Portland Timbers are making a serious playoff push with the signings of Kristopher Velde and Felipe Carballo.

What happened?

The Timbers signed the two players to boost their chances of making the playoffs. Velde, a 25-year-old forward, and Carballo, a 28-year-old midfielder, joined the squad for training this week.

Why it matters for Portland Timbers

The signings are a significant boost to the team's playoff hopes, with 9 games left in the season. The Timbers are currently 8th in Major League Soccer, with 44 points from 34 games, and a recent form of LLDDL. They are 19 points behind leaders San Diego.

What comes next?

The Timbers will face Chicago Fire away on August 16, 2026. The team's manager, Phil Neville, is confident that the new signings will make an immediate impact. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 8th in Major League Soccer | | Points | 44 | | Games played | 34 | | Recent form | LLDDL | | Goals scored | 41 | | Goals conceded | 48 | | Goal difference | -7 |

Key players

Velde has 62 goals and 39 assists in 250 career club appearances. Carballo will partner with David Ayala in the midfield. The Timbers are going for it, with a full three designated players, and are looking to close the gap with leaders San Diego.