The Portland Timbers faced a setback during their Leagues Cup match as mid-fielder Santiago Moreno failed to show up for the game against Club América. Moreno, who has been a key figure in the team's offense this season, did not travel with the team to Austin, and the Timbers have confirmed that his absence is unexcused. This development adds a layer of uncertainty over the Colombian's future with the team. As reported by KATU, the club stated, "There is no deal in place for the transfer of Moreno, and the absence is considered unexcused."
In a wave of reports, it seems that there was forewarning of the incident. Moreno had allegedly communicated his desire to leave the club, eyeing a transfer to Brazilian club Fluminense. Moreno even said his goodbyes to teammates, according to sources speaking with GIVEMESPORT. Moreover, Moreno is said to have already left for Colombia immediately after. Resolute in their intent, disciplinary actions will be in order as long as Moreno remains away without sanctioned leave, in alignment with league and player's association policy. This is not the first time that Moreno has expressed a desire to leave the club, as he previously requested a transfer in the summer of 2023 but returned shortly thereafter.
Despite the absence of Moreno, the Timbers managed to secure a point following a 1-1 draw, that was eventually settled on penalties, with Club América, leaving them in a position where they will need to wait to see if they advance to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. The game's dynamics, however, swung drastically post the 51st-minute red card of defender Jimer Fory. Tyson Alger, as per The Oregonian, noted that this climactic change led to Club América equalizing just two minutes after Fory's exit from the game, despite Antony's contribution to the team's penalty efforts upon his second-half introduction.
While the team's transfer activity, including finalized deals to sign Kristoffer Velde and Felipe Carballo pointed towards a commitment to amplify their roster, Moreno's current trajectory stands starkly at odds with the Timbers' aspirations.
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