Timbers and Lucas Melano mutually part ways

Today the Portland Timbers announced that they and forward Lucas Melano have parted ways. I don’t think this move shocks anyone who’s been paying attention. Under Savarese, Melano didn’t get a lot of looks — and when he did, he didn’t produce. All in all, his return to the Timbers didn’t go as well as either the club or Melano wanted.

Here’s what GM Gavin Wilkinson had to say:

“We would like to thank Lucas for his service to the club – including his contributions in helping the Timbers win their first MLS Cup – and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers.

And Coach Giovanni Savarese:

“It was a pleasure getting to know Lucas and we are thankful for his contributions to the Timbers,” said Giovanni Savarese, head coach of the Timbers. “I wish him well as he moves on from the club.”

The 26-year-old Argentinian forward signed with the Timbers on July 17, 2015. Melano played four season for the club, appearing in 10 playoff matches (4 starts). During the 2015 postseason, Melano tallied the series-clinching goal against FC Dallas in the Western Conference Championship and provided an assist on the game-winning goal as the Timbers defeated Columbus Crew SC 2-1 to win their first MLS Cup on December 6, 2015.