The 2025 MLS season has already gotten off to a difficult start for Western Conference side Portland Timbers after Phil Neville’s side went down to ten men just 11 minutes into the campaign.
An opening weekend clash against Cascadia Cup rivals Vancouver Whitecaps was billed as the perfect way to begin the season, but center-back Kamal Miller was given his marching orders after being judged to have brought down Whitecaps forward Brian White as the last man.
Though replays showed that perhaps White made the most of what could be debated as minimal contact, Neville’s side now has it all to do on day one after the club looks to improve their defensive record after a difficult 2024 at the back.
Unfortunately for the home side, Vancouver star Ryan Gauld slotted home from inside the area after a howler from Portland shot-stopper Maxime Crepeau led to the Scottish midfielder putting the Whitecaps 1-0 up 13 minutes after Miller marched down the tunnel.
Matters were made worse eight minutes on when Pedro Vite hit a blockbuster from outside of the box to double their advantage in Jesper Sørensen’s MLS debut.
📸 Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
