PORTLAND, Ore. — With “Forever United” scarfs held high, the Loons went marching in to their Major League Soccer debut Friday night at Providence Park.

About 160 diehard supporters chanted an altered riff on “When The Saints Go Marching In” as they filed into corner Section 223. A thick wood overhang provided good acoustics for their songs and kept them out of the cold rain that turned into snow flurries familiar to the hearty Minnesotans.

Video: "When the Loons go marching in" to Providence Park an hour before #MNUFC takes on Portland Timbers in #MLS opener. pic.twitter.com/QYOqbYRCaA — Andy Greder (@andygreder) March 4, 2017

On the opposite end of the cozy confines — a former baseball stadium that Willie Mays once played in — the Timbers Army supporters soon drowned out United’s backers in Portland’s 108th consecutive sellout. They unfurled a large tifo, or display of support in soccer-speak, honoring famous painter Bob Ross.

In the first half, the Timbers took the lead on a goal from Lawrence Olum that wasn’t a masterpiece and added a second goal from Diego Valeri just after halftime. United mainstay Christian Ramirez, a second-half sub, cut the lead to 2-1 in the 79th minute. The stadium was quiet for a bit.

The Timbers then steamrolled the Loons with three goals in the final 10 minutes to produce a 5-1 blowout. The opener was an MLS-wide showcase to show Minnesota’s germination of grassroots soccer growth from the sport’s lower levels, but their debut was clouded by Portland’s hot finish on a chilly night. Related Articles Minnesota United’s injury list won’t shrink much in near future

Loons set new record low in 1-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City

Loons coach Adrian Heath ‘bemused’ at MLS schedule release

‘LOD MAN!’ Loons winger Robin Lod’s breakout play stirs song lyrics

Loons have ‘money available’ and roster flexibility for more additions

“In the 82nd minute, it’s still 2-1 and we are looking more lightly at that stage, (so) to finish the game (conceding) five is a little bit of a harsh reflection I think of how the evening went,” United coach Adrian Heath said.

After Ramirez’s goal in the 79th minute cut Portland’s lead to 2-1, Valeri scored a penalty kick in the 82nd minute. Fanendo Adi had two goals in stoppage time to balloon the margin.

Video: United coach Adrian Heath describes defensive breakdowns once Loons cut Portland lead to 2-1 in eventual 5-1 defeat to Timbers. pic.twitter.com/8aw4VziN3t — Andy Greder (@andygreder) March 4, 2017

The nationally televised game had soccer dignitaries on hand in MLS Commissioner Don Garber and U.S. men’s national team coach Bruce Arena. More than 30 additional United front-office folks, above the typical 10, traveled to Portland for the history-making moment.

While no one can strip the significance of joining the top domestic league, Portland, the 2015 MLS Cup champions with a reloaded attack considered among the best in the league, showed the upstarts weren’t ready for the bright lights on this Friday night.

Before the game, the Timbers Army displayed a much smaller tifo, taking a shot at the expansion franchise in the State of Hockey. “Welcome to MLS. But stick to what you’re good at dontchaknow,” with a picture of a hockey goalie.

Valeri’s second goal at the start of the second half came when he found a crease between United defenders Vadim Demidov and Jermaine Taylor in front of the net. The goal produced a tough restart for Minnesota after the half.

United mustered one shot on goal in the first half, a 30-yard attempt from Kevin Molino that was easily corralled by Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson. They got their second and final shot on goal from Ramirez.

The Timbers Army was chating “Adi! Adi! Adi!” after his nightcap finishes. Timber Joey, a mascot in a lumberjack costume, fired up his chainsaw for the traditional cutting of the tree trunk on the sideline.

After the game was over, Ramirez and teammates came over to Section 223 to give thanks to the supporters who traveled from Minnesota. They will be called on again for the home opener next Sunday against Atlanta at TCF Bank Stadium.

“Without them, we’re nothing and we are going to need every single one of them next weekend to start rallying and get the first win, he said.