It has not been a good start to the new MLS season for the Portland Timbers. They made the playoffs last season, eventually falling foul to Houston Dynamo in the Conference Semi-Finals, and were hoping to improve ahead of this season as they looked to mount another title challenge.
However, the early goings were not quite as smooth as anticipated. Certainly, opening the year with three road games does not help. Added to that, they faced a much-revitalised LA Galaxy to start the year, an ever-strong and consistent New York Red Bulls, and a typically fast-starting FC Dallas.