The Oregonian Sports section, reporting on the
press conference on Jan. 24, 1975
“There really is a new game in town.”
It was Jan. 23, 1975—forty years ago today—and businessman Don Paul spoke to The Oregonian and a room of reporters at the Multnomah Athletic Club as he announced that Portland was awarded its first professional soccer club in the North American Soccer League.
Soon to be named the Timbers, the club and the sport would spend the next four decades and beyond catapulting the City of Roses into a new dual role as Soccer City, USA.
Now 2015, the year marks an important milestone for Portland Timbers soccer as it is not only the club’s 40th anniversary since those NASL origins, but it also marks the fifth season of the club’s play in Major League Soccer.
As part of a year-long celebration of the dual anniversaries, the Timbers will take a look at many of the moments, matches, and personalities across the MLS, USL, and NASL eras that explore just what makes the Portland Timbers unique as a club, important to its city, and passionately celebrated by its supporters. Throughout the year, the Timbers will also host a number of unique events, share exclusive stories and videos, and unveil special team gear and more all centered on the theme of 5/40.
Follow along on Timbers.com, Twitter and Instagram at @TimbersFC as well as on the Timbers Facebook page for more as the story unfolds. Join in the conversation with hashtag #Timbers540.
