When the Timbers overhauled their goalkeeping unit in 2024 by signing Canadians Maxime Crépeau and James Pantemis, the plan seemed obvious: Crépeau — a much more proven product at the time and a MLS Cup winner with LAFC — would be the undisputed starter and the headliner of Portland’s busy offseason.
But that changed quickly when Crépeau left for international duty with the Canadian national team in the middle of the season. Pantemis stepped in and impressed, recording four clean sheets in eight matches. His strong form made it hard to take him out of the lineup, and by the end of the season, he had claimed the starting job and held onto it through the first half of 2025.
Now, the Timbers appear to be shifting back. Head coach Phil Neville reinserted Crépeau into the starting eleven on July 5 against the New England Revolution, just his second appearance of the season. Since then, Crépeau has started five straight games. When asked about the change, Neville cited Crépeau’s strong showing for Canada at the Gold Cup the previous month and the confidence he brought back to Portland.
“He’s taken that number one spot,” Neville said.
He may have a point. In Canada’s final group stage match, Crépeau posted a clean sheet against Honduras, helping the Reds clinch the top spot in their group and advance to the knockout round, where they suffered a penalty shootout loss to Guatemala.
Meanwhile, Pantemis had hit a rough patch, conceding 12 goals in his last six starts. His lowest moment came in June against San Jose, with the Timbers leading late. A costly stoppage-time error gave Preston Judd a gift-wrapped equalizer, allowing the Earthquakes to steal a point at the death. Portland followed that up with a 3-0 drubbing against one of the worst clubs in MLS, Toronto FC, before Neville made the switch in goal.
There’s still a path back to the field for Pantemis. The Timbers begin Leagues Cup play this week, a competition where teams typically rotate their squads and give second-string and academy players valuable playing time. If Pantemis gets his chance and shines, the Timbers could find themselves right back in the middle of a goalkeeper dilemma all over again. Like untangling a knot only to discover another one waiting.
You can find out soon enough as the Timbers play their first group stage game of the tournament at Providence Park on Wednesday night against Mexican side Atlético de San Luis. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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