The MLS mandated the Portland Timbers to have a full compliment of "Academy" youth teams. In the decision making process of how to implement this directive, the Timbers brass decided to make it a local feeder program vs the option of having it based elsewhere like a similar sized MLS franchise located in the Western States Real Salt Lake, who opted to base their Academy in Arizona and recruit nationally in their effort to attract potential MLS or professional level players. The end product the MLS is striving for is 'Home Grown' players whose MLS wages are at the bottom of the MLS salary structure. Creating value/profits if a homegrown player can be sold to a world power like the EPL for top dollar. MLS selling players like Deandre Yedlin to Tottenham produces massive profit for the league and it's member club, seattle sounders. Yedlin was sold for a reported 4million dollars 75% which could go to the club directly per MLS guidelines. This type of model in the Portland market is questionable at best.

Why the ECNL decided to allocate two league spots to the Portland market to the local non-profit soccer clubs is quite head scratching given the documented talent of players and coaches available.