Portland Timbers severed ties with head coach Phil Neville after a 3‑1 loss to San Jose Earthquakes, leaving the club third from bottom in the Western Conference and eight points shy of a playoff berth. The 49‑year‑old, who joined in 2023 after stints at Inter Miami and England’s women’s side, admitted the team failed to meet expectations.

Neville thanked club personnel and players, saying he understood the business of results. He credited the Timbers with setting a new scoring record and reaching the playoffs in his first two seasons, but noted the timing of his departure comes as MLS enters a World Cup break. The club’s general manager, Ned Grabavoy, praised Neville’s enthusiasm and wished him well.

The decision leaves Portland at a crossroads as the league prepares for a mid‑season pause. With the club eight points adrift of postseason play, the organization must regroup and identify a new leader who can deliver immediate results. The move also clears the way for a fresh tactical approach that could revive fan enthusiasm. The Timbers’ future hinges on finding a coach capable of turning the recent slump into a competitive push.