Portland Timbers shake up coaching staff to save 2023 season
The Portland Timbers have a solid postseason record in their short MLS history. Since joining the league in 2011 they've qualified for the playoffs seven times and won the MLS Cup once in 2015.
But with just 10 games remaining in 2023's regular season, the Timbers find themselves adrift in MLS West. They're ranked 12th out of 14 teams and are six points away from a guaranteed playoff spot.
After last weekend's embarrassing 5-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo, the Timbers have made a big decision: to fire charismatic head coach Giovanni Savarese in a last-minute bid to save their season.
"There is a lifecycle, sometimes, to what we do," Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said of Savarese's dismissal. "At this point, I believe it's important that there's new leadership, and the club moves in a new direction, and we continue our next evolution."
Savarese joined the Timbers in 2017 and led the club through one of its most successful eras. His Timbers side finished as MLS runners-up twice in 2018 and 2021 and only failed to qualify for the playoffs once.
"Gio has been an exceptional coach for the Timbers and a joy to work with," owner Merritt Paulson said in a statement. "He has achieved some fabulous results during his tenure with the club...I want to thank Gio for all that he has given us. He will be missed."
Savarese's positive, attacking style has made the Timbers one of the most watchable teams in MLS. They're known for playing every game like a final and for never letting go of their high offensive press.
But as Houston proved last weekend, that methodology can be dangerous in the ever-evolving world of MLS, where counterattacking has blossomed in response to high lines like Savarese's.
Houston knew exactly how to get around the Timbers: their line was so high that Houston carved them open with a pass from its goalkeeper.
The Timbers will be led by interim coach (and Savarese assistant) Miles Joseph until a full-time replacement is found. Their next match, against PNW rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps, will kick off on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT.
With most of their upcoming matches against table-topping threats like LAFC and San Jose, the Timbers must win against Vancouver to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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