The Portland Timbers wrapped up the 2017 season atop the Western Conference for the second time since 2013, a nice turnaround after just missing the playoffs in 2016 following their MLS Cup victory a year prior. The recent string of finishes meant the choice of head coach Caleb Porter to step down from his role was a bit surprising, but the club responded by replacing him with a proven winner in Gio Savarese.
Savarese will look to keep Portland’s success going in 2018 and has already added several impressive pieces to the Timbers’ roster that should help him in his debut season at the helm.