The Portland Timbers Gazette
Match8 Aug 2026
Alexander Aravena wins it after the whistle should have gone
90 minutes played. Alexander Aravena found the finish in time that only existed because of earlier delays, and Austin FC went from a point to nothing inside one movement.
Market10 Aug 2026
Portland Timbers say no — this time
The offer from Santos Laguna for Kevin Kelsy was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.
Squad10 Aug 2026
A move Shu Morooka would have made for nothing
There is a version of every career where the player ends up somewhere he chose rather than somewhere that chose him. Shu Morooka is living that version at Portland Timbers, and it tends to show in the first month.
Squad10 Aug 2026
José Luis Caicedo stays put
“The easiest signature of my career.” José Luis Caicedo and Portland Timbers agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.
Squad10 Aug 2026
José Luis Caicedo in a row with a teammate
It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Portland Timbers this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.
Boardroom10 Aug 2026
Portland Timbers agree a free transfer for George Marks
Nothing happens for months and then he simply arrives, at no cost, having signed a pre-contract while still turning out for somebody else. It is the least dramatic way to sign a footballer and frequently the shrewdest.
Match8 Aug 2026
Alexander Aravena the difference as Portland Timbers beat Austin FC
Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Alexander Aravena. 2‑1 against Austin FC, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.
The terraces10 Aug 2026
Portland Timbers supporters have found a favourite in Alexander Aravena
There is a particular warmth a ground reserves for a 23-year-old it feels ownership of. Alexander Aravena has it now, and everything he does for the rest of his time here will be measured against the goodwill he was handed for free.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Alexander Aravena falls out with a teammate over standards
The oldest argument in any dressing room and the only one that is genuinely about football: one man thinks another is not putting enough in. It is also the row a manager privately does not mind having happened.
In brief
- Player ratings Alexander Aravena was on a different afternoon to everybody else
- Market 24 months and counting on Felipe Mora
- Market Talks stall between Portland Timbers and Shu Morooka