Portland confident Mexican league star will turbo-charge Timbers in MLS West

If Neville wanted to deliver a fan-pleasing name, he couldn't have done better than Cabecita. The Uruguayan forward is something of a Liga MX legend, scoring 108 goals for three different clubs over his 10-year tenure in the league.

"We've been looking for a player with the right profile, personality and character to fit within our team," Neville said. "Jonathan is a winner that has great experience playing at the highest level, and we believe he will come in and give the club a massive lift."

Portland has performed admirably, locking down seven points from its opening four games with an incomplete squad. Its biggest problem has been chance creation — the team struggles to score from open play and usually gets its goals from moments of individual brilliance. 

Cabecita can change that for Portland by becoming the focal point of its attack. He holds the ball well for a forward and allows other goalscorers (such as Portland's Dairon Asprilla and Antony) to spread out and find holes in defenses.

While the details of Cabecita's contract aren't available, Portland confirmed his transfer is the most expensive deal in club history. That means there's plenty of pressure on Cabecita's shoulders, but he's in a great position to deliver upon it immediately. He's fit, having played several games in the Liga MX Clausura in 2024, and slots naturally into Neville's attacking lineup.

MLS' Western Conference is unusually weak this season. After several years of LAFC domination, there's room in the West for a new team to step up and dominate. 

With its merciless attacking philosophy and big-name signings like Cabecita, Portland looks primed to be that challenger.

Portland will continue its season on Saturday against the Philadelphia Union.