Across seven seasons with the Timbers (2011-17), Nagbe appeared in 214 regular-season games, scoring 27 goals and contributing 30 assists – both among the top five in club history
Editor's Note: In honor of the Portland Timbers' 50th anniversary, the club is recognizing an All-Time XI collection of the best players from across all eras of the team's history as voted on by you, the fans. The XI is comprised of one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards – a 3-4-3 formation.
Each day between now and the team's 50th anniversary celebration on July 19 – when the Timbers host Minnesota United FC (7:30pm PT, TICKETS, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV) – the club will unveil one player from the All-Time XI followed by a special recognition of the group on the evening of July 19th.
Liam Ridgewell’s arrival in the Rose City marked a new step for the Portland Timbers and MLS. With many teams in the league stocking up on attacking talent as Designated Players, Ridgewell – a defender with sterling Premier League credentials – was something somewhat new: A defender signed as a Designated Player.
Landing in Portland during the 2014 season from England’s West Bromwich Albion, The Bexleyheath, England native would go on to appear in 97 regular-season games (97 starts) across five seasons (2014-2018) for the Green and Gold, scoring six goals and adding two assists. The defender helped lead the Timbers to the MLS Cup Playoffs three times, captaining the side to the 2015 MLS Cup and also guiding the team to a 2018 MLS Western Conference Championship on their way to a second MLS Cup appearance.
A two-time MLS All-Star (2014, 2016), Ridgewell tallied his first MLS goal in 2014 with a mazy, 45-yard run capped by scoring a second-half equalizer on the road against the New England Revolution on Aug. 16, 2014. His goal celebration that night became a signature for him. Thereafter known as “The Ridgy Roll,” the player fell to his side like a tree and rolled across the field while teammates danced around him.
In 2015, Ridgewell started and played in a career-best 32 matches for the Timbers, anchoring a backline that recorded a league-best 13 shutouts during the regular season. Starting and playing in five matches of the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs – including 90 minutes in the Timbers’ MLS Cup victory over Columbus on Dec. 6 – Ridgewell registered the opening goal in a 3-1 win against FC Dallas in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship on Nov. 22, 2015. In five seasons, Ridgewell played 13 postseason matches (13 starts), registering one goal.
The team played consistently better when Ridgewell was on the field with the club amassing a 45-28-18 record when he was on the pitch to go along with a 1.68 pts/game (versus 1.27 without), a 1.23 GA/90 with him (versus 1.57 without) and a +24 goal differential with him (versus -2 without).
After finishing his playing career in England, Ridgewell returned to the Timbers as a soccer analyst with ROOT SPORTS and was nominated for a 2022 Northwest Regional Emmy Award alongside broadcast partners Jake Zivin and Ross Smith. Earning his UEFA A Coaching License, Ridgewell joined the Portland coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2023.
From the Archives
- READ: The Ridgy Roll: Portland Timbers' Liam Ridgewell explains his first MLS goal and celebration
- READ: For Portland Timbers' Liam Ridgewell, a continental change and a new challenge
- READ: MLS Cup | Once again, Liam Ridgewell is proving to be indispensable
- READ: Liam Ridgewell's mischievous, playful, winning legacy
Join us for the presentation of the Timbers All-Time XI on July 19 when the Timbers host Minnesota United!
Celebrating 50 years of the Timbers
Celebrating 50 years as a club, the Timbers honor the fan-vote, All-Time XI, Ring of Honor members and alumni from all eras. The match features a crossbody bag giveaway.
All-Time XI Eligibility:
The Timbers All-Time XI is comprised of one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards – a 3-4-3 formation.
To be considered, fans voted on the 50 eligible players who met established criteria based upon career achievements as a Timbers player and were selected by a panel. Players had to meet one of the following criteria:
- Play a minimum of 100 league games for the club for field players; 50 league games for goalkeepers.
- Inducted into the Timbers Ring of Honor.
- Rank in the Top 5 (by era) in a career statistical category (games played, goals, assists, wins, shutouts, etc.) for the club.
- Be a key contributor in winning a championship or trophy.
- Receive league honors (All-League, Best XI, MVP, All-Star, Golden Boot, Rookie of the Year, etc.) as a member of the club.
