Timbers vs New England: Overview

In a captivating MLS encounter at Providence Park, the Portland Timbers secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on July 5, 2025. The win strengthened Portland's impressive home record while halting New England's seven-match unbeaten run on the road.

From the opening whistle, the atmosphere at Providence Park was electric, with the Timbers Army in full voice, creating the intimidating cauldron that has become synonymous with matches in the Rose City. Over 21,000 fans witnessed a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout the 90 minutes, showcasing the attacking prowess of both sides.

Portland's rookie defender Ian Smith announced himself to the MLS stage with a stunning half-volley in the 20th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures as he registered his first professional goal. The Revolution responded admirably when Argentine forward Luca Langoni leveled the score in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack orchestrated by maestro Carles Gil.

However, the decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when David Da Costa curled a magnificent effort from outside the penalty area, beyond the reach of New England's goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic. The goal proved to be the difference between the sides and consolidated the Timbers' position in the Western Conference playoff picture.

The result sees Phil Neville's Portland outfit improve to 9-5-6 (33 points), strengthening their playoff credentials, while Caleb Porter's Revolution, now at 6-7-6 (24 points), remain stuck in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, leaving their postseason hopes hanging in the balance. For Porter, it was a disappointing return to the stadium where he previously enjoyed considerable success as head coach of the Timbers.

"Coming back to Providence Park is always special, but tonight we just couldn't find that final piece of quality when it mattered most," reflected New England head coach Caleb Porter. "I thought we controlled periods of the game well, especially after equalizing, but credit to Portland for taking their chances. This is a difficult place to play, and we've shown character, but character alone doesn't win you points."

"The lads showed tremendous resilience tonight," said Portland's head coach Phil Neville. "New England are a quality side with dangerous players, particularly Gil who can change a game in an instant. But I thought our defensive shape was excellent, and we took our chances when they came. Ian's goal was sensational for a young player, and David's winner was pure quality."

"Scoring my first MLS goal is a dream come true," beamed Portland's Ian Smith after the match. "I connected with it perfectly, and when I saw it hit the net, the feeling was indescribable. The coach has shown faith in me, and I'm just trying to repay that with performances on the pitch."

"We're disappointed to leave without points," said Revolution's captain Carles Gil. "We've been strong on the road recently, and we created enough opportunities tonight to get something from the game. It's a setback, but we have to regroup quickly because the season doesn't wait for anyone."

"That winning goal from Da Costa was absolutely world-class," commented former USMNT defender and current analyst Alexi Lalas. "The technique, the composure, the execution—that's the difference at this level. Portland continues to make Providence Park a fortress, and these three points could be crucial come playoff time."

Possession: Portland Timbers 54% - 46% New England Revolution

Shots on Target: Portland Timbers 5 - 3 New England Revolution

Total Shots: Portland Timbers 12 - 9 New England Revolution

Corners: Portland Timbers 7 - 4 New England Revolution

Fouls: Portland Timbers 10 - 13 New England Revolution

Yellow Cards: Portland Timbers 2 - 3 New England Revolution

Red Cards: Portland Timbers 0 - 0 New England Revolution

Individual Performances:

Portland's goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made two crucial saves, maintaining his status as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the MLS. Midfielder David Ayala controlled the tempo with an impressive 91% pass completion rate and created three scoring opportunities.

For New England, playmaker Carles Gil delivered his seventh assist of the season, continuing his creative streak with a team-high 42 successful passes in the final third. Defender Brandon Bye won 7 defensive duels, the most of any player on the pitch.

The Timbers outperformed the Revolution in most statistical categories, including expected goals (xG): Portland 1.7 - 0.9 New England, highlighting their greater attacking threat throughout the contest. Portland's dominance was particularly evident in the final 30 minutes when they registered 4 shots on target compared to New England's single attempt.

15': First significant chance falls to Portland's Santiago Moreno, whose low drive from 18 yards forces a fingertip save from Ivacic.

20' GOAL: Ian Smith opens the scoring for the Portland Timbers with a spectacular half-volley from the edge of the box following a partially cleared corner. The 22-year-old rookie defender celebrates his first MLS goal with a jubilant slide toward the Timbers Army.

35' GOAL: Luca Langoni equalizes for the New England Revolution against the run of play. Carles Gil intercepts a stray pass in midfield before releasing Langoni with a perfectly weighted through ball. The Argentine forward calmly slots past Crépeau for his first goal of the season.

45+2': First half ends with teams level at 1-1, though Portland enjoying the majority of possession and territorial advantage.

58': Tactical shift from Portland as Phil Neville introduces David Da Costa, switching from a 4-3-3 to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation.

65': New England's Peyton Miller receives a yellow card for a cynical challenge on Juan David Mosquera, halting a promising Portland counter-attack.

72' GOAL: Substitute David Da Costa restores Portland's lead with a magnificent curling effort from 22 yards that finds the top corner. The technical quality of the strike leaves Ivacic with no chance despite a full-stretch dive.

83': Revolution coach Caleb Porter makes a double substitution, adopting a more aggressive 3-4-3 formation in search of a late equalizer.

90+4': Match concludes with Portland securing all three points after surviving late pressure from New England.

The rivalry between the Portland Timbers and New England Revolution has been remarkably even in recent years, with this victory ending a streak of five consecutive draws dating back to 2016. Historically, Portland now holds a slight edge with 5 wins to New England's 4, with 7 draws completing the head-to-head record.

New England's struggles at Providence Park continued, as they remain winless in the Rose City with a record of 0-2-5 all-time. The home advantage has been significant in this cross-conference matchup, with the Timbers securing 65% of their total points against the Revolution at home.

The tactical battle between Phil Neville and Caleb Porter added an intriguing subplot to the encounter, with Porter returning to the stadium where he led the Timbers to MLS Cup glory in 2015. Porter's familiarity with the venue didn't translate to success on this occasion, as Neville's in-game adjustments, particularly the introduction of match-winner David Da Costa, proved decisive.

The individual duel between playmakers Carles Gil and Santiago Moreno lived up to expectations, with both influencing proceedings in different ways. Gil's assist maintained his standing as one of the league's premier creators, while Moreno's direct running caused problems for the Revolution defense throughout.

This victory could mark a psychological shift in the fixture, breaking the pattern of draws that had characterized recent meetings. With both teams potentially meeting again in the MLS Cup playoffs should they qualify from their respective conferences, this result might have implications beyond the three points secured by Portland.

Following their hard-fought victory, the Portland Timbers have strengthened their position in the Western Conference, moving up to 5th place with a record of 9-5-6 (33 points). Phil Neville's men are now just four points behind conference leaders Seattle Sounders with a game in hand, putting them firmly in contention for a top-four finish that would secure home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The defeat leaves the New England Revolution languishing in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 6-7-6 (24 points). Caleb Porter's side now finds themselves five points adrift of the playoff positions with 15 matches remaining in the regular season. Their road form had been a bright spot until this defeat, having gone seven matches unbeaten away from home.

Portland's impressive home record continues to be the foundation of their playoff push, having lost just once at Providence Park this season. If they maintain this form at home while improving their away performances, the Timbers could be dark horses for a deep playoff run in the MLS Cup.

For New England, the path forward is more challenging. With upcoming fixtures against several Eastern Conference rivals, including a crucial six-pointer against 10th-placed Chicago Fire, the next month could define their season. The Revolution's attacking talent suggests they have the firepower to climb the table, but consistency has been their Achilles' heel throughout the campaign.