Timbers Tally
What could possibly go wrong when you face a regional rival at home in the opening match of the season? The answer to that questions is the Portland Timbers in matchday 1 of 2025. Historically to Green and Gold are not great out of the gate and work to build into the season, with so many new faces it is not a shock that we did not get the result we needed going forward. As long as the team gets better from here on out they should be just fine, there is no reason to overreact so early in the season. This week it is Austin FC coming to Providence Park and a great chance for the Timbers to show some growth.
Timbers Last Match Recap
Even before the red card that would put Portland into chaos mode, things were not looking great. Vancouver came out of the gate looking the stronger side and their front three playing with precisions and desire. Gauld, White, and the new man, Nelson, worked very well as the attacking presence for, new manager, Jesper Sørensen. Their mid 3 put in a great shift and backline did not put a foot out of place. Portland came out in a 3-5-2 and looked like they had not played that style very much. You would not have guessed they had a numerical advantage in the midfield and struggled to find much space going forward. Surman, McGraw, and Kamal Miller lacked cohesion and ultimately that would lead to Miller being sent off just 11 minutes into the season for dragging down and attacker on a breakaway just outside the 18. With two players remaining on the backline it never looked organized from that moment forward for rose cities finest. Felipe Mora would make way for Eric Miller in the 35th minute with Portland down 2-0 after Guald scored in the 24th and Vite in the 32nd. It was curious to take off a striker who has been able to find goals in MLS when healthy when we had a mid 5 that was not showing much. Things would continue going the Whitecaps way as they dominated possession (66%), shots (22-6), and truly just about every statical category that matters, we did take more thow-ins so there is that, on their way to a 4-1 thumping of the reigning Cascadia Cup Champions. Antony did open up Timbers scoring for the year with a 73rd minute scrappy finish. He made a great run just left of center in the box and a deflected shot found its way into his path, he took his shot very well and Portland was saved the embarrassment of a shutout at home on opening day.
Austin FC Breakdown
Austin FC enters Saturday’s matchup 1-0 on the season following a 1-0 home win against Sporting Kansas City. Austin made the most of the one big chance with an Oman Bukari goal in the 76th assisted by Owen Wolff from a cross following a corner. It is going to be a tough matchup for Portland with Austin FC being a tough team to breakdown and they have added some firepower in the offseason. Brandon Vazquez has returned to MLS with Austin and put in a solid shift without a goal but his presence alone opens up opportunities for those around him. His partner up top, 20 year old, Owen Wolff is looking to breakout this season and with an assist in his first start he is well on his way.
Where last week the Whitecaps came out on the front foot, expect Austin to take a more measured approach to the match. Former Timber Julio Cascante and veteran keeper Brad Stuver maintain an organized back four that will not give up anything easy. Portland will need to make the most of their opportunities to force Austin out of their shell.
Quick counter attacks, taking advantage of set pieces, and a couple of quality finishers up front make Austin a dangerous opponent. They are a disciplined group who are going to make you earn your points.
My Apologies
Myself and my 18-week old have caught a cold and that has sidelined me for this week. I was unable to finish my blog ahead of today’s match. If you get a chance to watch in-stadium, cheer the boys on loud and proud, if you are watching from home or an establishment of your choice, enjoy a beverage and some food and cheer the boys on. I should be back with a full write-up next week and the plan is to launch a podcast by the end of March. Bold prediction of the week, Timbers win 3-2 and finish with 11 men on the field!
Timbers Tally 
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