Timbers Tid Bits: Designated Player Edition

So Toronto FC made quite the splash yesterday with their Designated Player signings of German defensive midfielder Torsten Frings and Dutch striker Danny Koevermans. Both are impressive in their own right, if not a little old at 34 and 32, respectively. Certainly doesn't help MLS's reputation as being a "retirement" league, but I suppose that won't change for a while.

Anyway, enjoy the morning news.

Timbers specific news

Kalif Alhassan for 2011 MLS All-Star Game
I'm not sure I want any Timbers in the All Star game. Not because they don't deserve it but because it's a waste of time.

Timbers Announce $40,000 In Community Fund Grants
Always nice to see the team contributing back to the community after what we can only assume has been a lucrative season.

Timbers to get national audience in Galaxy rematch
ESPN 2 has picked up the August 3 Portland Timbers v L.A. Galaxy match at Jeld-Wen Field.

Timbers' Purdy gains international experience
The Timbers' right back defender saw some minutes during the Gold Cup.

League news (after the jump)

Sporting Kansas City midfielder Davy Arnaud out up to six weeks with sports hernia
Guess we won't be seeing him in Portland this Saturday.

Can big-name acquisitions save Toronto FC’s underwhelming season?
It’s a rebuilding year, and their record shows it. But TFC management and fans are still holding out hope.

Toronto swoop for Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans
Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC have announced the signings of veteran duo Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans.

Handful of MLS clubs waive reserve players ahead of July
It usually happens this way. Will be interesting to see if any Timbers get loaned out or waived.

Battle of second-string lineups yields another road loss
The Vancouver Whitecaps started a mostly second-choice lineup Wednesday and got a third-choice result.

U.S. international forward Eddie Johnson considering a return to MLS among other options
But there's already one Eddie Johnson in MLS!

Tactics in MLS (And/Or The Supplemental Nature Of OptaStats)
A look at OptaStats and how they affect MLS.