Timbers announce acquisition of Josecarlos Van Rankin

The Portland Timbers announced on Wednesday that they have acquired Mexican defender Josecarlos Van Rankin from Chivas de Gualalajara on a one-year loan. The loan comes with an option to exercise a permanent transfer and means that Van Rankin will take up an international roster slot.

Van Rankin most recently played with Santos Laguna for two years on loan from Chivas. The Mexican defender had two goals in 25 appearances (23 starts) with Santos in his two years with the club.

The 27-year-old defender spent most of his professional career with Pumas UNAM in Liga MX, tallying seven goals and seven assists in 180 appearances (162 starts) across all competitions in seven seasons with the club. Van Rankin joined Chivas in 2018 and registered two goals and three assists in 44 appearances (43 starts) across all competitions.

The Mexico City native also made one appearance for the Mexico Men’s National Team back in 2018, earning an assist in a 3-2 win over Costa Rica. He has made multiple appearances at the youth level, helping Mexico’s U-20 team win the 2013 Concacaf U-20 championship while being named one of the tournament’s Best XI.

You can read the full press release regarding his signing here.

Quotes:

Gavin Wilkinson, Portland Timbers general manager and president of soccer...

“Josecarlos is an experienced player whose flexibility to play numerous positions will help us not only in MLS, but in Concacaf Champions League play. Getting a proven player with his qualities on loan is a great acquisition at a beneficial cap number and provides an extended scouting opportunity with the ability to permanently transfer him in the future.”

Giovanni Savarese, Portland Timbers head coach...

“Van Rankin is a quality player who will provide great attacking and defending balance,” said Giovanni Savarese, Timbers head coach. “We believe he will adapt quickly to MLS and his experience in Liga MX will be valuable across all competitions.”