2015 U.S. Open Cup

Lore & Background

The atmosphere at JELD-WEN Field on that September night was electric, carrying the weight of a season defined by resilience. The Timbers had already secured the Supporters' Shield as the league's best regular-season team, but trophies in American soccer often require navigating a deep knockout bracket against varying levels of competition. Reaching the final required overcoming multiple rounds of elimination, testing the squad's depth and mental fortitude. The narrative arc of this victory is defined by Diego Valeri's leadership. As the club captain, his ability to control midfield tempo was crucial throughout the tournament. In the final moments against Real Salt Lake, it fell to him to step up for a penalty that would decide the title. The success of that kick transformed a tense stalemate into a celebration that echoed through the Rose Quarter. This win solidified the 2015 season as one of the most complete in franchise history. It demonstrated that the Timbers could sustain excellence over a long campaign, balancing league points with cup progression without sacrificing either. For supporters, it remains a benchmark for what a fully realized season looks like.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed overhead as Diego Valeri approached the penalty spot. The crowd was hushed, a rare silence in the raucous JELD-WEN Field. He placed the ball on the white mark, took his breath, and looked at the goalkeeper. With a swift run-up, he struck the leather cleanly into the corner. The net rippled, and the roar that followed instantly drowned out the night air.

Reader's Guide

The 2015 season is remembered as the pinnacle of the Timbers' early MLS dominance. After finishing first in the league standings to win the Supporters' Shield, the squad turned its focus to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Many teams struggle to maintain intensity across both competitions, but Portland's depth allowed them to navigate the knockout stages effectively. The final match against Real Salt Lake was a tightly contested affair played on home soil. The game remained deadlocked until Diego Valeri converted a second-half penalty kick, securing a 1-0 victory. This achievement completed a rare domestic double for the club, winning both the league title and the primary national cup competition in a single calendar year. This trophy is significant because it was only the second U.S. Open Cup win since the team's re-establishment in 2011. It validated the tactical philosophy of Caleb Porter and proved that the Timbers could compete for every honour available to them. The victory remains a cherished memory for the fanbase, symbolizing a period of sustained excellence.

Did You Know?

• This was the second U.S. Open Cup title won by the Portland Timbers since their MLS return in 2011.
• The victory completed a rare domestic double when combined with the 2015 Supporters' Shield win.
• Diego Valeri scored the only goal of the final match via a penalty kick conversion.
• The final was played at JELD-WEN Field, providing the Timbers with home-field advantage.