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Well we certainly didn't see this one coming. The Portland Timbers have announced that they've acquired on loan Alvas Powell from Jamaican Premier League side Portmore United FC. The move comes a couple weeks before the official opening of the MLS international transfer window.
Powell, 18, is seen as one of Jamaica's rising stars. The young defender most recently played in three of Jamaica's World Cup Qualifier. This means that the youngster should have some experience playing with Donovan Ricketts and Ryan Johnson. Hopefully the two players will help him settle into Portland sooner.
It's worth noting that this is a loan deal through 2013 only. However, when Diego Valeri was signed on loan, Merritt Paulson made special mention on Twitter stating that all loan deals the Timbers sign come with an option to buy. This move should be seen as more of a lengthy trial than anything else.
Finally, and unfortunately, in order to make space on the roster, the Timbers have waived Mobi Fehr. Not sure what, if any, issue there was. It's always sad to see a young player let go though.
What do you think about the Timbers bringing on Powell?
Full press release:
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has acquired Jamaican international defender Alvas Powell on loan from Jamaican Premier League side Portmore United FC for the remainder of the 2013 season. He will be added to the roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and a P-1 visa. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Additionally, the club announced that is has waived midfielder Mobi Fehr.
Powell, 18, is a rising player for Jamaica and recently featured for the Reggae Boyz in their last three 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers June 4-11 against Mexico, United States and Honduras. He made his senior international debut Dec. 10, 2012, during the 2012 Caribbean Cup and has five caps.
A native of Jamaica's Portland Parish, Powell helped the Jamaica U-17 National Team qualify for the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup and played in two of the team's three group matches in the tournament. He recently captained the Jamaica U-20 National Team to a quarterfinal finish in the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championships in February.
Powell has played two seasons in Jamaica's Premier League with Portmore United FC.
Fehr, 18, played in six MLS Reserve League matches, making three starts and logging 365 minutes, this season. He was acquired through an MLS weighted lottery on Dec. 18, 2012.
Alvas Powell
Position: Defender
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
Born: July 18, 1994
Last Club: Portmore United FC (Jamaica)
College: n/a
Citizenship: Jamaica
Acquired: Via loan from Portmore United FC on June 28, 2013.