The international window was intended to be a time for the Timbers to rest and finish the 2025 season strong, aiming for one of the top spots in the Western Conference going into the postseason. Three injury announcements during that time for wide-attacking players create a huge short-term problem for Portland.
Jonathan Rodriguez is out for the rest of the season. Antony is about five to seven weeks out, and Ariel Lassiter is out two to three weeks, having just had successful surgery on his left hand. With 14 MLS fixtures remaining in the season, some adjustments to the roster will be necessary, and thankfully, the summer transfer window will open on July 24th. General Manager Ned Gravavoy and Head Coach Phil Neville are looking to bring in two to three starting-caliber players, but what positions are they targeting?
The keeper position is not an area of concern. Both Maxine Crepeau and James Pantemis have featured successfully for the team this season, and it is more about who will secure the starting spot than it is about bringing someone to start ahead of them. The defensive backline is another story. A center-back to pair with Finn Surman would be an intriguing addition, or a fullback to compete for time against Jimmer Fory or Juan Mosquera could aid Portland as they hit the long, hot days of summer.
Outside of the keepers, the midfield is the most sound unit for Portland. Ayala, Chara, Da Costa, and Ortiz have done the work to connect the timbers back to front. Parades is a good reserve off the bench but has not had the same impact as in years past; the only move for the Timbers to make with this group is finding another playmaker so that there is insurance behind Da Costa. A creative center midfielder is a long-term need. Still, with much bigger immediate issues, it is unlikely another midfielder will be added during the summer transfer window.
The front line is the most immediate issue, and Portland has already started to address it with the signing of Gage Guerra from T2. He typically plays as a forward, but with the state of the team, he may play more as a wing for the Timbers first team, which he did in his cameo appearance Saturday against Toronto. The front three of Antony, Mora/Kelsey, and Moreno have looked solid all season. Removing Antony, Rodriguez, and Lassiter disrupted the balance of the attack.
On a few occasions, Neville has adjusted the shape due to injuries, and it makes you wonder if they would have been better served by playing someone out of position to keep the 4-3-3 intact. Saturday’s 3-0 trouncing in Toronto was all anyone needs to see to know something is very off. Gage Guerra is just the first addition to try and fix this group for both the short and long term.
Portland are fourth in the Western Conference Table over halfway through the campaign. The race for the postseason is tight; 9th place (the final playoff spot) is only 4 points behind the Timbers. Reinforcements are needed but will not arrive until late July at the earliest. It is time for the organization to refocus and find ways to achieve short-term results so that the new signings can take the team over the line.
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