Portland Timbers and Phil Neville part ways after 3-1 loss

The Portland Timbers and head coach Phil Neville have mutually parted ways, the Major League Soccer club announced Monday. The decision follows a 3-1 home loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night, leaving the Timbers in 13th place in the Western Conference with a record of four wins, eight losses, and two draws this season.

Neville, who joined the Timbers ahead of the 2024 season, concluded his tenure with a record of 27 wins, 31 losses, and 24 draws. In a statement, he acknowledged the team's performance had fallen short of expectations. "I realize we are in a results business, and the results haven't been to the expectation of this football club," Neville said. He also thanked the club's supporters, known as the Timbers Army, saying they inspired him to try to bring success to Portland.

Timbers owner Merritt Paulson praised Neville's leadership and dedication in a separate statement. "In my nearly two decades of owning and operating the Portland Timbers, there are very few people I have enjoyed working with more than Phil Neville," Paulson said. "Phil has outstanding leadership qualities and a boundless sense of positivity even in the face of adversity. I cannot...