Timbers learn Leagues Cup 2023 group stage opponents

The Timbers' 2023 Leagues Cup opponents have been announced ahead of the tournament's revamped format for the upcoming campaign. The tournament, featuring Liga MX and MLS clubs will be played from July 21 to August 19 this summer. The group stage of the competition will see 47 play a total of 77 matches in four weeks, at which time both domestic leagues will pause their campaigns. Every team will play two matches in the group, and the top two teams from those groups will advance to the knockout round.

The Timbers have been drawn into West 1 Group and will face famous Liga MX side Tigres UANL and fellow MLS club San Jose Earthquakes. While the Timbers have faced off with San Jose on a number of occasions, the Tigres clash will be just the second time the Cascadia club have tangled with the Monterrey outfit. Last time out against the Tigers, the Timbers ran out 2-0 winners at Providence Park in 2008.

The Leagues Cup 2023 winner will qualify directly for the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16, which the Timbers have not featured in since 2021 after winnning the MLS is back tournament. On top of that, the second and third place Clubs will qualify for the Champions League Round One. According to info provided by the Timbers official website, this will first official competition in the world to involve two leagues and be sanctioned by their Confederation.

It could be exciting times for the PTFC faithful as it's another exciting cup competition with plenty at stake. After a disappointing 2022 campaign in which Gio Savarese's men failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs out of the Western Conference by one point, they will be keen to right their wrongs and have a successful season fighting on multiple fronts.