PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers today re-signed midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar, who returns for a fifth season with the team.
Alcaraz-Cuellar, 28, was a first-team USL First Division All-League selection with the Timbers in 2005 after leading the league in assists for the second year in a row. Alcaraz-Cuellar, the Timbers career leader in assists (39), tallied a goal and 12 assists with the Timbers last season.
“I’m very excited to be back to play for the Timbers again,” said Alcaraz-Cuellar, who originally signed with Portland in 2002. “I’ve spoken to coach (Chris) Agnello several times, and I can tell he has the energy and coaching knowledge to win the Timbers the championship.”
After four seasons with the Timbers, Alcaraz-Cuellar ranks third among the team’s career leaders in shots (117), games (107), minutes played (9,898) and fouls (154), and fourth in points (53). Prior to joining the Timbers, Alcaraz-Cuellar played two years at Fresno State before spending the 2001 season with the San Diego Flash, formerly of the USL First Division.
“It was very important to me to make sure that Hugo returned this season,” said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. “He not only provides balance for the team by being a returning player, but he also gives us a lethal option along the right side of midfield.”
Portland kicks off its sixth USL First Division season on Saturday, April 22, against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium. The Timbers open the home portion of their season by playing host to the Whitecaps at PGE Park on Friday, May 5. A variety of season ticket options are available by calling the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For detailed ticket information, go to www.portlandtimbers.com.
