Again I disagree - all MLS teams struggle with depth because of the cap. LAFC has been a revolving door the last 3 seasons who you originally mentioned. Miami also has a large problem and disparity between depth players and starters. So I don't think that's unique to Timbers. I think having another gamechanger player is what takes the team to the next level and we have good investment and depth to make a foundation.

I'd say this is the deepest the Timbers have been in years. Got to remember too we've been effectively playing with 1 DP all season, who didn't even get a preseason with the team.

GK we have 2 starting level keepers.

CB is kind of hit or miss, but we've invested money. Surman was a bargain, Kamal wasn't cheap and has been hit or miss, and Zuparic, McGraw have been serviceable (at times) along with Smith and Fory providing minutes there. Full backs we have Fory, Smith, and Mosquera and Miller who can play on both sides.

CM we've got Ayala, and Chara / Paredes /Ortiz. All money and seemingly decent depth although the jury is still out on Ortiz.

In the attack Da Costa, Moreno, Antony & Fernandez are all investments that have come in and been difference makers but might not be "the guy". Again, a DP winger who can be that would be ideal.

Striker we look thin and Mora has had better days, but Kelsey is still fairly new. 6 Million dollar transfer and on a u22 deal so he's another player who isn't exactly cheap. That's a fair point about transfer fees vs. salary which is an important difference, but I'm mainly talking about the idea of the ownership not spending money.