Cifuentes thrilled to take over at Timbers

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Marti Cifuentes is excited to get going at the Portland Timbers after he was named as Phil Neville’s successor.

Cifuentes was dismissed by Leicester City in January. He previously managed Queens Park Rangers.

The Spaniard has now signed on at Portland, who were on the hunt for a new coach after they sacked Neville in May.

Portland resumed their MLS campaign in style last week, with interim coach Jack Cassidy overseeing a thumping 5-1 win over the Seattle Sounders.

Cifuentes was officially appointed on Tuesday, though Cassidy will remain in charge until Portland’s new boss finalises his visa process.

“I am incredibly excited to become the next head coach of this club,” said Cifuentes.

“My conversations with Merritt and Ned were truly inspiring, and their vision aligns perfectly with what I want to be part of. I have always followed MLS, and it has long been an ambition of mine to experience this league.

“To have the chance to do so at a club like Portland, with such an incredible fanbase and an exciting group of players, is truly special.

“I know how passionate this city is about soccer, and the connection between the club and the city is what makes this opportunity so meaningful.

“We want to build a team with a clear identity, strong ambition, and a real sense of togetherness, one that represents this city and makes our supporters proud.

“Soccer in the U.S. is entering a new era, with the country hosting the World Cup and the sport continuing to grow in so many ways. To be part of that journey and contribute to the next chapter of the game here is a privilege.”

Portland host FC Dallas on Wednesday. The Timbers sit 11th in the Western Conference, while Dallas are fifth.

Martí is bringing a strong foundation and invaluable experience to Portland pic.twitter.com/WafwK2h08s

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 21, 2026

Portland Timbers – ​Kevin Kelsy

Kelsy scored two of Portland’s five goals against the Sounders, meaning he has netted five goals over his last five games.

His five league goals since May 9 are tied with the Philadelphia Union’s Milan Iloski for the most by any MLS player in that time.

Dallas have a World Cup goalscorer set to lead their line.

Musa netted for Croatia against England, in Dallas, last month. He became the first Dallas player to score in the World Cup.

He is one of three players to score for a European nation at the World Cup while playing for an MLS side (Gareth Bale and Xherdan Shaqiri in 2022).

Dallas have equalled a club record with three consecutive regular-season away wins, the first time they have done so since May 2005.

Their only string of four straight road wins in all competitions came in July-August 1997, when they won five in a row on the road across the regular season and US Open Cup.

However, Portland have lost only one of 17 all-time home matches against Dallas in all competitions (W9 D7), though the last two meetings at Providence Park have ended in draws.

The Timbers are unbeaten in nine straight at home against Dallas (W4 D5) since a 3-1 loss in April 2016.

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