After offseason changes, Timbers’ midfield begins to take shape

After offseason changes, Timbers’ midfield begins to take shape

A month ago, Phil Neville wasn’t ecstatic about the state of his midfield. But the Portland Timbers manager being who he is — and this being the preseason — it wasn’t tough for the third-year manager to hype up a group that came into camp in 2026 without dynamo mainstay David Ayala.

After offseason changes, Portland’s midfield begins to take shape

Cole Bassett (Photo courtesty of Portland Timbers)A month ago, Phil Neville wasn’t ecstatic about the state of his midfield. But the Timbers manager being who he is — and this being the preseason — it wasn’t tough for the third-year manager to hype up a group that came into camp in 2026 without dynamo mainstay David Ayala.The 22-year-old, who Neville routinely called the best midfielder in the Western Conference, now plays for Miami. And while t…