Portland Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese

The Portland Timbers announced today, Monday, that they have parted ways with coach Gio Savarese. Here’s what you need to know:

• Associate head coach Miles Joseph would serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
• The move comes after Portland lost 5-0 to the Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
• Savarese has been with the Timbers since the 2018 season, and has led the club to two MLS Cup Finals (2018, 2021). The club won its return MLS Championship during the 2020 season.

what are they saying

“Geo was an exceptional coach for the Timbers and a pleasure to work with,” owner Merritt Paulson said in a statement. “He’s had some great results during his tenure with the club, including two MLS Cup appearances and the MLS is Back Championship. I want to thank Gio for all he’s given us. We will miss him.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment Gio has made to the Portland Timbers over the past six seasons, and it has been an honor to have the opportunity to work with him,” Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said in a statement. “His success during his time with the club speaks for itself, and we wish Gio the best moving forward.”

the background

Savarese compiled a 74-47-62 (WDL) record during his time in charge of the Timbers. Portland ranks twelfth in the Western Conference with 26 points from 24 games. They are five points below the match line.

Savarese, who won three NASL titles as manager of the New York Cosmos before joining the Timbers, signed a new contract this winter.

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(Photo: Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)