waitlist of 10,000 people – a number larger than most college football teams.
The Timbers Army is known for its enthusiastic support. They have often displayed their left-leaning views publicly. This group has been widely recognized as one of the best, if not the best, of the US’s support groups with fans often receiving the same accolades.
The Timbers Army renamed itself the same only in 2002, being initially founded in 2001 as the Cascade Rangers. They congregate in section 107 of PGE Park, which they nicknamed “The Woodshed,” and create a European-style rooting section with constant chanting and cheering. By 2012, the group had grown to over 4,000 people on match day.
In 2019, the Timbers Army fought a rather long battle against the MLS office, for being able to use their Iron Front symbol continually. The views were that the teams may not use any fascist, racist, or sexist symbols to which the Army made a point of calling themselves non-political but committed to using the sign of their choice.
The protests eventually led to a reversal of the policy. The Army thus retained the symbol on the flag. The incident obviously made it to the headlines with their organized activity being held to support retaining the team’s identity.
Portland Timbers Key Individuals
Notable Players In The History Of Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers have had a number of notable players in their history, including some who have become legends of the club. One such player is John Bain, who played for the Timbers in the NASL in the late 1970s and was the league’s leading scorer in the 1978 season. Bain also helped lead the Timbers to the NASL championship in 1975.
Another legendary player for the Timbers is Clive Charles, who played for the team in the NASL and later became the head coach of the University of Portland men’s soccer team. Charles was a versatile player who could play in defense or midfield, and he was known for his toughness and leadership on the field.
Other notable players for the Timbers include Willie Anderson, a Scottish striker who played for the team in the NASL and helped lead them to the championship in 1975, and John Kadlec, who played for the team in the NASL and later became an assistant coach for the club. These players, along with many others, have helped make the Timbers one of the most successful and storied clubs in American soccer history.
Best Manager In The History Of Portland Timbers
In the history of Portland Timbers, the best manager to date is Caleb Porter. Porter took over as the head coach of the team in 2013 and led them to their first-ever MLS Cup title in 2015. Under his leadership, the Timbers also won the Western Conference Championship in 2013 and reached the MLS Cup Playoffs in every season he was in charge.
Porter’s success with the Timbers earned him multiple awards, including the MLS Coach of the Year in 2013. His tactical prowess and ability to motivate his players were key factors in the team’s success. Despite leaving the Timbers in 2017, his legacy remains with the team as one of the most successful coaches in their history.
Q: Who is the president of Portland Timbers?
Ans. Heather Davis currently serves the role of president for Portland Timbers.
Portland Timbers Record Breakers
All-Time Top Scorers Of Portland Timbers
Diego Hernán Valeri, widely considered one of the best players in Major League Soccer history, spent eight seasons playing for the Portland Timbers from 2013 to 2021. Valeri was instrumental in leading the Timbers to their first MLS Cup victory in 2015, earning the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player award.
He was also named the league’s MVP in 2017, after an outstanding season. Valeri was included in the MLS All-Star team four times and was a three-time selection for the MLS Best XI during his tenure with the Timbers. His impact on the club and the league has cemented his legacy as a Portland Timbers legend.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF GOALS SCORED |
| Diego Valeri | 100 |
| Fanendo Adi | 60 |
| Sebastian Blanco | 49 |
| Dairon Asprilla | 33 |
| Darlington Nagbe | 31 |
Q: Who is the all-time highest goal scorer of Portland Timbers?
Ans: Diego Hernán Valeri has scored the highest goals in the history of Portland Timbers.
All-Time Top Assists Providers Of Portland Timbers
Since joining the team in 2017, Sebastian Blanco has become a key player and top assist provider for the Timbers. In his first season with the club, Sebastian Blanco led the team in assists with eight, and he followed up with seven assists in 2018.
In the 2019 season, Blanco had a breakout year as a playmaker, finishing as the league leader in assists with 16, setting a new Portland Timbers club record in the process. He also scored six goals and was named to the MLS Best XI for the first time in his career. Despite missing the entire 2020 season due to injury, Blanco returned in 2021 to once again lead the Timbers in assists with seven and help the team secure a playoff spot.
With his creative skills and vision on the field, Blanco has become a fan favorite and a vital component of the Portland Timbers’ attack.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF ASSISTS |
| Diego Valeri | 78 |
| Sebastian Blanco | 45 |
| Diego Chara | 24 |
| Darlington Nagbe | 24 |
| Rodney Wallace | 20 |
Q: Who is the all-time assist provider for Portland Timbers?
Ans. Sebastian Blanco with his exceptional playmaking style has provided the highest number of assists for Portland Timbers.
Who Has The Most All-time Appearances For Portland Timbers?
Diego Chará’s career began in the youth ranks of Deportes Quindío, where he quickly rose to become a crucial player for the senior side, making 124 league appearances and scoring two goals. His impressive performances drew the attention of top clubs in Colombia, and he eventually joined América de Cali, where he made 31 league appearances and scored one goal.
After one season, Chará joined Deportes Tolima and helped them to qualify for the 2011 Copa Libertadores, where he appeared in seven games and provided an assist in a win over Brazilian side Corinthians. His performances caught the attention of Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers, who signed him as their first-ever Designated Player in April 2011.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF APPEARANCES |
| Diego Chara | 383 |
| Diego Valeri | 309 |
| Darlington Nagbe | 239 |
| Dairon Asprilla | 186 |
| Sebastian Blanco | 181 |
Q: When did Portland Timbers start playing in the MLS?
Ans: Portland Timbers was founded in 2009 and started playing in the MLS in 2011.
Most Expensive Transfers In The History Of Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers signed Evander as a Designated Player, the 24-year-old is under contract through 2026 with a club option in 2027.
| NAME | CLUB FROM | CLUB TO | TRANSFER AMOUNT |
| Evander | FC Midtjylland | Portland Timbers | $9.50m |
| Brian Fernandez | Necaxa | Portland Timbers | $9.00m |
| Sebastian Blanco | San Lorenzo | Portland Timbers | $4.55m |
| Lucas Melano | Lanus | Portland Timbers | $4.55m |
| Jaroslaw Niezgoda | Legia Warswaza | Portland Timbers | $3.45k |
Conclusion: Overview Of Portland Timbers Legacy
Portland Timbers have established themselves as one of the most successful and well-supported clubs in Major League Soccer. They have won several championships and boast a loyal fanbase that creates a unique and electric atmosphere at their home games.
The Timbers have also produced several talented players who have become MLS stars, such as Diego Valeri and Sebastián Blanco.
With a history that spans back to the 1970s, Portland Timbers have become a club with a rich legacy. They have undergone various transformations over the years, but their commitment to success and their fans have remained constant. As they continue to build on their achievements, Portland Timbers are sure to remain a team to watch in Major League Soccer.
