Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland’s play for a Major League Soccer franchise faces six rivals, from cities across North America. Rob Manning reports.

Portland is now officially competing for one of two expansion soccer teams. 

Atlanta, Miami, and St. Louis, along with Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver, Canada also want a team.

Portland Timbers’ owner, Merritt Paulson says the Major League effort needs the city to  support a PGE Park renovation.

Paulson's plan involves public bonds and paying them off with future revenue. He’s hopeful soccer officials will make that case to city leaders.

Merritt Paulson: “I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re out here directly in touch with city officials, depending on where we are, hopefully saying, ‘if you guys do this, we can commit to you that you can have the team’.”

Paulson says the Portland market and the ownership group will help his bid.

Paulson’s father, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, is a minority owner of both the Timbers, and the Beavers’ baseball team.