Timbers Announce Schedule For 2023 Coachella Valley Invitational
By Adam Booker
The Timbers have announced their upcoming schedule for the 2023 Coachella Valley Invitational preseason tournament in California, which is set to take place in February.
The event will feature 12 MLS clubs including the Timbers, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, LAFC, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls Charlotte FC, San Jose Earthquakes, St. Louis City SC, Toronto FC, Minnesota United FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
After a disappointing 2022 campaign in which the Cascadia club missed out on playoff qualification by one point, the team will be keen on getting off to a fast start in preseason in order to set the tone for the upcoming MLS season. Getting their preparations underway in the winter months, the Timbers face this schedule in California.
Portland Timbers vs LA Galaxy - Sunday, February 12 (Kickoff 10:30 am PT)
Portland Timbers vs Toronto FC - Wednesday, February 15 (Kickoff 2 pm PT)
Portland Timbers vs New York City FC - Saturday, February 18 (Kickoff 12 pm PT)
With just over two months until the tournament, the club will be focused on revamping the squad in order to reclaim their position as one of the elite teams in the Western Conference.
Early offseason reports have suggested that the Timbers could be closing in on Midtjylland attacker Evander, who has impressed for the Danish side. Some reports are even suggesting that PTFC could break their transfer record and splash out $10 million or more for the 24-year-old.
The Brazilian has registered 1 goal and 4 assists in the UEFA Europa League this season - with his assist tally topping that category, and if the Timbers front office can play their cards right, they could secure Evander’s services with plenty of time to get him settled into Portland before the Coachella Valley Invitational in February.
Closer to home, the club has already wrapped up some deals in house, extending left-back Claudio Bravo’s contract through 2026, and striker Felpie Mora through 2025 in the hopes that the Chilean can recover from a second successive knee injury. No matter what, with plenty of rumors surrounding potential roster moves, the club could be in for a busy offseason both on and off the pitch.