The Tacoma Defiance will host the Portland Timbers in a historic matchup in the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup, marking the first time an MLS Next Pro affiliate has faced an MLS team in a competitive match.

The Defiance secured their spot in this round by defeating Oakland Roots 2-1 on April 15, 2025, following earlier victories against Washington Athletic Club and Spokane Velocity.

The winner of the match between Defiance and Timbers will advance to face the victor of the Sacramento Republic versus San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16.

To bolster their squad, the Seattle Sounders are expected to support the Defiance by loaning players, as all supplemental roster players are eligible for loans to MLS Next Pro affiliates.

In previous rounds, players like Cody Baker, Andrew Thomas, Leo Burney, Stuart Hawkins, and Travian Sousa were loaned to the Defiance, although Baker will be suspended for the upcoming match.

For this match, Reed Baker-Whiting or Kalani Kossa-Rienzi are potential replacements for Baker, while Paul Rothrock and Obed Vargas are eligible but less likely to participate due to their regular starting roles for the first team.

Currently, the Defiance are the last remaining MLS Next Pro team in the tournament, with other Division 3 teams like Union Omaha, Alta AV, and Chattanooga Red Wolves still competing.

The last Division 3 team remaining in the tournament will receive a $50,000 bonus from U.S. Soccer.

This match will be the fifth Open Cup game for the Timbers at Starfire Stadium, their first visit since 2017, where the Sounders have a 3-1 record against them.

The match is scheduled for either May 6 or 7, 2025, although the exact date has yet to be announced.