The Aljaz Ivacic Situation

A rapid fall from grace has resulted in a complaint with the MLSPA. What does the future look like for the Timbers' reigning Supporter's Player of the Year?

*All articles referenced will be linked at the bottom.*

In 2022, the Timbers’ best player was Aljaz Ivacic. He led the league with 111 saves and won Supporter’s Player of the Year. This was a career year for the Slovenian, who finally got his chance to claim the starting goalkeeper job after the departure of Steve Clark. He easily became the club’s number 1, starting every game he was available for. Heading into 2023, the goalkeeping position looked to be perfectly stable. Ivacic would be the starter, with David Bingham backing him up. However, Bingham has completely usurped the starting goalkeeper job at this point in the season. Before kickoff on Saturday, with fans lining up outside the stadium, Ryan Clarke of The Oregonian published an article. The news was far from good. Ivacic has filed a complaint with the MLSPA against the Portland Timbers. He is alleging “abusive conduct” and “tampering” against him by the team. Before we get into what might happen in regards to this complaint, we must set the stage, both on and off the field.