PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers announced today that the club has acquired Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič via transfer from Slovenian PrvaLiga side NK Olimpija Ljubljana. Ivačič will be added to the Timbers’ roster, pending a physical and receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa.
“We are pleased to welcome Aljaž Ivačič to the Portland Timbers,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “It was a goal of ours to further strengthen this position during the offseason, and this move affords us the opportunity to add to an already strong group.”
Ivačič, 25, arrives in Portland after playing two seasons with NK Olimpija Ljubljana, helping the club win both the league and cup title during the 2017-18 season. During that span, Ivačič appeared in 55 matches across all competitions, posting a 0.88 goals-against average and 24 clean sheets.
“We are excited to add another solid goalkeeping option to our roster,” said Giovanni Savarese, head coach of the Timbers. “Aljaž is a player that has a good mindset and mentality, and we look forward to helping him continue to grow and develop with our club.”
During the 2018-19 season, Ivačič made 25 appearances across all competitions, including 18 appearances in league play for Olimpija, logging 1,620 minutes, while recording five clean sheets. In addition, Ivačič appeared in both legs of UEFA Champions League qualifying, recording a shutout in a 0-0 draw with Qarabağ FK, and also started five matches during Europa League qualifying. In 2017-18, Ivačič played in 25 matches for Olimpija, allowing just 12 goals and recording 14 clean sheets during that span. Ivačič also played matches on loan with NK Bela Krajina (2013-14) and NK Radomlje (2014-17) in the Druga Liga, appearing in 68 matches for the two clubs combined.
Ivačič will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster.
Transaction: Portland Timbers acquire goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič via transfer from Slovenian PrvaLiga side NK Olimpija Ljubljana on Jan. 18, 2019.
Aljaž Ivačič
Pronunciation: ahl-YAJH EVE-vah-chitch
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Born: Dec. 29, 1993, in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Last Club: NK Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Citizenship: Slovenia
Acquired: Acquired via transfer from Slovenian PrvaLiga side NK Olimpija on Jan. 18, 2019
