PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have acquired Argentine forward Maximiliano Urruti and an international roster slot from Toronto FC in exchange for forward Bright Dike, a first-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and allocation money, it was announced today. Urruti will be added to the club’s roster upon the receipt of a P-1 visa.
Toronto FC will receive the Timbers’ lowest first-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, should the Timbers acquire a second first-round pick in that draft. The international roster slot acquired by the Timbers from Toronto FC runs through the 2013 MLS season and expires Dec. 31, 2013.
Urruti, 22, was acquired by Toronto FC on Aug. 16, after playing his first three professional seasons with top-flight Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys from 2010-13. He made 56 appearances and scored 12 goals with Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina’s Primera División, and also made six appearances for the club in Copa Libertadores play. With Toronto FC, Urruti played in two matches, making his MLS debut Aug. 17.
“Maximiliano is a player we know well, one we feel will be a great fit in our system and scouted extensively prior to him signing with Toronto,” said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers. “He is a quality, young player who has cut his teeth with one of the top clubs in the Argentine first division. Urruti will complement the depth we have in the striker position, and once he is acclimated and match fit, will bring a dimension to the number nine role that we’ve been looking for.”
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Urruti played in 28 matches for Newell’s Old Boys during the 2012-13 campaign in Argentina’s Primera División, scoring five goals and helping the club win the Torneo Final championship. Urruti scored in three straight league appearances May 26-June 16, aiding in victories over Boca Juniors, Unión and Atlético Rafaela. He also appeared in six games in the 2013 Copa Libertadores, aiding in the club’s run to the semifinal of the prestigious South American tournament.
Urruti made 24 starts during his second professional season during the 2011-12 Primera División campaign, recording seven goals.
Dike, 26, played in 23 matches (9 starts) over three MLS seasons with the Timbers, scoring six goals. He missed significant time during the 2011 and 2013 campaigns due to injury, but finished the 2012 season as one of the club’s leading goal-scorers with five goals in 12 appearances. Dike was signed Oct. 19, 2010, after playing his rookie season with the second-division Timbers in 2010.
“We truly appreciate all that Bright has given to the club and this community in his four years in Portland,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager. “Bright is a tremendous professional and, as one of the club’s first MLS signings, has been a great ambassador for the Timbers. We sincerely wish him all the best and he will be missed.”
“Anytime you trade a player that is of the character and ability as Bright Dike, it's not an easy decision,” said Porter. “But, we felt this was the right move for our club, short- and long-term. This will be a great opportunity for him to contribute immediately to Toronto FC, and we know he is looking forward to the next chapter in his career.”
Maximiliano Urruti
Pronunciation: “Max-a-mill-ee-ano Urr-oo-tee”
Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
Born: Feb. 22, 1991, in Rosario, Argentina
Hometown: Rosario, Argentina
Last Club: Toronto FC
College: n/a
Citizenship: Argentina
Acquired: Via trade with Toronto FC along with an international slot through the 2013 MLS season in exchange for forward Bright Dike, Portland’s lowest first-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and allocation.
