When the Portland Timbers meet the rival Vancouver Whitecaps at Providence Park on Sunday to kick off the 2025 Major League Soccer season, there will be new players, new uniforms, and new food options.
As the club commemorates its 50th anniversary in 2025, it will also be a joyous year. These aren’t your 2024 Timbers because of all the modifications and scheduled theme evenings. Here are some things to know about what to anticipate this season on the field and at the stadium before the new season starts.
New players
The Timbers have added Portuguese midfielder David Da Costa as a designated player after completing a trade this week that shipped star designated player Evander to FC Cincinnati for a club-record $12 million. Da Costa, 24, is positioned to become the Timbers’ next big star.
After spending the previous four seasons with RC Lens of the top French division, he signed a four-year contract with the Timbers, which included a 2029 club option. With RC Lens, Da Costa made 123 games (63 starts) and recorded 11 goals and 17 assists.
In a statement released this week, Timbers coach Phil Neville expressed his excitement over the signing of David. He is a flare player, and we have been observing him for a while. He’s youthful, agile, and full of potential. He will blend in perfectly with the Portland system and style of play that we want to employ.
Other 2025 additions include Ecuadorian midfielder Joao Ortiz, Colombian defender Jimer Fory, Costa Rican winger Ariel Lassiter, Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy, and defender Ian Smith, who was selected in the 2025 SuperDraft. Zac McGraw, a defender, was also signed by the Timbers this week to a contract extension through 2026 with a 2027 team option.
New jerseys
Although Tillamook continues to sponsor the Timbers’ jerseys, the team has unveiled a new uniform for 2025 called the Forever Green & Gold. In addition to 50 rings surrounding the Timbers emblem, which stand for each year of the team’s existence, it has gold accents. A few of the rings have symbols to honor the team’s first MLS season in 2011 and its 2015 MLS Cup victory.
New food options
The concession kiosks at Providence Park will serve several new items on match days, such as a pickle-brined fried chicken sandwich with ranch slaw, tuna poke bowl with mac salad, and Korean dumpling salad. Additionally, there will be house-smoked brisket nachos and Tillamook Mac & Cheese topped with bacon and Brussels sprouts. Zenners will be in the refreshment stand in section 99, while stadium vendors will include Pizzicato and Athletic Brewing Company.
Theme nights
June 13 (Spirit of 75 Night), July 16 (10th Anniversary of MLS Cup Celebration), July 19 (50th Anniversary Night), and August 16 (Diego Chara Bobblehead Night) are the scheduled theme nights for the Timbers’ 50th anniversary season.
Joel Odom
