2015 Supporters' Shield Winning Season

Lore & Background

The atmosphere at Jeld-Wen Field reached fever pitch as the Timbers fought off stiff competition from Toronto FC and New York City FC for the top spot. The season was not without heartbreak in the playoffs, where they fell short of their ultimate Cup dream, but the Supporters' Shield remained a tangible symbol of their dominance over the regular season calendar. It proved that Portland could compete with the league's best consistently, cementing their status as a premier MLS franchise.

Reader's Guide

The 2015 campaign began with high hopes but early defensive struggles that tested the squad's resolve under Caleb Porter's tactical guidance. Mid-season adjustments saw Diego Valeri take command of the midfield, transforming the team's rhythm and earning him individual accolades as the league's MVP. A crucial late-season push against direct rivals like Toronto FC solidified their mathematical lead for the Supporters' Shield. The season concluded with the historic presentation of the Shield, validating a year of consistent excellence despite playoff disappointment.

Did You Know?

• Diego Valeri became the first Timbers player to win the MLS Most Valuable Player award during this historic campaign.
• The 2015 Supporters' Shield was the club's first major hardware since returning to Major League Soccer in 2011.
• Despite winning the Shield, the team was eliminated in the knockout stage of the playoffs by New York City FC.