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Today we say good bye to another polarizing figure in the Portland Timbers' MLS history, striker Jorge Perlaza.
Signed on March 7, 2011, Jorge Perlaza was the first of many Colombian acquisitions for General Manager Gavin Wilkinson. His previous campaign with Deportes Tolima gave Timbers fans hope that they'd have a goal scoring machine on the pitch, having scored 15 goals in 31 matches.
And indeed, in his first appearance in front of the full and exuberant crowd at Jeld Wen Field he gave no reason to doubt those expectations, scoring two against Chicago.
But Perlaza scored only four more goals for the remainder of his Timbers career, earning ever increasing criticism from Timbers fans - and beat writers - who saw much to be desired from his finishing ability. For all his soccer IQ, speed, strength, professionalism and hard work, his inability to score goals cost him much credibility among fans and opposing defenses alike.
Still, I will miss the guy and wish him the absolute best in Philadelphia, and wherever else his career takes him.
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