Stumptown Footy - Portland Timbers Roster ChangesYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2013-03-06T10:00:04-08:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/34881132013-03-06T10:00:04-08:002013-03-06T10:00:04-08:00Danny Mwanga Appreciation Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qGZJxdxci3kF9mbwDeVuIw0Z9bE=/460x309:3929x2622/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9171713/152376854.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This is most likely our last appreciation thread for a while. Danny Mwanga's transfer to the Colorado Rapids capped a busy offseason which saw half of the Timbers' 2012 squad waived, traded or otherwise unloaded.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> acquired <span>Danny Mwanga</span> on June 6, 2012, from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for <span>Jorge Perlaza</span> in a deal seen at the time -- and since -- as a rather lopsided trade. Philly would later drop Perlaza from the squad, but Mwanga stuck around Portland for the remainder of the season.</p>
<p>A graduate of both Jefferson High School and Oregon State University, the local boy was an immediate fan favorite, but he had a tough time cracking the starting XI after his first few weeks with the team. Mwanga ended up only starting seven times and appearing eighteen times during his stint with the Timbers.</p>
<p>He will be best remembered for his three goals, all scored against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>, including a brace on September 19 in San Jose. His goal celebration dance was memorable as well -- tongue wagging, hips swaying, fingers pointing, arms ... cavorting, and ending with a sort of chin-up motion. Once his teammates figured out what the hell he was doing, they joined in as well. It was awesome.</p>
<p>Ultimately, though, the team had too many young strikers with loads of potential who just needed a bit more maturity and consistency to be successful. Given the chance as a midfielder as well as a striker during the preseason, Mwanga sadly wasn't able to impress his coaching staff enough to keep him, and they sent him away in exchange for a 2015 SuperDraft pick. </p>
<p>I'm pretty confident that someday Mwanga, with his deft footwork, size, and speed, will be a solid MLS caliber striker, but it may take some time for him to develop the vision and maturity to realize that potential. </p>
<p>We wish Danny all the best as he continues his career in Colorado.</p>
<ol style="margin: 0px 0px 1em 2em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; color: #292929; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, Georgia, serif; line-height: 25.59375px;"></ol>
<p><i>As with every appreciation thread, please consider our Appreciation Thread Etiquette: </i></p>
<p><i>1. Be respectful to the player. Nobody is perfect. </i></p>
<p><i>2. Focus on what they did well while with the club. </i></p>
<p><i>3. Save harsh criticisms for other posts concerning them. It's not uncommon for these players to actually read these threads. </i></p>
<p><i>4. If you have nothing nice to comment, please do not comment at all.</i></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/3/6/4069862/danny-mwanga-appreciation-threadAndrew Wheeler2013-02-27T10:12:27-08:002013-02-27T10:12:27-08:00Songo'o and Taylor Have Been Waived by the Club
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e2Cbb_Hwni-R_UwuwMJHCvymnuY=/14x280:2707x2075/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8812965/149199705.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Ferrey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Both players have been officially waived by the club, presumably to make room for players that the Timbers have recently signed.</p> <p>One expected, one a bit of a surprise. It appears that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> have found where their extra spots are going to come from for the 2013 season.</p>
<p><span>Franck Songo'o</span>, of course, was completely expected. It was a few weeks ago now that we first heard that the Portland Timbers and Songo'o had been unable to renegotiate a deal. Songo'o was subsequently seen trialing with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>, who opted not to sign him</p>
<p><span>Chris Taylor</span>, however, comes as a bit of a surprise. The player was expected to have been waived back in December with the likes of <span>Steve Purdy</span> and Freddie Braun. He was surprisingly kept on despite missing all of the 2012 season and having not seen a single minute in his two years with the club.</p>
<p>Both players have now been officially waived ahead of the MLS roster compliance deadline, essentially the date where MLS teams must be under their 30 player maximum.</p>
<p><i>What do you think of both players being let go?</i></p>
<p>Press release:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">PORTLAND, Ore.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> – The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has waived midfielder Franck Songo’o and defender Chris Taylor ahead of Major League Soccer’s upcoming roster compliance deadline.<br><br>"We would like to thank Franck for his service to the club last season,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager. “With the salary cap restrictions, there are several difficult decisions the club has had to make and we wish him the best."<br><br>Songo’o, 25, was signed by the Timbers on Feb. 16, 2012. He appeared in 27 games during the 2012 MLS season, recording one goal and five assists.<br><br>Taylor, 23, was originally selected in the second round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and played in 16 MLS Reserve League matches during his two seasons in Portland. He led the Timbers Reserves in minutes played in 2011, but missed most of the 2012 campaign due to season-ending hip surgery in July.<br><br>“Chris worked hard to recover from his injury last season and we would like to thank him for all he has done for the club. We wish him well,” said Wilkinson.<br></span></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/2/27/4036342/franck-songoo-and-chris-taylor-have-been-officially-waived-by-the-clubGeoff Gibson2013-02-20T09:17:49-08:002013-02-20T09:17:49-08:00Mikael Silvestre Signing Officially Official
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DkEDXRnsvU5BZc8lMz8gpSxQKf4=/0x4:600x404/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8424243/gyi0063716524.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joern Pollex</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Portland Timbers issued a press release with regards to the Mikael Silvestre signing that was confirmed yesterday.</p> <p>We knew it was confirmed yesterday after both the player and Merritt Paulson tweeted the event. Still, there were still a few unknowns like exactly how long his contract was for, and, perhaps more importantly, what did the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> send to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a> in exchange for his "rights?"</p>
<p>Unfortunately we're still not sure how long his contract is for. Word on Twitter has it that he has a guaranteed two year contract with an option for a third should he prove to be valuable. Additionally, we don't know what his salary will be until the player's union releases their bi-annual list in a couple months time. We do know that he is NOT a designated player.</p>
<p>What was revealed, however, was just what Seattle got in exchange for his rights:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Portland acquired the first right of refusal to Silvestre from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft and a conditional 2015 draft pick.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Nothing too heinous, to be honest. Supplemental Draft picks simply aren't that important these days. That said, it's still not clear on just what condition has to be met for Seattle to also get a 2015 draft pick, but a hunch tells me that it has to do with that option rumored to be included in Mikael's contract.</p>
<p>And finally, here's what head coach <span>Caleb Porter</span> had to say about the signing:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Mikael will bring a tremendous amount of experience and a presence on the field and in the locker room. He is a quality player on both sides of the ball and his impact will certainly go a long way in helping to solidify our back line. Mikael made a very positive impression on the players and our coaching staff during his two-week trial and we are very excited to welcome him to the Timbers organization."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Congratulations Mikael and welcome to Portland, for real this time.</p>
<p><i>What do you think of he draft pick sent to Seattle in exchange for Silvestre's rights?</i></p>
<p>Full press release:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>PORTLAND, Ore.</b> - The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has signed French defender <span>Mikael Silvestre</span>. Portland acquired the first right of refusal to Silvestre from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft and a conditional 2015 draft pick. He will be added to the roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa. Per league and club policy, terms of the transactions were not disclosed. <br><br>Silvestre, 35, has played at the highest levels in Europe throughout his career, including 11 seasons in England's Premier league with Manchester United (1999-2008) and Arsenal (2008-10), winning five Premier League titles and the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League. The 17-year veteran has earned 40 caps with the France National Team and played in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Silvestre has made 87 total appearances in the UEFA Champions League during his career.<br><br>"Mikael will bring a tremendous amount of experience and a presence on the field and in the locker room," said Caleb Porter, Timbers head coach. "He is a quality player on both sides of the ball and his impact will certainly go a long way in helping to solidify our back line. Mikael made a very positive impression on the players and our coaching staff during his two-week trial and we are very excited to welcome him to the Timbers organization."<br><br>Born in Chambray-lès-Tours, France, Silvestre played the last two seasons in the German Bundesliga with Werder Bremen. He played in 27 league games during his time with the club, despite missing a majority of the 2011-12 campaign due to injury. He scored in the 2010-11 season finale, contributing to a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on July 5, 2011. <br><br>Silvestre has spent a majority of his career with Manchester United, making 361 appearances across all competitions and scoring 10 goals over nine seasons with the club from 1999-2008. He played in 249 league games, helping United capture five Premier League championships. Additionally, Silvestre contributed to Manchester United's 2007-08 UEFA Champions League title run, playing in two games, and was also a member of the club's 2003-04 FA Cup and 2005-06 League Cup winning sides.<br><br>Following his time with Manchester United, Silvestre played two seasons for Arsenal, making 46 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals. He also played in nine UEFA Champions League matches for Arsenal, helping the club reach the semifinal of the 2008-09 tournament. <br><br>Silvestre started his career with French side Rennes and played his first professional season in 1995-96 after coming up through the club's academy. He played one season in Italy's top-flight Seire A with Internazionale, playing in 18 league games during the 1998-99 campaign. <br><br>Silvestre made his debut for the France National Team in 2001 and was a part of France's teams that won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 and 2003. He helped France to the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, starting in a group stage match against Togo on June 23, 2006. As a youth, Silvestre helped guide France to the 1996 U-18 European Championship and competed with the France U-20 National Team in the 1997 FIFA U-20 World Cup.<br><br><b>Mikael Silvestre<br></b>Position: Defender<br>Height: 6-0<b><br></b>Weight: 190<br>Born: Aug. 9, 1977, in Chambray-lès-Tours, France<br>Hometown: Chambray-lès-Tours, France<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>Last Club: Werder Bremen (Germany)<br>College: n/a<br>Citizenship: France<br>Acquired: Signed Feb. 20, 2013, after acquiring Silvestre's first right of refusal from Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft and a conditional 2015 draft pick.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/2/20/4009186/portland-timbers-silvestre-signing-official-seattle-sounders-supplemental-draft-pickGeoff Gibson2013-02-13T14:00:42-08:002013-02-13T14:00:42-08:00Portland Timbers acquire MF Zemanski
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fS7wm-KZjbmTMqwNUbAyD2Vs2pY=/0x0:558x372/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8102629/gyi0060649524.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andy Marlin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Timbers traded allocation money and right of first refusal for Jonathon Bornstein to Chivas USA for Ben Zemanski. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a>' roster makeover continued today when they acquired <span>Ben Zemanski</span> through a trade with Chivas USA. Portland sent allocation money and the rights to Jonathon Bornstein to Chivas for Zemanski. Zemanski plays in the midfield and played at Akron University under the <span>Caleb Porter</span>.</p>
<p>Merritt Paulson tweeted after the trade was announced that conspiracy theorists should not read too much into today's trade:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>...and we liked Zemanski long before Caleb got here (as did plenty of other MLS teams) <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ZipsConspiracyTheories">#ZipsConspiracyTheories</a> :)</p>
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) <a href="https://twitter.com/MerrittPaulson/status/301801403783970816">February 13, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>With this trade we also see how using two allocation draft picks on players who were leaving the MLS turned into allocation money and Ben Zemanski. Still not sure if those were the right way to use those picks, but if the money can bring Portland a better player than <span>Robbie Findley</span> and Zemanski does well, then one could say it was the right way to do it, although it would be difficult to argue that it was the plan all along.</p>
<p><i>What do you think of the trade? </i></p>
<p>Press release:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b style="font-size: 12px;">PORTLAND, Ore.</b><span style="font-size: 12px;"> - The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has acquired midfielder </span><a href="http://www.portlandtimbers.com/players/Ben-Zemanski" style="font-size: 12px;">Ben Zemanski</a><span style="font-size: 12px;">from Chivas USA in exchange for allocation money and the right of first refusal to defender <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110904/jonathan-bornstein" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Bornstein</a>. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. </span></p>
<p>A veteran of three MLS seasons, Zemanski, 24, played in 72 regular-season matches, recording two goals and seven assists with Chivas USA from 2010-12. He was selected by Chivas USA in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft after a notable collegiate career at the University of Akron, where he played under Timbers head coach Caleb Porter.</p>
<p>"We're pleased to add a player of Ben's caliber, as he has proved to be an impact player in this league and fits the ethos of our club," said Porter. "He brings an additional competitive presence that we are confident will help advance the culture of this club even further."</p>
<p>Zemanski appeared in 22 matches last season, registering two assists. Selected in the third round of the 2010 SuperDraft, he was an impact player for Chivas USA as a rookie in 2010, making 17 starts. Zemanski recorded a career-high two goals and four assists in 28 matches during the 2011 campaign. He ranked among <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA's</a> team leaders in games played in each of his three seasons with the club.</p>
<p>A native of Akron, Ohio, Zemanski played collegiately in his hometown at the University of Akron from 2006-09. He helped the Zips claim three straight conference championships and make three NCAA tournament appearances from 2007-09, including a trip to the NCAA College Cup finals in 2009. A two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, Zemanski played in 86 matches, recording nine goals and 14 assists during his collegiate career. He ranked among the nation's assist leaders as a junior with 10 assists in 2008. Zemanski also garnered Academic All-America third-team honors and was a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award following his senior season in 2009.</p>
<p>Bornstein, 28, was selected by the Timbers with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft on Nov. 24, 2010, from Chivas USA. He played five seasons with Chivas USA from 2006-10 before joining Mexican first-division club Tigres UANL in 2011.</p>
<p><b>Ben Zemanski</b><br>Pronunciation: zah-MAN-ski</p>
<p>Position: Midfielder<br>Height: 5-11<br>Weight: 160<br>Born: May 12, 1988, in Akron, Ohio<br>Hometown: Akron, Ohio<br>Last Club: Chivas USA<br>College: University of Akron<br>Citizenship: United States <br>Acquired: Acquired Feb. 13, 2013, from Chivas USA in exchange for allocation money and the MLS rights to defender Jonathan Bornstein.</p>
<p> </p>
</blockquote>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/2/13/3985888/portland-timbers-acquire-ben-zemanski-from-chivas-usaRyan Gates2013-01-22T09:39:52-08:002013-01-22T09:39:52-08:00Former Man United Defender Trialing with Timbers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MCAMT0PltvWsZ-mcT9C8NE6-w0k=/0x219:859x792/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6945479/mikael_silvestre_2009-09-20.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ed g2s, Wikicommons, Creative Commons attribution.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In an early morning tweet, Portland Timbers owner and president confirmed the defender would be on hand at training this morning.</p> <p>Well, fans have been aching for an experienced centerback for quite a long time and, now, it looks like the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a> are at least going to be trialing one.</p>
<p>Mikaël Silvestre is the latest trial for the Portland Timbers. If that name doesn't sound familiar to you then it means that you probably weren't a big Manchester United fan from 1999-2008 when he recorded 269 appearances for the club. He later went on to play for Arsenal and then Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. According to his most recent Wikipedia update, he was expected to begin playing in India this month, but those plans appear to have been scuppered by this trial.</p>
<p>Here's what Merritt Paulson had to say on Twitter:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
<p>Look forward to seeing Mikaël Silvestre in Timbers green at training today</p>
— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) <a data-datetime="2013-01-22T17:22:59+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/MerrittPaulson/status/293770750542901250">January 22, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>This makes for a very interesting trial. While Silvestre is certainly older than most other Timbers players (at 35) he should have at least a year left in his legs. Hopefully this trial is being planned with an eye for him to not only help with 2013, but also nurture both <span>David Horst</span> and <span>Hanyer Mosquera</span> into better centerbacks in the future.</p>
<p>We'll be keeping a close eye on this one.</p>
<p><i>What do you think of Mikaël Silvestre joining the team on trial?</i></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/1/22/3903812/portland-timbers-manchester-united-arsenal-werder-bremen-defender-mikael-silvestreGeoff Gibson2013-01-22T09:19:01-08:002013-01-22T09:19:01-08:00MLS Supplemental Draft Begins at 11:00am
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1VQk9zViqBV9DmU0_8WGEGZDots=/125x0:3873x2499/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6944327/20130117_jel_ss1_210.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft is getting ready to kick off at 11:00am, but are there any future Portland Timbers players in the mix?</p> <p>While the Supplemental Draft has and probably always will be considered the ugly sibling when compared to the MLS SuperDraft, it's certainly not without its own merits. Several players throughout the draft's history have been selected in it and are now considered to be some of MLS's best players. Take for example <span>Chris Wondolowski</span>, <span>Jeff Larentowicz</span>, and <span>Dan Kennedy</span>. All three are considered to be top MLS-caliber players and all three came from the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft.</p>
<p>Today, we see if the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> can hit on that kind of magic. Last year, their first two picks yielded them <span>Ryan Kawulok</span> in the first round and Miguel Ibarra in the second. As we know Kawulok is a up and coming right back for the Timbers and, while Portland didn't hang on to him, Ibarra did go on to find success in the NASL with Minnesota. As a young player, don't be surprised if he pops back up into MLS some day.</p>
<p>The Portland Timbers currently have the third pick in each of the four rounds. We'll have ana rticle shortly after the draft with each of the picks. In the meantime, feel free to use this post for commentary.</p>
<p><i>What are you expecting out of the draft? Depth? Diamond in the rough type player? </i></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/1/22/3903740/mls-supplemental-draft-timbers-pickGeoff Gibson2013-01-21T10:12:57-08:002013-01-21T10:12:57-08:00Timbers Sign El Trencito to Multi-Year Contract
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4N5U6rnsg9FkkeCleUxHN-I4ttc=/177x206:424x371/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6905655/tumblr_mgzuyx94mk1ru7tqeo1_500.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>William Conwell</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Portland Timbers have confirmed that they've signed Jose Adolfo Valencia to a multi-year contract. </p> <p>Good news for those who were disappointed that <span>Jose Adolfo Valencia</span> was not able to see any playing time last year due to a last minute surgery, as it appears the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> have officially re-signed the young striker to a multi-year contract. Even better is that he will no longer count as a young Designated Player, but rather a normal, international roster spot player</p>
<p>This announcement confirms what we've all been hearing for quite a while and it leaves open the door for another DP should the Portland Timbers need one if <span>Kris Boyd</span> is truly on his way out. If he is not, however, it merely means that the Timbers will occupy all three roster spots for the 2013 season with Kris Boyd, <span>Diego Valeri</span> and <span>Diego Chara</span>.</p>
<p>It will certainly be exciting to see how El Trencito is used this season. With Danny Mwanga, and <span>Bright Dike</span> both looking to make an impact up top, he'll certainly have some competition.</p>
<p><i>What do you think of Valencia signing a multi-year contract to the Portland Timbers?</i></p>
<p>Full press release:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>PORTLAND, Ore.</b> - The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has signed Colombian forward Jose Valencia to a multi-year contract, completing a transfer from Colombian club Independiente Santa Fe. Valencia was loaned to the Timbers by Santa Fe during the 2012 season. He will be added to the roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per league and club policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed.<br><br>Valencia, 21, spent last season in Portland with the Timbers while rehabilitating from preseason knee surgery on Feb. 6, 2012. After eight months of recovery, he appeared in one match with the Timbers Reserves, playing 20 minutes in the team's season finale Sept. 16, 2012, at JELD-WEN Field. Valencia was originally acquired by the Timbers from Santa Fe on Dec. 15, 2011. <br><br>"As a club it is imperative that we take a young player with tremendous potential and help him develop into a proven player in MLS," said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager. "The hope and belief is that he can deliver on his potential and fight for a starting position in 2013 and continue to grow into a star in this league. While his injury led to a disappointing season for Jose last year, he showed great resolve, and we are looking forward to his continued progress."<br><br>Prior to joining the Timbers, Valencia was a standout for Colombia's U-20 National Team in 2011, helping the team to the 2011 Toulon Tournament championship and a quarterfinal finish in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Making his professional debut at the age of 16, he played four seasons in Colombia's first division with Independiente Santa Fe from 2008-11.<br><br>The Bogotá, Colombia, native was a key figure for his country in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, starting four of his five appearances in the tournament. Valencia scored the game-winning goal against Mali in the group stage, securing Colombia's place in the knockout rounds. At the 2011 Toulon Tournament in France, Valencia played in four games and scored the decisive goal in a semifinal victory over Mexico as the Colombia U-20 National Team went on to secure the tournament title. <br><br>With Santa Fe, his hometown club, Valencia made 38 total league appearances and contributed to four consecutive postseason appearances during his time with the club. He played in 16 games between national team call-ups in 2011, scoring one goal and contributing to Santa Fe's run to the Liga Postobón semifinals. Valencia played in 18 games during the 2009 season and helped Santa Fe claim the 2009 Copa Colombia. While with Santa Fe, the club earned berths in the 2010 and 2011 Copa Sudamericana - one of the elite South American club tournaments. <br><br>Valencia is the son of former Colombian international Adolfo Valencia, who played in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Adolfo Valencia, known as "El Tren" (the Train), had a 16-year professional career (1988-2004), which included a stint in MLS with the MetroStars (now <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a>) from 2000-01. <br><br>Valencia will not count as a Young Designated Player, but will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster. <br><br><b>Jose Valencia</b><br>Full Name: Jose Adolfo Valencia Arrechea<br>Pronunciation: HO-say va-LEN-see-ah<br>Position: Forward<br>Height: 6-1<br>Weight: 180<b><i><br></i></b>Born: Dec. 18, 1991 in Bogotá, Colombia<br>Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia<br>Last Club: Independiente Santa Fe (Colombia)<br>College: n/a<br>Citizenship: Colombia<br>Acquired: Signed a multi-year contract Jan. 21, 2013, completing a transfer from Colombian club Independiente Santa Fe. </p>
</blockquote>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/1/21/3900262/portland-timbers-sign-jose-valencia-multi-year-contractGeoff Gibson2013-01-21T09:10:57-08:002013-01-21T09:10:57-08:00Portland Timbers Sign Defender Ryan Miller
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3zxnb1s7AZEVHKryQaZ5zE5H1HU=/0x102:612x510/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6906003/ryan_miller.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The Portland Timbers have announced they they have officially signed Ryan Miller from Halmstad in Sweden.</p> <p>While it was pretty clear that it was no longer a rumor, especially after Merritt Paulson's tweet last night, the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a> made it officially official this morning by issuing a press release announcing Ryan Miller's signing to the club. The veteran soccer player should be able to train with the Timbers starting this week as he, however, he wont be officially added to the club until his International Transfer Certificate is finalized.</p>
<p>Here is what head coach <span>Caleb Porter</span> had to say about the signing:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Ryan is an experienced pro and a great addition to the club. His ability to go box to box as a right back fits what we are looking for in that position. He is another proven piece that brings traits we want in the locker room as well."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With Miller's arrival it will be interesting to see who fits in that right back slot. I wouldn't immediately assume it goes to Miller, as <span>Jack Jewsbury</span> could prove during the pre-season to be a better right back. I suppose we'll have to wait and see.</p>
<p>Next? Where's our new centerback and where is <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110904/jonathan-bornstein" class="sbn-auto-link">Jonathan Bornstein</a>?</p>
<p><i>What do you think of Ryan Miller joining the squad?</i></p>
<p>Full press release:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>PORTLAND, Ore.</b> - The Portland Timbers have signed defender Ryan Miller, it was announced today. Miller returns to MLS after four seasons in Sweden, where he recently helped Halmstads BK regain promotion to the country's top flight. He will be added to the Timbers' roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per league and club policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed.<br><br>Miller, 28, was originally selected by the <a href="https://www.massivereport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Columbus Crew</a> in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and after two seasons in MLS signed with Sweden's Ljungskile SK in 2009. He then joined Halmstads BK in 2010 and became a key contributor for the club, appearing in 73 league matches over three seasons in Sweden's top leagues. <br><br>Miller has arrived in Portland and will participate in the Timbers first preseason training session Monday morning at JELD-WEN Field. <br><br>"Ryan is an experienced pro and a great addition to the club," said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers. "His ability to go box to box as a right back fits what we are looking for in that position. He is another proven piece that brings traits we want in the locker room as well."<br><br>A native of Barrington, Ill., Miller was a fixture on the backline for Halmstads BK during the 2012 season, starting all 30 matches, recording eight assists and aiding in 12 shutouts as the club finished in third place in Sweden's Superettan (second division) and regained promotion to the Allsvenskan through the promotional playoff. <br><br>Miller first arrived in Sweden with Ljungskile SK of the second division in 2009, playing in 12 league matches and recording two assists. With Halmstads BK, Miller started 26 games in the Allsvenskan during his first season with the club in 2010. <br><br>As a result of his play in Sweden, Miller was called into camp with the U.S. National Team by former head coach Bob Bradley in January 2011. <br><br>He was selected No. 31 overall by Columbus in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and spent time with Columbus (2008) and <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> (2008-09) before taking his career abroad. While with D.C. United, Miller played in three matches during the 2008-09 CONCACAF Champions League. <br><br>Miller had a standout collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame from 2003-07. As a senior, he scored six goals and logged four assists in 24 games, earning second team NSCAA All-America and first team CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. In total, Miller played in 91 games, recording seven goals and 11 assists for the Fighting Irish, and finished his collegiate career having started 86 consecutive games.<br><br><b>Ryan Miller</b><br>Position: Defender<br>Height: 5-11<b><br></b>Weight: 165<br>Born: Dec. 14, 1984, in Barrington, Ill.<br>Hometown: Barrington, Ill.<br>Last Club: Halmstads BK (Sweden)<br>College: University of Notre Dame<br>Citizenship: United States <br>Acquired: Signed Jan. 21, 2013.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/1/21/3900004/official-portland-timbers-sign-defender-ryan-millerGeoff Gibson