Portland Timbers 2022 Season Preview

Tom Bogert

2022 Schedule

Strength: A veteran core that’s made a final in two straight years, and three of the past four.
Weakness: That core is OLD, and if Blanco’s knee is as bad as it seems, it doesn’t bode well for their ability to create high-level chances via anything but the counter.

Diego Valeri: A Portland Timbers icon and MLS legend, Diego Valeri penned a heartfelt goodbye to his second home with a transfer back to Lanus in his native Argentina. He's truly among the best to have ever done it and a pioneer. Further good news? It’s a temporary goodbye. Valeri will return to the Timbers as a club ambassador once his playing days are over.
Steve Clark: Starting goalkeeper Steve Clark left in free agency for Houston Dynamo FC, after a successful stint with Portland. Clark twice started MLS Cup with the club. The departure creates a chance for Aljaz Ivacic to start, though David Bingham was also signed and will compete for minutes.

David Ayala: David Ayala is a highly-rated Argentine youth international midfielder, acquired from Estudiantes this offseason and added via the U22 Initiative. The 19-year-old can play as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role, meaning he’s a good fit next to either Diego Chara or Eryk Williamson. He should have the chance to earn minutes in 2022 under manager Giovanni Savarese.
Portland didn’t bring in many external additions, but crucially sealed a return for DP and talisman Sebastian Blanco. They also reached a new loan agreement for starting right back Josecarlos Van Rankin.
Full roster