Many doubted the Portland Timbers before the 2025 season. MLS pundits Bradley Wright-Phillips (11th) and Sacha Kljestan (12th) predicted they’d miss the playoffs, while Kaylyn Kyle had them just sneaking in at eighth.
Now, with Portland close to clinching a second straight postseason berth under head coach Phil Neville, the Englishman is having the last laugh.
“I’ve got a post ready for when we make the playoffs: ‘Apple TV, change your bloody pundits because they are useless,’” Neville joked on This is MLS. “I get it, guys. I forgive you.”
‘Play the game, not the occasion’
Reflecting on his 15 years at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, Neville said his philosophy focuses on character over tactics.
“We didn’t do tactics. We just trained character,” Neville explained. “Coaches hide behind tactics nowadays… but the personality and character of the player is what gets you over the line.”
The Timbers visit the Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday in a crucial Cascadia Cup clash (10:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). A win could seal their playoff spot as they look to avenge last season’s 5-0 Wild Card loss to Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Neville believes success now depends on resilience:
“The best players in MLS right now are the ones competing. The best teams are the ones that can compete… that’s the key for us going into the playoffs.”
