Portland Team News - Soccer

Top 5 MLS Storylines: Messi Eyes Repeat, USA Players Seek World Cup Spots

Here are five big storylines to follow as the 2026 MLS campaign gets underway.

19 HOURS AGO • FOX SPORTS

Top 5 MLS Storylines: Messi Eyes Repeat, USA Players Seek World Cup Spots

David Pereira Da Costa - Could miss first 3-4 games of 2026 Da Costa is not expected to feature in the initial stage of the 2026 MLS season, with coach Phil Neville commenting "It's going to take time. I don't see him being involved in the...

Impact Da Costa played the last few months of the 2025 campaign through a shoulder injury and underwent surgery in November. He returned to action during an offseason friendly but apparently didn't reach a full recovery. Thus, his availability for official game action may have to wait until March. Felipe Mora and Kristoffer Velde are currently expected to start in No. 10 and left-wing spots, respectively, in Da Costa's absence.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

MLS Kits Revealed! Grateful Dead, America's Birthday Help Inspire Jersey Designs

The season's new MLS kits include new sharp designs to lean into each team's local identity and culture.

FEBRUARY 10 • FOX SPORTS

MLS Kits Revealed! Grateful Dead, America's Birthday Help Inspire Jersey Designs

Portland Timbers unveil the Civic Stadium Kit | MLSSoccer.com The Portland Timbers have unveiled their secondary jersey ahead of the 2026 MLS season, the Civic Stadium Kit by adidas.

FEBRUARY 10 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Portland Timbers waive Jonathan Rodríguez | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Waived, buyout The Portland Timbers have waived forward Jonathan Rodríguez and exercised a buyout of his contract,...

FEBRUARY 10 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Zac McGraw - Undergoes back surgery McGraw is expected to spend approximately four months in his recovery from a back injury after undergoing successful surgery, his club reported Friday.

Impact McGraw is back on the injury list after relapsing into his fitness struggles from the previous campaign, having yet to make an MLS appearance since March 2025. If this surgery finally allows him to reach an optimal shape, the defender could be an option at some point in the middle of the 2026 season. Until then, Finn Surman and Kamal Miller could see increased roles.

FEBRUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Portland Timbers acquire Cole Bassett from Colorado Rapids | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade - POR receive: Cole Bassett - COL receive: Up to $3.6 million, sell-on % The Portland Timbers have acquired m...

FEBRUARY 3 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Cole Bassett - Transferred to Timbers Bassett was transferred from Colorado Rapids to Portland Timbers and signed a contract until 2027, his new club announced. "We are thrilled to welcome Cole to the Portland Timbers....

Impact Bassett joins Portland after seven seasons with the Colorado Rapids, where he made 157 MLS appearances with 31 goals and 23 assists. The 24-year-old midfielder posted his best MLS season in 2024 with nine goals and seven assists, then added three goals and four assists across 28 matches in the 2025 campaign. He also gained European experience with loan spells at Feyenoord and Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie before returning to MLS. At international level, Bassett has one senior cap for the United States, scoring the game-winning goal on his debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 2021.

FEBRUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Omir Fernandez - Ruled out months after surgery Fernandez has undergone successful surgery on his right foot and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six months, his club announced Friday.

Impact Fernandez didn't play at the end of the previous season due to illness, but he's now facing a lengthy recovery after suffering a foot injury. His absence will reduce the Timbers' depth on the left flank, with Jonathan Rodriguez (knee) still unavailable as well, though they still have time to complete a new signing for that role. Meanwhile, Antony should be the first option to start.

JANUARY 30 • ROTOWIRE

David Pereira Da Costa - Returns in pre-season friendly Da Costa (shoulder) is back fit for Portland after returning in a pre-season friendly against LA Galaxy, the club posted.

Impact Da Costa fully recovered over the break from the shoulder injury that required a surgery late November. The playmaker looks set to build his fitness ahead of the 2026 MLS season with the Timbers as he should regain his undisputed starter role in the frontline of Portland.

JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami confirm signing of ex-Argentina youth star from MLS rivals Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have completed the acquisition of another of his compatriots, David Ayala, from fellow MLS side Portland Timbers.

JANUARY 10 • SPORTSKEEDA.COM

Inter Miami acquire David Ayala from Portland Timbers | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade - MIA receive: David Ayala - POR receive: Up to $2.15 million, sell-on % Inter Miami CF have acquired midfiel...

JANUARY 9 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Portland Timbers acquire Australian defender Alex Bonetig | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing The Portland Timbers have acquired center back Alex Bonetig from Australian top-flight side Western Sydney...

JANUARY 7 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Eric Miller - Inks new contract Miller signed a new contract with Portland through the 2026 season, the club announced. "Eric has continued to have an important presence and role since arriving in Portland. He le...

Impact Miller returns to Portland ahead of the 2026 campaign after making 16 appearances for the Timbers during the 2025 season. Miller has logged one goal and three assists across 62 matches over three seasons with the club. Miller has accumulated 228 MLS appearances across his career, including playoff matches and has been named in the starting XI 159 times over his 12-year MLS career.

DECEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Portland Timbers sign defender Brandon Bye | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing The Portland Timbers have signed defender Brandon Bye in free agency, the club announced Monday. He is unde...

DECEMBER 22, 2025 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Brandon Bye - Lands with Portland Bye signed with Portland on a deal through June 2028, the club announced.

Impact Bye was in negotiations with New England, but evidently the two sides couldn't come to an agreement. The defender is now headed out west to join up with Portland. He should be an immediate contender for starting minutes in Portland, and if nothing else he's an excellent veteran defender.

DECEMBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Kamal Miller - Completes second season with Portland Miller recorded 27 starts in 28 MLS appearances (including the playoffs) for Portland during the 2025 season.

Impact Miller endured another injury-plagued season, falling short of 30 appearances yet again, however he remained a starter in Portland's back line. He contributed two goals and added 117 clearances, 28 interceptions, and 13 blocks. Despite time on the sidelines, he surpassed 2,000 minutes for the second straight year, a positive sign for his durability. Entering the final year of his contract, Portland will decide whether to exercise his 2027 option based on his fitness and reliability in 2026.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Jimer Fory - Makes 26 starts for the Timbers Fory recorded 26 starts in 29 MLS appearances (including the playoffs) during the 2025 season.

Impact Fory capped off his first full MLS season on a strong note, despite battling a few injuries along the way. He still managed to contribute two assists, along with 45 tackles and 114 clearances across 2,226 minutes of play. At just 23 years old, his durability concerns shouldn't hinder his role in 2026, as he's expected to remain a regular starter following a promising campaign.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Finn Surman - Starts all 35 matches played in 2025 Surman started 35 of the 35 games played (including the playoffs) for Portland during the 2025 MLS season.

Impact Surman enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season in his first full MLS campaign, establishing himself as one of the league's most reliable center backs. He tallied 247 clearances, 44 tackles, and 41 blocks while staying fit, logging over 3,000 minutes of play. Looking ahead, his future with Portland appears bright as he's expected to see significant playing time in 2026 again and is even in contention for New Zealand's World Cup roster next summer.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Kristoffer Velde - Valuable add for Portland Velde made a start in all 12 appearances (including the playoffs) for Portland during the 2025 MLS season.

Impact Velde joined Portland late in the season, but quickly became a key attacking presence, helping spark the team's playoff push. In just 12 appearances, he scored twice, added two assists, created 36 chances, and delivered 70 crosses (16 accurate). With a three-year contract in place, the midfielder is expected to start in 2026 as he prepares for his first full MLS campaign.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ariel Lassister - Four starts this season Lassiter recorded four starts in 23 MLS appearances (including the playoffs) during the 2025.

Impact Lassiter has spent recent seasons moving between MLS clubs and completed his first year with the Timbers in 2025. Struggling for consistency, he slipped down the depth chart, featuring in only 23 matches, starting only four. Injuries contributed to his limited impact, though he managed three assists and created 10 chances in 542 minutes of play. Entering the final year of his two-year contract with Portland, he is expected to maintain a similar role next season.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Antony Alves Santos - 14 goal contributions in 2025 Antony recorded 30 starts in 32 MLS appearances (including the playoffs) during the 2025 season.

Impact Antony delivered an impressive season for Portland in 2025, finishing as the team's leader in both goals and assists. Across 32 matches, he scored seven times and provided seven assists, while also creating 64 chances and recording 51 tackles. Under contract for one more year with a club option through 2027, Antony's future could shift if he builds on this performance in 2026, potentially attracting interest from European clubs.

DECEMBER 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Portland Timbers add Bank of America as jersey sponsor | MLSSoccer.com The Portland Timbers have announced Bank of America as their new front-of-jersey partner in a multi-year deal.

DECEMBER 9, 2025 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Hunter Sulte - Lands back with Portland Sulte signed with Portland on a contract through the 2028/29 campaign, the club announced.

Impact Sulte was originally set for free agency, but in the end he came to an agreement with Portland. The goalkeeper will be with the club for three more seasons, though he's still yet to make his first appearance for the club. Sulte will be the backup as he continues his second stint in Portland.

DECEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

David Pereira Da Costa - Undergoes shoulder surgery Da Costa underwent shoulder surgery and is expected to miss four months, Portland announced.

Impact Da Costa is set to miss four months, meaning he will likely miss the start of the 2026 campaign. The midfielder played a huge role last season, making 36 appearances (32 starts) and adding four goals and six assists. He will now hope to get fit before missing too much of the 2026 campaign, though he will certainly miss the entire pre-season.

NOVEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Top 5 MLS Storylines: Messi Eyes Repeat, USA Players Seek World Cup Spots

MLS Kits Revealed! Grateful Dead, America's Birthday Help Inspire Jersey Designs