Liam Ridgewell signed to contract extension

A hallmark of the Timber's successful 2015 MLS Cup campaign was a stout defense led in the middle by Liam Ridgewell, who provided a calm and steady organization for the entire backline. While 2016 hasn't been a banner year for the Timbers defense, the team and fans alike have certainly felt more assured of our capabilities when Ridgy in in the lineup. Although there was some speculation as to how long Ridgewell would be with the team given his cost, use of a valuable designated player slot, and age, those questions have been answered with a two-year contract extension that will keep everyone's favorite Brit with tattoos helming the defense.

As part of the deal, Ridgewell will no longer occupy a DP slot and will have his salary covered by TAM. This will hopefully give the Timbers some flexibility to pick up an elite player next season, especially with the knowledge that this might be the last campaign for Fanendo Adi in green and gold.

If you're a fan of the move, the best way to celebrate is to probably crack open a few Ridgy's Royals until you are able to successfully do a Ridgy Roll:

Press release below:

For immediate release: Sept. 1, 2016

TIMBERS SIGN DEFENDER LIAM RIDGEWELL TO CONTRACT EXTENSION

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has signed defender and team captain Liam Ridgewell to a contract extension, utilizing Targeted Allocation Money at the start of the 2017 MLS season.

Currently in his third season with Portland, Ridgewell, 31, has made 63 starts in 63 appearances for the Timbers since joining the club midway through the 2014 MLS campaign, logging 5,658 minutes, three goals and two assists. During that 63-game stretch, the Timbers have recorded 20 shutouts, producing a 1.30 goals-against average.

Ridgewell, who captained the Timbers during their 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew SC in the 2015 MLS Cup, is a two-time MLS All-Star (2014, 2016), with the defender featuring in a 2-1 victory against FC Bayern Munich at Providence Park in 2014 before being selected to this year’s AT&T MLS All-Star game.

In 2016, Ridgewell, a two-time recipient of Timbers Defender of the Year honors (2014, 2015), has appeared in 16 games (16 starts) for the Timbers, while also recording the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 1. 

Last season, Ridgewell recorded 32 starts in 32 appearances for the Timbers, anchoring the backline as Portland recorded 13 shutouts, which ranked tied for first in the league. Starting and playing in five matches of the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs – including 90 minutes in the Timbers win over Columbus on Dec. 6 – Ridgewell registered the opening goal in a 3-1 win against FC Dallas in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship on Nov. 22, 2015.

Prior to joining the Timbers in 2014, Ridgewell spent 12 seasons in the English Premier League and the English Football League Championship, recording over 200 appearances for Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. In 2011, Ridgewell won the Football League Cup Final with Birmingham City, helping the team secure a 2-1 victory over English Premier League side Arsenal F.C.

Transaction: Portland Timbers sign defender Liam Ridgewell to a contract extension, utilizing Targeted Allocation Money at the start of the 2017 MLS season.

Currently in his third season with Portland, Ridgewell, 31, has made 63 starts in 63 appearances for the Timbers since joining the club midway through the 2014 MLS campaign, logging 5,658 minutes, three goals and two assists. During that 63-game stretch, the Timbers have recorded 20 shutouts, producing a 1.30 goals-against average.

Ridgewell, who captained the Timbers during their 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew SC in the 2015 MLS Cup, is a two-time MLS All-Star (2014, 2016), with the defender featuring in a 2-1 victory against FC Bayern Munich at Providence Park in 2014 before being selected to this year’s AT&T MLS All-Star game.

In 2016, Ridgewell, a two-time recipient of Timbers Defender of the Year honors (2014, 2015), has appeared in 16 games (16 starts) for the Timbers, while also recording the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 1.

Last season, Ridgewell recorded 32 starts in 32 appearances for the Timbers, anchoring the backline as Portland recorded 13 shutouts, which ranked tied for first in the league. Starting and playing in five matches of the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs – including 90 minutes in the Timbers win over Columbus on Dec. 6 – Ridgewell registered the opening goal in a 3-1 win against FC Dallas in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship on Nov. 22, 2015.

Prior to joining the Timbers in 2014, Ridgewell spent 12 seasons in the English Premier League and the English Football League Championship, recording over 200 appearances for Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. In 2011, Ridgewell won the Football League Cup Final with Birmingham City, helping the team secure a 2-1 victory over English Premier League side Arsenal F.C.

Transaction: Portland Timbers sign defender Liam Ridgewell to a contract extension, utilizing Targeted Allocation Money at the start of the 2017 MLS season.

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