The 2020 Portland Timbers season was the 34th season in their existence and the 10th season for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.
Background
Season review by month
Off season
On October 29, Portland re-signed midfielder Sebastián Blanco to a multiyear contract where he will remain a Designated Player.
On October 31, forward Jeremy Ebobisse was called up to the U.S. Men's National Team pre-camp.
On November 6, Andy Polo was called up by Peru for friendlies against Colombia and Chile. Renzo Zambrano was called up by Venezuela for a friendly against Japan on November 19. Bill Tuiloma was called up by New Zealand for friendlies against the Republic of Ireland on November 14 and Lithuania on November 17. Jorge Moreira was called up for Paraguay for friendlies against Bulgaria on November 14 and Saudi Arabia on November 19.
On November 15, MLS cut Portland forward, Brian Fernández, since he failed to comply with the league's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program.
On November 19, Nashville SC selected left-back Zarek Valentin as the fourth overall pick in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft. Portland will receive $50,000 in General Allocation Money for the selection.
On November 20, Portland signed Croatian center-back Dario Župarić from Prva HNL side, HNK Rijeka. He will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster.
On November 21, Portland announced its 2020 initial roster changes. Portland declined options on goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh, defender Modou Jadama and forward Foster Langsdorf. Claude Dielna is out of contract. Portland also did not exercise the 2020 contract option for midfielder Diego Valeri; however, remain in discussions with him.
On December 6, midfielder Marvin Loría was called up by the Costa Rica U-23. The team will play two friendly matches against Costa Rica First Division teams in preparation for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship.
On December 9, Portland announced they would re-sign Edgar "RCTID_Thiago" Guerrer for the 2020 eMLS season. This marks his third year with the club, participating in all eMLS competitions since its inauguration in 2018.
On December 10, forward Jeremy Ebobisse underwent a minor procedure to repair a meniscus tear that was sustained last month while on duty with the U.S. U-23 Men's National Team. He is expected to return to action in time for the start of preseason.
On December 16, Portland announced the multiyear contract extension for Argentine midfielder, Diego Valeri. He was signed using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) and will no longer use a Designated Player (DP) slot.
On December 19, MLS reviled the full MLS season schedule. Later that day, Portland announced the contract extension of Bill Tuiloma.
On December 20, Portland goalkeeper Steve Clark signed a new contract with the club.
On January 2, Portland announced the signing of Colombian right winger, Yimmi Chará. He will occupy a Designated Player and International Roster Slot. He is the younger brother of center defensive midfielder, Diego Chará.
On January 9, Portland selected Irish midfielder, Aaron Molloy from Penn State as the 16th overall 2020 MLS Super Draft pick. Portland traded their second round pick to D.C. United on January 23, 2019. Later that day, Edgar "RCTID_Thiago" Guerrero finished in 12th place out of the 25 single team table. He was unable to qualify for the playoffs. His 2020 eMLS League Series One record was 4-5-3 (15 points).
On January 13, Portland selected American defender, Zachery McGraw from Army as the 68th overall 2020 MLS Super Draft pick. Shortly after, Portland selected Norwegian defender, Joergen Oland from Fordham. He was the 94th overall pick for the 2020 MLS Super Draft.
Preseason
On January 20, players reported for their first day of training for the upcoming 2020 MLS campaign.
On January 21, Portland announced the details of their Costa Rica preseason travel. Portland will face Saprissa on Saturday, February 1, Municipal Grecia on Wednesday, February 5, and C.S. Herediano on Sunday, February 9.
On January 22, Portland midfielder Andrés Flores underwent surgery to repair medial meniscus tear. He is expected to return in 4 to 6 weeks.
On January 23, Portland signed midfielder Blake Bodily as a Homegrown Player for the 2020 season.
On January 30, Portland signed Polish striker Jarosław Niezgoda from Polish Ekstraklasa side Legia Warsaw. He will occupy a Designated Player and International Roster Slot.