Timbers part with coach Giovanni Savarese

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

Assistant coach Miles Joseph will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season.
The move comes after Portland lost 5-0 to the Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
Savarese had been with the Timbers since the 2018 season, leading the club to the MLS Cup final twice (2018, 2021). The club won the MLS is Back Tournament during the 2020 season.

What they’re saying

“Gio has been an exceptional coach for the Timbers and a joy to work with,” owner Merritt Paulson said in a statement. “He has achieved some fabulous 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 that he has given us. He will be missed.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment that Gio has given to the Portland Timbers over the last six seasons, and it has been an honor to have had the chance 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.”

Backstory

Savarese compiled a 74-47-62 (W-D-L) record during his time in charge of the Timbers. Portland sits 12th in the Western Conference, with 26 points after 24 matches. They are five points below the playoff 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)