The Portland Timbers have named Ned Grabavoy as general manager. Entering his eighth season with the Timbers, Grabavoy becomes the second general manager in the club’s MLS era.
“I feel fortunate to have been a part of this incredible organization for eight years now,” said Grabavoy. “I would like to thank Merritt Paulson for his continued belief and support in me personally. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue working with Gio Savarese, the assistant coaches, and all of the incredible individuals that help make up our support staff here with the Portland Timbers. I believe our collective efforts will lead us to achieving success together.”
Grabavoy has spent the past four seasons (2019-2022) as the Timbers’ technical director. In that role, he managed and oversaw all aspects of scouting, recruitment, and potential player acquisitions for the club while working closely with the GM on roster management, construction, and player contract execution. Prior to that, Grabavoy served as the director of scouting and recruitment for Portland in 2017 and 2018.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ned for many years now. He has been working towards this moment and I believe he is deserving of this promotion,” said Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese. “Ned has my full support, as well of the entire Technical Staff, as we enter a new phase in the club. I look forward to accomplishing great things together.”
Since Grabavoy joined the Timbers’ technical staff in 2017, Portland has made five postseason runs (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017) and two MLS Cup appearances (2021, 2018), while claiming the MLS is Back title in 2020.
The Joliet, Ill., native signed with Portland for his final professional season in 2016 as the club’s first free-agent acquisition. In his 13-year MLS career, Grabavoy earned 301 MLS appearances, the 56th most amongst field players in league history. During that span, Grabavoy won two MLS Cups (2004, 2009) and a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title (2005). Additionally, Grabavoy made 22 appearances (5 starts) in his final season for Portland.
