Portland Timbers manager Phil Neville recently took a stroll through downtown Portland and observed notable changes compared to when he was hired in November 2023. While the city has not fully recovered, Neville sees gradual improvement paralleling his team’s development, with both aiming to move steadily forward as 2026 begins.
It was Valentine’s. I took my wife into the city and I can see from where it was three years ago, how the city is in a miles better place now than what it was three years ago,
Neville said on Wednesday.
And yes, there’s still so much that we can do in and around the city, but I hope my team and the city are mirroring each other, where we’re just on a trajectory that’s going only in one direction.
As the 2026 MLS season opener approaches at Providence Park against Columbus on Saturday, Neville enters his final contract year with the Timbers, determined to realize tangible success after mixed results over the past two years.
Balancing Past Challenges with Future Aspirations
Over 81 matches with Neville at the helm, Portland has recorded 29 wins, 28 losses, and 24 draws. The first season was defined by a high-scoring offense but weak defense, while the second saw those strengths reversed. Despite securing playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025, consistent success has remained elusive.
If you’re at a club where you feel like you’re making inroads, where it feels like the team’s improving year-to-year, there becomes a time when you’ve got to deliver,
Neville explained.
I feel like me and the staff have delivered to a certain extent over the last two years, but delivery for me is winning. Other people have different barometers, different types of KPIs. And I’ve always thought that my KPI in my life has always been that nothing is success until you win.
This emphasis on winning underscores Neville’s mindset as he prepares for the critical 2026 campaign.
Roster Stability and Key Additions
The Timbers’ offseason has been calmer than the previous year’s tumultuous period marked by the departure of midfielder Evander. The team’s top performer, forward Kristoffer Velde, has remained healthy, assumed leadership responsibilities, and is back in training camp. Though Portland lost midfielder David Ayala to Inter Miami, the transfer was expected, and the club reinvested the funds to acquire Cole Bassett from Colorado.
I think we’ve got one of the best central midfield players in the Western Conference and hopefully in the MLS,
Neville remarked about Bassett.
At just 24 years old, Bassett brings significant MLS experience with over 131 appearances since debuting at 17. He is anticipated to take on an attacking midfield role for Portland.
It’s great to be in that locker room, I’ll tell you that,
Bassett shared.
I think I only had one win here in seven years and it was during COVID so no fans were here.
Remaining Roster Challenges and Goals
Not all concerns have been resolved. Designated Player David Da Costa is sidelined recovering from shoulder surgery and will miss the season’s start. The front office continues to seek reinforcements, particularly targeting an attacking winger and a central midfielder to strengthen the squad before a demanding 14-game stretch precedes the summer World Cup break.
When you look at trying to round out the roster, the two positions for us is an attacking-piece winger and a center midfielder,
general manager Ned Grabavoy stated.
The team expects the offense to revolve around Velde’s creativity and leadership, with Felipe Mora’s adaptability and Antony’s pace providing additional tactical variety. Younger attackers like Kevin Kelsy, entering his second year, are also projected to develop significantly in 2026.
Defensively, the group is deeper than in previous seasons under Neville’s guidance, led by Finn Surman and strengthened by new additions Alex Bonetig from Australia and Brandon Bye from New England. Goalkeeping duties have transitioned from Max Crepeau to James Pantemis.
The midfield retains some veteran presence with Diego Chara returning for his 16th term, ensuring experience anchors a lineup that includes fresh faces like Bassett.
A Season of Opportunity and Expectation
The Timbers are not relying on marquee international transfers this offseason but emphasize steady progress amid a focused squad. Neville expresses confidence that the work done behind the scenes positions Portland to align better with the city’s upward trajectory.
This is my third year, and you know, I’m not embarrassed to say, I think this is a year when we’ve got to deliver,
Neville affirmed. And I’m super excited.
With the 2026 campaign underway, Portland Timbers and their supporters await whether the franchise can finally deliver the victories and momentum both the team and city aspire to see.
