Timbers Army

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The roots of the Timbers Army's culture trace back to the original NASL Timbers of 1975. That inaugural team, managed by Welshman Vic Crowe, brought players on loan from clubs in the West Midlands of England. Chris Dangerfield, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, spent his time off the pitch talking to Portlanders, helping build the culture of soccer in the city. Michael 'Mick' Hoban, the team's first signing, later became Community Relations Manager and organized around a thousand community events in the first three years, hosting clinics to teach the rules of the game. Hoban said this interactive approach was unusual compared to his time with other teams and helped build a great community. The Portland Timbers acknowledged his contributions by awarding him the Ring of Honor in 2013. This tradition of community engagement has stuck as part of the culture of the modern era Portland Timbers.

In Their Own Story

The Timbers Army's presence is felt throughout the club's competitive history. In 2013, the Timbers finished first in the Western Conference, clinching their first-ever playoff appearance and a CONCACAF Champions League berth. In 2015, the franchise won the MLS Cup, becoming the first team in Cascadia to do so. In 2018, the Timbers made the playoffs, advancing in three rounds and defeating archrival Seattle in the semifinals before losing 2–0 to Atlanta United FC in the MLS Cup. In 2020, the Timbers won the MLS is Back Tournament, defeating Orlando City SC in the final. In 2021, the Timbers won the Western Conference and were runners-up in MLS Cup, falling to New York City FC 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 score at extra time. The group supports the team in long-standing rivalries with Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, competing for the Cascadia Cup.

Reader's Guide

The Timbers Army supports a team that has played at Providence Park since 2011. The club's ownership, Peregrine Sports under majority owner Merritt Paulson, was awarded an MLS expansion berth in 2009. Paulson had acquired the second-division incarnation of the Timbers in 2007. The path to MLS required significant infrastructure investment: in October 2007, Paulson was told PGE Park could be upgraded for about $20 million, and by November 2008, he expected Portland taxpayers would spend $85 million to renovate PGE Park for soccer. The Timbers played their first MLS game on March 19, 2011, against reigning champions Colorado Rapids, losing 3–1. The first goal in the Timbers' MLS era was scored by Kenny Cooper. The team's first head coach was John Spencer, named on August 10, 2010. Former head coach Gavin Wilkinson of the USL-1/USSF D-2 Timbers was promoted as general manager/technical director.

Did You Know?

• The Timbers are not a phoenix club; the MLS Timbers are a new expansion franchise from 2011, and three franchises have carried the Timbers name (NASL, USL, and MLS).
• Michael 'Mick' Hoban, the team's first signing, organized approximately one thousand community events in the club's first three years and was awarded the Ring of Honor in 2013.
• The Timbers became the first team in Cascadia to win the MLS Cup in 2015.
• In 2021, the Timbers lost the MLS Cup to New York City FC 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 score at extra time.
• The Timbers were announced as Major League Soccer's eighteenth team on March 20, 2009, by Commissioner Don Garber.

Origins and Phoenix Status

The Portland Timbers represent a unique continuity in American soccer history, serving as a phoenix club that resurrected a beloved local identity. The franchise's lineage traces back to the North American Soccer League era from 1975 to 1982, where the original team achieved immediate success by reaching the Soccer Bowl final in their inaugural season. Following a period of dormancy and various lower-division incarnations, including the USL Timbers which folded in 2010, the modern club was reborn under the ownership of Peregrine Sports. Led by Merritt Paulson, who acquired the second-division team in 2007, the organization successfully secured an MLS expansion berth in 2009. This revival made Portland home to the fourth soccer franchise and the second top-level team to carry the historic Timbers name. The club officially began its Major League Soccer campaign in 2011, establishing Providence Park as their permanent home ground. This return marked a significant milestone for the city, bridging decades of fan loyalty with professional stability.

On-Field Triumphs and Milestones

Since joining Major League Soccer, the franchise has rapidly established itself as a competitive powerhouse within the Western Conference. Their breakthrough occurred in 2013 when they secured first place in the regular season, earning their maiden playoff appearance and a coveted spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. The club's crowning achievement arrived in 2015, when they captured the MLS Cup, becoming the first team from the Cascadia region to win this prestigious title. Success continued with another Western Conference championship in 2017 and a deep playoff run in 2018 that saw them defeat archrival Seattle Sounders before falling in the final against Atlanta United. The roster's resilience was further highlighted by their victory in the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament, defeating Orlando City SC to secure another Champions League berth. In 2021, they reclaimed the Western Conference title but finished as runners-up in the MLS Cup again, losing a penalty shootout to New York City FC after extra time.

Community Integration and Culture

The enduring success of the Timbers is deeply rooted in a culture of community engagement that dates back to the original NASL days. Early figures like manager Vic Crowe and player Chris Dangerfield prioritized interacting with locals, helping soccer become integral to Portland's identity. This tradition was cemented by Michael 'Mick' Hoban, an early signing who served as Community Relations Manager. Hoban organized approximately one thousand community events in the club's first three years, hosting clinics that taught the rules of the game to both adults and children. He emphasized that this interactive approach was unusual for professional sports at the time but crucial for building a loyal fanbase. This legacy persists today, with modern players continuing to volunteer and maintain relationships off the pitch. In recognition of his foundational contributions to the sport in the city, Hoban was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2014, symbolizing the club's enduring commitment to its local roots.

Regional Rivalries and Expansion Challenges

The Timbers operate within a fiercely competitive geographic landscape defined by intense rivalries with nearby clubs Seattle Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. These three teams compete annually for the Cascadia Cup, creating one of the most passionate regional derbies in North American sports. The path to establishing this modern rivalry network was not without significant logistical hurdles. When Merritt Paulson sought an MLS expansion berth starting in 2007, league officials raised concerns regarding seating configurations and field surfaces at existing venues. Consequently, bringing a top-tier team required substantial infrastructure investment. Paulson navigated complex negotiations involving the renovation of PGE Park for soccer alongside plans for a new baseball stadium for his Beavers. This multi-year process culminated in the successful launch of the MLS franchise, ensuring that Portland could host high-level competition while fostering its unique regional identity.

Gallery