Portland hosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2025 MLS Season Opener on Feb. 23
INDIO, Calif. – The Portland Timbers concluded Coachella Valley Invitational play today losing 2-0 to Charlotte FC at the Empire Polo Grounds in their final match of the 2025 preseason, presented by Old Trapper Beef Jerky. Portland ended the CVI with a 2-1-1 record.
The Timbers next return to Portland to prepare for the start of the 2025 MLS regular season when they host Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Providence Park on Sunday, Feb. 23. Kickoff is 1pm PT (TICKETS, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).
Match Replay
Preseason Tournament Recap Presented by Old Trapper
The Timbers made their fourth Coachella Valley Invitational appearance, playing matches against the San Jose Earthquakes, Chicago Fire FC, San Diego FC and Charlotte FC (2-1-1). Four different Timbers scored a goal in the preseason tournament (Dario Zuparic, Malcolm Johnston, Felipe Mora, Gage Guerra) in the tournament, while five have tallied an assist (Kyle Linhares, Blake Pope, Cristhian Paredes, Antony, Ariel Lassiter). Additionally, goalkeepers Maxime Crépeau and James Pantemis helped Portland to two shutout performances against Chicago and San Diego.
Timbers’ 2025 MLS Season Opener
Portland is set to open its 2025 MLS campaign against Cascadia rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, Feb. 23 at Providence Park with a 1pm PT kickoff. All matches will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app in English and Spanish as well as local radio broadcasts, 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).
Goal-Scoring Plays
CLT – Kerwin Vargas, 65th minute: Kerwin Vargas slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner of the goal with a right-footed shot inside the 18-yard box.
CLT – Tyger Smalls, 89th minute: Tyger Smalls stole the ball from the midfield and threaded through the Timbers’ defense before getting inside the 18-yard box and sliding the ball into the lower-right corner of the goal.
Portland Timbers vs. Charlotte FC | 2025 Coachella Valley Invitational
Feb. 15, 2025 – Empire Polo Club (Indio, Calif.)
Scoring Summary:
CLT: Vargas, 65
CLT: Smalls, 89
Misconduct Summary:
POR: McGraw (caution), 56
CLT: Ream (caution), 75
POR: K. Miller (caution), 84
Lineup:
POR: GK Crépeau (Pantemis, 86), D Zuparic (Surman, 61), D McGraw, D K. Miller, D E. Miller, D Fory, M Chara, M Ayala (Paredes, 61), M Ortiz, F Kelsy (Lassiter, 61), F Mora
