Portland Timbers

A summer of transition, responsibility, and growth. It has been a very busy and rewarding summer. Due to transitional circumstances within the club, Jack Cassidy stepped in as interim head coach of the first team, while I stepped up as interim head coach of the second team and continued to support the first team on Matchdays. Transitions always bring different challenges. For us, the key was staying true to the game and trusting the processes we had established, built around consistency, clarity, and communication with staff and players. After nine very interesting weeks, we can look back and say we were successful. With the second team: 5 W – 2 T – 2 L • Clinched a playoff spot last weekend • Broke the MLS NEXT Pro record for clean sheets in a regular season. With the first team: 4 W – 1 T – 1 L Beyond the results, I am proud of how our staff and players responded to change, embraced responsibility, and continued to push forward together. I am extremely proud of the work we accomplished and, most importantly, grateful to the people who trusted me and worked alongside me throughout this period. These experiences are a reminder that leadership is not only about having a title, it is about being ready to step up when your team needs you. Now, the most exciting part of the season is ahead and we are ready for it. ⚽️ 💪

9 weeks as Interim Head Coach 💚 My time leading the Portland Timbers First Team as Interim Head Coach has come to an end. The last 9 weeks have been an incredible journey, with challenges, hurdles and some amazing moments and memories along the way. When we took over the group, the team was outside the Western Conference playoff positions heading into the World Cup break. I am delighted that we leave the team in a playoff position. Across our 4 MLS matches, we recorded 3 wins and 1 draw, including home and away derby victories over Seattle Sounders, creating some incredible memories for our supporters. More important to me was how we navigated a period of uncertainty and change. We worked to unite the staff and players around a common goal, creating a clear framework to operate within. The energy and support we received from the supporters at Providence Park throughout the period was incredible, particularly when beating Seattle at home in the derby in front of a sold out crowd. I am extremely grateful to the players for the way they embraced everything we asked of them, and to the staff for their commitment and support, with a special thank you to Liam Ridgewell, Memo Valencia and Connor Ceballos for their amazing work throughout. Leading this football club in MLS has been a privilege and an experience I will take a huge amount from. A final mention to Andrés Flores, who continued the great work with Timbers 2 in my absence whilst also supporting the First Team on matchdays. I am now looking forward to getting back to work with Timbers 2, with the aim of finishing in the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history. Finally, I want to wish Martí and his staff every success as they begin their work with the First Team. I look forward to watching the team continue to grow and thrive under their leadership. #RCTID 🪵🪓💚