Goalkeeper Derrick Tellez signs one-day contract with the Timbers

Today the Portland Timbers announced the signing of goalkeeper Derrick Tellez on a one-day contract. This will fulfill his wish to be a first-team player with the Portland Timbers, thanks to Make-A-Wish Oregon. Heading into Sunday’s match against Orlando SC, Tellez, age five, will attend Friday’s training session with the first team.

Here’s what General Manager Gavin Wilkinson had to say about this signing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Derrick to the club and help make his wish to sign with the Portland Timbers a reality for him and his family,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers.

Along with his seven-year-old brother, Derrick will get his own locker and personalized jersey. The two boys will report to goalkeeping coach Adin Brown for drills during the training session, but before that, he will join the team for picture day.

Coach Caleb Porter shared his thoughts on today’s new signing.

"Derrick is an extremely talented young goalkeeper, and we’re excited to have him signed for this weekend’s game against Orlando City,” said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers. “We are pleased to have him join our club and look forward to his contributions."

Derrick will have the full game experience: he’ll sit on the bench during warm-ups, he and his brother will join the team on the pitch during the walkout, enjoy the game in one of the suites, then follow up with a log cutting ceremony and attending Caleb Porter's postgame presser.

The staff at Stumptown Footy wish Derrick all the best headed into a tough match against Orlando City SC.