PORTLAND, Ore. – Two more members of the Timbers’ 2010 D-2 team officially became members of the MLS franchise on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Adin Brown and defender Steve Purdy began the Timbers’ first week of training as “trialists,” but it was only a matter of time and paperwork before their announcements were made.
The 25-year-old Purdy (6-foot-4, 190 pounds) played with TSV 1860 Munich of the 2.Bundesliga for two years before returning to the US and joining FC Dallas in 2009. His season was hampered by injury. In 2010, he played 24 games with the Timbers and was a pivotal member of the back line.
“I think I proved myself last year for this year,” Purdy said.
Brown, 32, has five seasons of MLS experience and 83 starts under his belt. He is on his way back from rehabilitating a foot injury. He was the No. 3 overall MLS SuperDraft choice, selected by the Colorado Rapids, in 2000. He also played for Tampa Bay and New England.
Brown played five seasons in Norway with Aalesund and was a standout player there. He also has numerous appearances with various US teams.
He spent the fall and winter in Portland, leaving only to go to California, where he studied and obtained his "B"-level coaching license.
“It feels great,” Brown said of Wednesday’s announcement. “There’s so much buzz around this city. It feels great to be a part of it.”
Brown said he feels “100 percent” and is eager to contribute.
“It was a long road to recovery,” he said. “I started my preseason in November.”
Brown (6-foot-5, 200 pounds) is the second goalkeeper on the roster, joining Troy Perkins. Both of them played professionally in Norway.
“Actually, [Perkins’] first game in Norway was against our club,” Brown said. “Unfortunately, we lost 1-0.”
As new relationships form with this club this week, Brown said he is glad to be teammates with Perkins.
“I look forward to working with him and competing against him,” Brown said.
The Timbers will continue to train at the Adidas North America campus in Portland this week and move to Ventura, Calif., next week.
