Portland Timbers

(7-6-7)

6th in West

MLS attendance up 12 percent from 2023 — and it's not all down to Messi

Attendance at MLS matches is up 12% compared to data up to the same date in 2023, the league announced on Monday. Nearly 6.5 million fans have attended a total of 279 MLS matches in the first half of the regular season — nearly 700,000 more fans than the same date in 2023. The year-to-year growth is anchored by upward trends for 25 of the league’s 29 active franchises. Nine teams are currently averaging attendance at 100 percent of their stadium’s capacity. Additionally, five matches have featured an attendance of 60,000 or higher in 2024, the most through this date in league history.

Jeff Rueter139

Which MLS teams are most entertaining to watch? 2024 edition

Tom Bogert77

A year to go until the Club World Cup in the United States: What's going on?

Adam Crafton78

MLS's experimental rule changes are saving time, but causing a stir with Messi

Jeff Rueter85

Almada, Shaqiri among potential MLS transfers to watch in summer window

Tom Bogert51

Why RSL-Colorado was the perfect MLS game; San Diego hire falls through: Takeaways

An eight-goal thriller between Rocky Mountain rivals showed off the very things that make the league special away from the marquee teams

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter17

MLSPA salary release takeaways: What we learned from the day agents and GMs both dread

Which MLS teams have increased/decreased their spending the most? Now we know.

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter63

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in MLS, earning more than 25 rosters

Plus, why Miami can pay Messi so much over the salary cap

Jeff Rueter and Tom Bogert65

Why more MLS coaches aren't on the hot seat; Benteke's aerial expertise: Takeaways

Plus, diving into Christian Benteke's eye-popping and historic aerial ability after a hat trick of headers

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter66

Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Marco Reus and more: Europe's free agents who could land in MLS

A number of big names will be available on a free transfer this summer. These ones could make sense for at least a few MLS teams.

Tom Bogert46

Diego Chara breaks an MLS record while Lionel Messi chases one: Takeaways

In many ways, Diego Chara’s Saturday evening was the same as so many have been for the past 13 years: Head to the stadium and lace em’ up for another game with the Portland Timbers, where he’s a club legend. Taking his familiar spot in central midfield on Saturday, Chara moved, tackled and smiled the same way at 38 years old that he did as the 25-year-old that debuted in MLS in 2011. Only two things were out of the ordinary: For one, he got a red card — somehow only his ninth across all competitions for Portland in 13 years despite someone constantly getting stuck into tackles. For...

Jeff Rueter, Tom Bogert and Pablo Maurer49

The best and worst dealings of the MLS primary transfer window

Our writers share their superlatives for a busy winter transfer window

Tom Bogert and Jeff Rueter62

Where deals stand on MLS transfer deadline eve: New deal for Puig, Cincy's U-22 forward and more

The latest on transfer and trade moves before the league's primary window shuts

Tom Bogert32

Where MLS teams have improved and regressed in 2024

There's just enough sample size in the early part of the MLS season to identify some trends in how teams have changed since 2023.

Jeff Rueter51

U.S. Open Cup round of 32 draw: MLS and USL teams join, NYCFC II is last Next Pro team

The Open Cup's round of 32 features many USL vs. MLS matchups, with the lowest-ranked teams coming from USL League One

Jeff Rueter27

MLS transfer deadline preview, rule change impact, and more

MLS transfer deadline day is fast approaching, new roster rules are incoming, and a star player is once again missing. There’s lots to cover, so let’s get right to answering your questions. “Will any team make a big move before the window ends? Also any rumblings or movement about the Fire?” —Victor S. “Do you think the Houston Dynamo will sign a DP or any attacking player?” —Charles T. “Tom please, are Austin FC going to do anything significant this season?” —Andrew The MLS primary transfer window is still open, in case you forgot.

Tom Bogert33

How MLS teams will use new rule changes; coaches on the hot seat: Takeaways

Plus, an early check on the Golden Boot race now that early contenders have made themselves known

The Athletic Staff51

FIFA President Gianni Infantino told MLS owners to 'be bold' with spending

In an informal conversation with the league's board, Infantino emphasized the need for investment in MLS around the World Cup

Paul Tenorio54

MLS plans to allow teams more spending flexibility with summer rule changes

MLS owners have voted to institute a set of rule changes that would take effect this summer, pending MLSPA approval.

Paul Tenorio192

Gianni Infantino addressed MLS owners' meeting, a first for a FIFA president

FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed MLS owners at the league’s Board of Governors meeting this week, becoming the first FIFA president to attend a board meeting since MLS’s founding in 1996. “I was very happy for the first time that the FIFA president comes to an MLS meeting of this nature,” Infantino said. “We have great events coming up here in North America with the new Club World Cup next year, the World Cup in ‘26, so a lot of promotion for soccer, or football as we call it.” The MLS Board of Governors consists of a representative from ownership of each of...

Paul Tenorio102

Inter Miami, Columbus' Champions Cup games make this MLS's most important week in a while

Over two days in Monterrey, two of MLS's most notable teams will face uphill battles to earn a spot in the Club World Cup

Felipe Cardenas and Pablo Maurer62

The 12 most talked-about MLS youth prospects at the Generation Adidas Cup

In a global showcase for youth talent, these names in MLS academies got scouts, agents, and international coaches talking

Tom Bogert27

What El Tráfico said about MLS's present and future: Takeaways from the weekend

Plus; the Red Buls and Whitecaps top the table, and Sna Jose and Kansas City continue to drop points from winning positions

Tom Bogert, Jeff Rueter and Paul Tenorio32

USMNT Olympics watchlist: Which MLS players could go to France for the Games?

There are plenty of young players to keep an eye on ahead of the U.S. men's first Olympic appearance since 2008.

Jeff Rueter54

MLS's undefeated teams, a tale of three Colombians and Godoy's bicycle kick - Takeaways

Plus: The good, the bad and the absent among Colombian forwards, and an Anibal Godoy golazo

Tom Bogert, Jeff Rueter and Paul Tenorio45

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