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The Portland Timbers made two moves today, announcing that the team had signed free agent goalkeeper Andrew Weber and that young forward Sebastian Rincon would not be rejoining the team in 2014.
Weber, 30, has been a backup keeper in MLS since being drafted by DC United in 2005. Weber has bounced around the US a fair amount in the interim, playing for the Montreal Impact in the USL, the San Jose Earthquakes, and, most recently, the Seattle Sounders.
The signing does not bode well for the future of Milos Kocic with the Timbers, as Weber seems to slot into the "able-bodied backup" role that the Serbian held last season. This does seem to be a vote of confidence for Jake Gleeson's potential however, as Weber seems unlikely to be a signing for the future.
The loss of Rincon is one that has been a long time coming. The talented youngster had been linked to Argentina' Tigre for some time and his signing there was even hinted at on twitter by Merritt Paulson. Rincon had been on a two year loan with the Timbers, but could not agree on a new contract with the team when it expired at the end of the year.
The Timbers' press release:
TIMBERS SIGN GOALKEEPER ANDREW WEBERForward Sebastián Rincón will not return for 2014 season
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has signed goalkeeper Andrew Weber. Per league and club policy, the terms were not disclosed.
Additionally, the Timbers announced that forward Sebastián Rincón will not return for the 2014 season. The club retains Rincón’s MLS rights and hold the first right of refusal should he return to the league.
Weber, 30, is a veteran of nine professional seasons, playing for MLS clubs D.C. United (2005), San Jose Earthquakes (2009-11) and Seattle Sounders FC (2012-13) during his career. He spent three seasons with the Montreal Impact in the USL First Division from 2006-08, where he made 29 regular-season appearances. Weber has twice played in the CONCACAF Champions League.
In 2013, Weber made three MLS starts while on loan with Sounders FC, and made 14 league appearances for Phoenix FC Wolves of USL PRO.
Weber was a four-year starter during his collegiate career at the University of New Mexico from 2001-04. He finished as the school’s career leader in several goalkeeping categories, including games played (83), wins (50) and shutouts (25). Weber was a three-time, all-conference selection for the Lobos and helped the team to its first NCAA tournament appearances in 2001, 2002 and 2004.
Rincón, 19, made four appearances for the Timbers across all competitions over his two seasons in Portland. He did not make an MLS appearance during his time with the club, but did play in 22 total matches in the MLS Reserve League for the Timbers Reserves.
Andrew Weber
Pronunciation: WEB-er
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Born: Aug. 9, 1983, Austin, Texas
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Last Club: Phoenix FC Wolves (USL PRO)
College: University of New Mexico
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed Jan. 10, 2014