The Portland Timbers lost a disappointing match against the Philadelphia Union, losing 3-1 in Jonathan Rodriguez’s first match as a Timber. Philadelphia was playing with mostly depth pieces and this loss proved to be an upset for the surging Timbers. The North End is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Rodriguez got the start in the first match, with three players out for international duty including Maxime Crepeau and Kamal Miller for Canada and Miguel Araujo for Peru. The line up is here: POR: GK Pantemis ..read more

The Portland Timbers finally have their new forward, signing Jonathan “Cabecita” Rodriguez from Liga MX’s Club América. The deal runs through the 2026 season with a club option in 2027, occupying a Designated Player spot. The North End is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Timbers’ leadership originally gave a “7-10 day” timeframe for a new signing about a month ago, with Cabecita and C.F Monterrey’s German Berterame emerging as two of three front runners in the race to sign a new striker. Berterame was se ..read more

Comeback Complete, by Craig Mitchelldyer What a day to be a Timbers fan. The Portland Timbers travelled to the Big Apple to take on NYCFC, overcoming defensive struggles and a 0-1 deficit to steal three points culminating in a dramatic walk-off winning goal from Evander. The win wasn’t the only thing to celebrate, as Tom Bogert of the Athletic reported that Club América’s Jonathan “Cabeceta” Rodriguez is closing in on a signing, working out final details and emerging as the star #9 Designated Player that the organization has been hyping up for months. The North End is a reader-supported pub ..read more

Timbers in Training, timbers.com The Portland Timbers head to Yankee Stadium to face NYCFC in their first away match of the season. After a disappointing 2-2 draw against D.C United at home, the Timbers are looking to continue their undefeated streak playing in NYC. The North End is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. NYC is coming off of a less than mediocre season, and although they’ve added some new key players to the lineup, they haven’t had the most ideal start losing their first two games along with be ..read more

Craig Mitchelldyer/Portland Timbers The Portland Timbers played a scrappy match against D.C United at Providence Park. A test for Phil Neville, the Christian Benteke-less D.C United proved their mettle against the Timbers catching up to their 2-0 lead to end the match in a draw showing a relentless attacking display. Our lineup was essentially the same as last weeks’ with the exception of goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau making his debut for the team. Evander was ruled out because of his recurring lower leg injury, and Felipe Mora was determined not to be fit before the match. Lineup: POR: GK Crépe ..read more

After just three months, the partnership between DaBella and the Timbers organization comes to an end. A new lawsuit brings to light allegations of unwanted advances toward female employees from DaBella’s CEO Donnie McMillan Jr, as reported from The Oregonian’s Ryan Clark. According to the press release, the Timbers organization didn’t know about the allegations until yesterday the 27th, even after a pre-deal vetting process was completed before the sponsorship announcement in November. The press release states “This decision was rooted in the responsibility we have to our fans, supporters ..read more

The Portland Timbers are off to a blazing start. Playing their first match of the season at home in Providence Park, with all the pomp and circumstance that included a massive tifo, blessing Timber Joey’s log and fireworks, the team showed great promise on both sides of the pitch in Phil Neville’s coaching debut marking the first win by a head coach in his first match with the team. The North End is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. The starting lineup was mostly expected with the exception of absences fr ..read more

The MLS regular season is finally here. After two seasons without a playoff run, the Timbers have brought about a much needed top to bottom refresh that’s still in process. Lead by new coach Phil Neville, two pillars of defense in center-back Kamal Miller and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, along with a new designated player that’s expected to play as a forward and be announced imminently, the Timbers look and feel renovated, fitting with the theme of their new kit sponsor DaBella. They play their first match against the under-achieving Colorado Rapids at home Saturday, February 24th. The MLS as ..read more

The first concrete transfer target after months of speculation has been revealed to be Liga MX star Jonathan Rodriguez, per Tom Bogerd at The Athletic. The Uruguayan international and Club América forward is reported to have real interest from the Timbers, becoming one of several candidates emerging to become the blockbuster designated player the organization has been hinting at. The North End is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Rodriguez, aged 30, came to Club América after a prolific Liga MX career wit ..read more

The Portland Timbers organization gave season ticket holders a glimpse of what’s to come during the regular season with a Q&A featuring General Manager Ned Grabavoy, CEO Heather Davis, Head Coach Phil Neville, and new signing Kamal Miller among the team’s regular media day proceedings. Questions were varied, and while much of what was said was reinforcing what we already knew, some new developments and clarifications were given concerning everything from the content of prematch emails, to the possibility of grass pitches, and the extent of owner Merritt Paulson’s involvement in the club ..read more