PORTLAND, Ore. –
The Portland Timbers have signed all-league defender
David Hayes
for the 2009 season, it was announced today pending league and USSF approval. Hayes, a 10-year veteran, was named the USL First Division’s Defender of the Year in 2007.
Hayes, 32, joins the Timbers after four seasons with the Atlanta Silverbacks. During his time in Atlanta, Hayes received All-League first-team honors in 2007 and 2008, registering 15 goals and 14 assists and leading the team to the USL First Division finals in 2007.
“We are delighted to have David join the Timbers,” said
Gavin Wilkinson
, general manager and head coach of the Timbers. “He adds significant experience and leadership to our squad. We feel that David’s success, particularly over the past couple seasons, and his maturity will help in our push for a championship; we are excited to have him on board.”
A native of Waldorf, Md., Hayes started his professional career with Major League Soccer’s D.C. United in 1999. He played in 18 games over four MLS seasons with United (1999-2000) and the Chicago Fire (2001-02), and also saw time with the USL First Division’s Hampton Roads Mariners, Milwaukee Rampage and Richmond Kickers while on loan from the MLS sides. Since making his USL First Division debut in 1999, Hayes has played in 234 matches and recorded 43 goals and 34 assists over 10 seasons in the league with the U.S. Pro-40 (1999), Hampton Roads (2000), Milwaukee (2001), Richmond (2002, 2004), Rochester Rhinos (2003) and Atlanta (2005-08).
“Playing against Portland in previous years, the Timbers have always been a competitive side,” said Hayes. “I’m happy to be coming to Portland. The club has some of the best fans in the country, and the environment they provide is outstanding. I am excited about playing for Gavin, the coaching staff and for the fans.”
Hayes split his college career between the College of Southern Maryland and Wingate University. He garnered All-America honors in each of his four collegiate seasons and set unprecedented scoring records during his time at each school. Hayes scored 102 goals in two seasons at CSM, setting a new National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) career record. At Wingate, his 37 goals as a junior in 1997 set a new school mark for goals scored in a single season and set him up to join the school’s all-time career leaders in scoring with 78 goals.
With the addition of Hayes, the Timbers have 18 players under contract for the 2009 season.
Starting the season on the road on April 25, the Timbers open their 2009 home schedule at PGE Park on April 30 against the Carolina RailHawks at 7 p.m. Season tickets, starting at $150, are available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For more information regarding season tickets, a variety of ticket packages, group discounts or suites, visit
www.portlandtimbers.com
.
