Goooaaaal! Major League Soccer coming to Portland

Friday morning announcement clears way for new ‘Timbers’ to play in a couple of years

By Jim Redden

The Portland Tribune, Mar 20, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (21 Reader comments)

JONATHAN HOUSE / Portland Tribune

Major League Soccer Commissioner Dan Garber, right, presents Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson with an honorary jersey Friday morning. Portland will get a new MLS franchise beginning in 2011. The team will be called the Timbers.

Let the party begin.

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber told a noisy press conference crowded Friday morning with local soccer fans that Portland has been awarded the 18th team in the league. The new team could begin play by 2011.

Portland businessman and team owner Merritt Paulson told the crowd that the team would be called the Portland Timbers, citing its long history in Portland.

The Hilton Hotel room was packed with members of the Timbers Army, who sang and chanted throughout it.

Those same soccer fans planned a full day of parties Friday, beginning with a rally outside the downtown hotel where the MLS announcement was made and ending at the University of Portland Friday night, where the United League Timbers played the professional New York Red Bulls to a 0-0 draw.

“This is a great day for soccer and Portland,” said Bruce Eaton, a member of the Timbers Army fan club staging the rally.

Paulson offered to spend $40 million of his own money for the expansion MLS team. Portland’s City Council has agreed to spend around $70 million to support the deal, with the details to be finalized if Portland gets the team.

Both Mayor Sam Adams and city Commissioner Randy Leonard praised Paulson for his commitment to the city and Major League Soccer for its faith in Portland as a location for its newest franchise.

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