PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers will play host to Minnesota United FC at Providence Park in the club’s 2018 home opener on Saturday, April 14, it was announced today as MLS unveiled details for each club’s home-opening match for its 23rd season. The match against Minnesota is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific).
Additionally, the Timbers announced that the team will play its first game of the season on Sunday, March 4, taking on the LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center at 7 p.m. (Pacific).
Portland’s home opener is set for April 14 due to the construction currently underway at Providence Park as part of phase one of the stadium expansion. As a result of opening the 2018 season on the road due to the construction, the Timbers will also feature in the New York Red Bulls’ home opener, with Portland set to face the Eastern Conference club on Saturday, March 10, at Red Bull Arena, beginning at 4 p.m. (Pacific).
The April 14 match marks the second consecutive season the Timbers have faced Minnesota United FC in their home opener, with Portland taking a 5-1 home win against Minnesota in the 2017 season opener on March 3. The match against Minnesota marks the third time the Timbers open their home schedule against a Western Conference opponent. Since 2011, Portland is 4-0-3 in its MLS home openers, and the Timbers have also logged a 37-13-21 overall regular-season record against Western Conference opponents at Providence Park since the start of the 2013 season.
The complete regular-season schedule, along with the national television schedules for the United States and Canada, will be announced in January.
