Some lighter signing news this morning, but important nonetheless. The Timbers have announced that they have signed both midfielder Freddie Braun and goalkeeper Jake Gleeson to the MLS squad from the Timbers former PDL team the Portland Timbers U-23, a team with which we are still uncertain about its future.
Those that paid attention last year will remember that our PDL team went undefeated in 20 games. More than that they actually won all twenty games. No ties, no losses. A very, very impressive feat for any team, even if it was in our fourth division of soccer in the United States. Both Braun and Gleeson played very important rolls on that team.
Here are each's respective stats/general info:
Freddie Braun
Pronunciation: BRAWN
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 160
Born: May 13, 1988, in Royal Oak, Mich.
Hometown: Rochester Hills, Mich.
Last Club: Portland Timbers U-23s (PDL)
College: University of Louisville
Citizenship: United States
Jake Gleeson
Pronunciation: GLEE-son
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Born: June 26, 1990, in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Hometown: Wellington, New Zealand
Last Club: Portland Timbers U-23s (PDL)
College: n/a
Citizenship: New Zealand
Jake Gleeson has represented New Zealand's national team (the 'All Whites') prior in major FIFA competitions in the past. He will, undoubtedly, be our third keeper for the upcoming 2011 season.