PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers have signed midfielder
Rodrigo Lopez
for the remainder of the 2009 USL First Division season, it was announced today pending league and USSF approval.
Lopez, 22, played as a guest player in the Timbers’ exhibition match against English Premier League club Burnley FC on July 25, scoring in the 2-2 draw. He recently led the Ventura County Fusion to the 2009 Premier Development League title.
A native of Harbor City, Calif., Lopez spent 18 months in the youth academy of Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara before signing with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer in 2005 at the age of 18. He spent three seasons with Chivas USA, appearing in eight games with the first team and recording one assist.
He played last season with top-flight Mexican club Queretaro of the Primera Division. His career also includes time with the U.S. U-20 National Team in 2006.
With the addition of Lopez, the Timbers’ roster includes 25 players. The USL First Division roster freeze deadline is Aug. 28.
On a USL First Division-record 22-game unbeaten streak, the Timbers face the Miami FC Blues Saturday at PGE Park at 7:15 p.m. Tickets start at $11 and can be purchased through the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
