The Decision

How will the Timbers fill their open DP slot?

The Portland Timbers are in a bit of a pickle. Despite an excellent first half of the MLS campaign, Jonathan Rodriguez’s season-ending injury has presented a serious dilemma. How does one replace Rodriguez and properly fill the open DP slot? This is the biggest decision that the Timbers’ front office has had to make in a long time. Evander’s departure wasn’t a huge decision, it was inevitable. But as the team enters the Leagues Cup run-in with a 9 point gap between themselves and the playoff line, they’re going to have to tread water until the transfer window opens on July 24th. In an ideal world, this new DP would arrive on that date. But before that player can come, a decision has to be made: what position is the most necessary for a DP-level player?

The Contenders

Let’s begin by ruling out the positions that will not be in contention for a new DP. Luckily, there are only four: goalkeeper, left back, right back, and striker. Not only are there quality starters in those spots, a DP-level investment at those positions is not a smart way to build a roster. Well, except for the striker. But the Timbers already have Felipe Mora and $6M man Kevin Kelsy up top. A potential DP striker should not be considered during this upcoming summer window. That leaves center back, central midfield, winger, and the attacking midfield spots.

Center Back

The main argument used for signing a DP center back revolves around 2015. From 2014-2016, the Timbers had a center back on the roster who occupied a DP slot. His name was Liam Ridgewell, and he was pretty damn good! But it should be noted that Ridgewell’s time with the Timbers occurred in a completely different era of MLS. 10 new teams have been added since the Timbers removed Ridgewell from a DP slot. By the way, there were 7 defenders playing under a DP tag in 2016 (Ridgewell, DaMarcus Beasley, Matt Besler, Jelle Van Damme, Jose Goncalves, Xavier Kouassi, and Maurice Edu). In 2025, that number has been reduced to 3 (Walker Zimmerman, Thiago Martins, and Jordi Alba). Using a DP slot on a defender is a tribute to a bypassed era. In theory, a DP center back sounds like a perfect way to counteract teams who primarily use their DP slots on attackers. But quality center backs can be found without using a DP slot.

Using Austin as an example seems pretty weird for a “smart spending” take, but they have a really good room of center backs without using any high-value roster slots. Julio Cascante ($773K), Oleksandr Svatok ($300K), and Brendan Hines-Ike ($200K) are key contributors to Austin’s stellar defensive record throughout the first half of the season. Their issue is only having 3 senior center backs, but all of them can be considered excellent bargains. Cascante is usually the first name on the backline, which is typical of a high-value center back. Bottomline: although it sounds like a solid move, a DP center back severely hampers a team’s ability to construct a competitive roster. Especially with only 2 DP slots available.

Central Midfield

I’ve already stated the case for a DP central midfielder in previous articles, but so much of it depends on how the coaching staff views David Ayala’s best role. Is he a true 8 that can impact the attack in the same way he impacts the defense? Is he a hybrid 8 that can become more influential in the final third? Is he a true 6 that can operate as a single pivot? Or is he a hybrid 6 in the mold of Diego Chara? I think he’s split between both 6 profiles and a true 8. The hybrid 6 seems like the most likely, which means that he needs another hybrid 6 or true 8 alongside him. The other looming question regards Ayala’s contract, which expires at the end of 2025. He has a club option for 2026, so he could be playing under that option next season while both parties settle on an agreeable number. Rumors linking him with a return to Argentina won’t disappear either. Regardless, a new high-impact central midfielder is severely needed. But there is another option besides filling the DP slot with a new pivot player.

Winger

Before I expand on that last thought, I must address the obvious solution.

Like-For-Like

It’s worth remembering that Rodriguez was initially signed as a striker. Once it became clear that he was more effective on the left wing, it became his permanent spot. That resulted in a 16g/5a season. Now the Timbers are seriously missing a goalscoring left winger, so it would make sense to fill the DP slot with a direct replacement for Rodriguez. However, this might not be the best option.

Although Antony’s time with the Timbers has been marked by streaky performances, he offers excellent defense from the left wing spot. Maybe the Timbers do have a starting left winger who just needs to become more consistent in the final third. I certainly believe so. But the Timbers are still missing a consistent goal threat from the wide areas. Here’s a radical idea: what if that goalscorer played on the right wing?

An Exercise in “What If?”

“But Jeremy, the Timbers already have a starting right winger! His name is Santiago Moreno!” That is correct, but I have a counterpoint: does Moreno actually play on the right wing?

This does not look like a touchline-hugging winger. Rather, Moreno’s 2025 heatmap resembles an inverted winger who primarily operates in the right channel or in the center of the pitch. You know what else it resembles? A right-sided 8.

In the final months of 2023, the Timbers were led by Miles Joseph. Giovanni Savarese’s 4-2-3-1 was tweaked into a functional 4-3-3. You might remember that the Timbers played some pretty good soccer during that period, but it wasn’t enough for the team to qualify for the playoffs. Part of that brief Renaissance was a change in Moreno’s role. After a 2-2 draw in Seattle, I tried to create Portland’s best XI in the new formation. The key to it all was Santiago Moreno playing as an 8.

It’s two years into the future, and this paragraph is still true. Imagine a Timbers team lined up like this:

Could this be the most effective use of Portland’s open DP slot? I think that argument lies in whether or not you believe this setup puts Portland’s best players in the best spots to succeed. Antony, Mora, and the backline retain their natural roles. The only changes occur in the midfield. Moreno’s suitability has already been accounted for, but what about Ayala? I think that Ayala could operate as a true 6 in front of a back four with his only attacking duties consisting of ball progression. It wouldn’t be maximizing his skillset, but it’s a role that he could absolutely perform. Da Costa has also shown the correct aptitude and ability to play the left-sided 8 role. However, one aspect could be lacking: defense.

I think it’s time to dispel a myth: Da Costa does not make the Timbers a better defensive team. His positioning in the press is very good, but he isn’t contributing much on the stat sheet. He does make the Timbers a more complete team, however it isn’t to the extent that most believe. The emergence of Finn Surman combined with steady performances from the goalkeeping unit and Jimer Fory are the real reasons why the Timbers are a better defensive team in 2025 (improved set piece defense is also a major factor). Can Da Costa cope with more defensive responsibilities?

Based on his statistics from his last year at Lens, it appears likely. In addition to finding the right roles for Da Costa and Moreno, this would significantly improve Portland’s attack from a pure numbers standpoint. Currently, the 4-2-3-1 frees four players to work around the box. In the 4-3-3, that number increases to five. All five of those attackers are in the team for attacking purposes as well. For a final point, Portland’s pressing structure would also be improved. Instead of the 4-2-2-2 shape that creates a giant gap in front of the double pivot, the middle areas of the pitch would be occupied by Da Costa and Moreno with Mora or Kevin Kelsy acting as the focal point. It also doesn’t interfere with the already established partnerships in the attack (Da Costa-Antony and Moreno-Mosquera). From a structural and statistical point of view, the Timbers should heavily consider bringing in a DP right winger. The eye test confirms it. But one more question needs to be answered: do they have the balls to do it?

Maybe that sounds a little harsh, but it would require the front office and coaching staff moving away from a 4-2-3-1 that has been very successful (results-wise) in 2025. However, the cracks have been starting to show, and making a decision like this would hurt some egos. But the 2025 Timbers haven’t had egos at all. The collective strength of the team has been the power of friendship. Making a change like this could actually increase the power of friendship inside the group. Moreno has always desired to play centrally. Da Costa has always been the hypothetical DP 8. Ayala is ready for the step up as a single pivot. It makes too much sense.

Attacking Midfield

But there is another option to consider. Maybe the Timbers want to remain a 4-2-3-1 team and view Da Costa as the left winger? I think it’s a little ridiculous to entertain it as a serious option, but it could work. But it would require kicking one of Antony, Moreno, or Da Costa to the bench. I don’t think that either of those decisions would sit well in the locker room, and it would act as an indirect admission of failure about the Da Costa signing to do it. Considering the other options available, it seems like this possibility is rather frivolous. But it could work under the right circumstances. However, those circumstances don’t exist in the present edition of the Portland Timbers.

The Right Choice

I’ll be honest. Before I started writing this article, I was fully on team “DP central mid.” However, after giving the right winger situation enough consideration, it’s becoming more and more clear that adding a DP right winger and moving Moreno to the midfield is the correct answer. And a DP right winger fixes the main problem that the Timbers are losing with Rodriguez: goal involvements from the wide areas.

Final Whistle

Maybe my case isn’t as convincing to you as it is to me. That’s fine. But there’s one thing everyone can agree on: this incoming DP will define the rest of the season.

The race for the top 4 in the West will become a slugfest in the near future. Portland has positioned themselves to be in prime contention, but the transfer window doesn’t officially open until July 24th. The Timbers will play 5 MLS games before any new players can be added to the roster. The team already has targets in mind, but filling that slot in time for the window opening is crucial. They’ve played half the season with (effectively) one DP, getting 3 goals from Da Costa and Rodriguez combined. The extra bit of firepower is desperately needed for the playoff push. The Open Cup failure leaves the team with 2 (3, Cascadia counts) trophies up for grabs in 2025. Year 50 is begging for a trophy. In order for that trophy to be won, this DP slot needs to be filled by the right player (right wing) and with some serious haste. No price is too high. If the player is available, go get him. The Western Conference is up for grabs. And it’s the Timbers’ time to strike.