Tag: Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers have released their full 2025 preseason schedule, marking the club’s 50th anniversary. Preseason will begin on January 11 at the Timbers Training Facility, with players reporting to training camp. A press conference will take place on January 16, where General Manager Ned Grabavoy, Head Coach Phil Neville, and select players will speak to the media. The event will include a hybrid press conference after a full training session.

Press Conference and Media Day Details for January 16

On January 16, the Timbers will hold their first press conference of 2025. It will take place at the Timbers Training Center, beginning with a media-accessible training session at 10:30 a.m. PT. Following this, a hybrid press conference will feature club officials and players. The event will also provide lunch for attendees, offering an opportunity for direct engagement with the team.

From January 21 to 29, the Timbers will travel to Orange County, California, for two closed-door scrimmages. They will face Orange County SC on January 25, followed by LAFC on January 29. These scrimmages will help the team build fitness and chemistry before their regular season kicks off, providing a private setting for tactical preparation.

Participation in Coachella Valley Invitational Tournament for MLS Teams

The Timbers will compete in the 2025 Coachella Valley Invitational, held from February 4 to 15 in Indio, California, at the Empire Polo Club. The event will feature 14 MLS teams, with Portland’s first match against San Jose Earthquakes on February 5. They will also face Chicago Fire FC, San Diego FC, and Charlotte FC during the event, all of which will be open to fans.

All Timbers’ matches at the Coachella Valley Invitational will be available for streaming, allowing fans to watch their team’s progress. Further streaming details will be released closer to the event. Additionally, the Timbers’ regular season opener against Vancouver Whitecaps FC will take place on February 23, available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, in both English and Spanish.

The Portland Timbers severed their sponsorship deal with DaBella Exteriors after serious allegations surfaced against the company’s CEO, Donnie McMillan Jr. The accusations involve unwanted sexual advances and harassment of at least three female employees. The decision came after the allegations were revealed in a lawsuit filed by former DaBella CFO, Lowell “Greg” Swartz.

Swartz, who was fired in 2022, claimed that DaBella failed to pay him money owed after his termination. His lawsuit also sought internal company documents, which were believed to expose details about harassment claims. The allegations are not directly stated in the lawsuit, but court filings suggest that Swartz oversaw settlements paid to women who accused McMillan of harassment.

Timbers Sever Sponsorship After Learning of Sexual Harassment Claims

The Timbers, upon learning of the accusations through court filings made public on February 23, immediately ended their sponsorship agreement with DaBella. They removed all DaBella-related images and signage from their website and Providence Park, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and community values.

DaBella’s attorney, D.S. Berenson, dismissed the allegations, calling them “absolutely ludicrous.” He suggested the claims were part of an effort by Swartz to secure a large financial payout. Despite this denial, the Timbers opted to terminate the sponsorship in line with their organizational values.

Timbers’ History of Controversies Adds to Sponsorship Decision

The Timbers have faced criticism in the past over their handling of misconduct cases, including the 2022 investigation into the Portland Thorns regarding Paul Riley’s sexual harassment. These prior controversies likely influenced the team’s decision to distance itself from DaBella.

The Timbers will wear jerseys without a sponsor’s name across the chest until they secure a new sponsorship deal. The club’s commitment to its values over financial gain was emphasized by coach Phil Neville, who expressed pride in the decision.

The Portland Timbers have secured the services of Joao Ortiz, a defensive midfielder from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle. The 28-year-old has signed a contract through 2027, with an option for 2028. The reported transfer fee is approximately $1.5 million. This move strengthens Portland’s midfield for the upcoming seasons.

Timbers Expect Ortiz to Contribute Significantly to Midfield Strength

General Manager Ned Grabavoy expressed confidence that Ortiz will make an immediate contribution to the team. He highlighted the player’s extensive experience in South American competitions, both at the club and national team level. Ortiz is expected to play an important role in the midfield and help improve the team’s performance.

Before joining Portland, Ortiz accumulated 8 goals and 15 assists in 229 professional appearances across various clubs in Ecuador. His experience includes playing for Independiente del Valle, Delfín SC, and LDU Quito. Additionally, Ortiz has represented Ecuador nine times and was part of their squad for the 2024 Copa América.

Coach Neville Praises Ortiz’s Physicality and Technical Ability

Timbers head coach Phil Neville praised Ortiz’s physical strength, technical ability, and skill on the ball. Neville believes Ortiz’s profile fits the team’s needs and expects him to be a valuable addition. His qualities will help enhance both the team’s defensive and offensive play in the midfield.

Ortiz will join a competitive midfield group alongside Diego Chará, David Ayala, and Cristhian Paredes. The Timbers’ 2025 season will begin on February 23 with a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Wild Card defeat. Ortiz’s addition is expected to play a significant role in Portland’s future success.

The Portland Timbers have signed defensive midfielder Joao Ortiz from Ecuador’s top team, Independiente del Valle, the club announced on Wednesday.

Ortiz, 28, is an Ecuadorian international and will be under contract with the Timbers until 2027, with an option for 2028. The transfer is reported to be worth around $1.5 million.

“We are excited to add Joao to our team, and we believe he will be an important part of our midfield moving forward,” said general manager Ned Grabavoy. “Joao has a lot of experience in South American competitions with both his club and country, and we are confident he will make an immediate impact and help raise the level of our team.”

Before joining Portland, Ortiz had 8 goals and 15 assists in 229 professional appearances. He mainly played for Independiente del Valle, but also had stints at Delfín SC and LDU Quito in Ecuador.

Ortiz has also represented Ecuador nine times and was part of their 2024 Copa América squad.

“We are very happy to sign Joao, who has a lot of experience competing in midfield,” said head coach Phil Neville. “We’ve been watching him and have been impressed with his performances for his club in Ecuador. He is strong, physical, and skilled with the ball, and we believe he will be a great addition to our team, fitting the profile we’re looking for.”

Ortiz will join a Portland midfield that includes Diego Chará, David Ayala, and Cristhian Paredes.

The Timbers’ 2025 season will begin on February 23 with a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4 pm ET | MLS Season Pass), which will be a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Wild Card defeat.