The MLS Championship capped off a dream and vision of Timbers owner Merritt Paulson and the highest achievement in North American club soccer five short seasons later .
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson led the Timbers franchise into MLS expansion in 2011 .
The MLS Championship capped off a dream and vision of Timbers owner Merritt Paulson , who led the Timbers franchise into MLS expansion in 2011 , and the highest achievement in North American club soccer five short seasons later .