Joseph Lowery
Where we left off last year
2024 season: 47 points, 9th in the Western Conference, 15th in MLS
Last year was full of drama for the Portland Timbers.
Even before Evander took to social media to rant about the Timbers’ leadership following the team’s blowout loss in the Western Conference wildcard game, Portland’s actual on-field work was filled with drama. They scored more goals than all but three other MLS teams in the regular season, with Evander, Jonathan Rodriguez, and Felipe Mora setting records with their production.
But for all of their attacking firepower, Portland’s defensive frailties meant no lead was large enough for them to ever truly feel comfortable. They finished 19th in MLS in goals allowed last season and saw their season end in a 5-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps…and then Evander went off, both on social and in the locker room. Now, after months of will he or won’t he in a transfer saga that was deeply intertwined with Lucho Acosta’s eventual exit from FC Cincinnati, the Brazilian is gone.
I’ll say this about the Timbers: they’ve sure kept things interesting over the last 12 months.
