PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers have come to terms with midfielder Alex Bengard and forward Alan Gordon, it was announced today. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Bengard, 25, played last season with the Seattle Sounders, scoring six points on two goals and two assists over 22 games before having his season cut short by injury. Drafted in the fifth round (57th overall) by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft, Bengard saw limited playing time with L.A., appearing in seven games over two years spent with the club.
“I’m very happy to be here,” said Bengard. “The guys on the team have taken me in as one of their own, which helps you get acquainted that much faster.”
Bengard set a Cal State-Dominguez Hills record in points (46) as he led the Toros to a Division II national championship in 2000.
Gordon, 22, begins his professional playing career with the Timbers after being selected in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2004 A-League College Draft. Gordon played collegiate soccer at Oregon State, where he left as the third-leading scorer in school history with 59 points (26 goals, 7 assists) in two seasons with the Beavers. Gordon was a third team All-America selection and was named first team All-Far West in 2003.
He led Oregon State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament bids for the first time in school history in 2002-03.
“I’m excited to get started with my professional career in Portland,” said Gordon. “I hope to give the Timbers some depth in the attack up front.”
Gordon joins teammates Byron Alvarez, Dan Antoniuk and McKinley Tennyson as forwards signed for the 2004 season.
TIMBERS NOTES:
On Friday, the Timbers play their second preseason match of the year against the University of Portland at PGE Park at 10 a.m. … the Timbers kick off the 2004 season vs. Seattle at PGE Park, Saturday, May 1 at 7 p.m. … individual-game and season tickets are now on sale … for ticket information, call 553-5555.
