PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers have come to terms with midfielder Jake Sagare, it was announced Monday.
Sagare, 24, was released from his contract with Halifax Town of the English Nationwide Conference mid-season in order to meet the international transfer deadline and allow his return to the Timbers.
"We're very appreciative of Halifax Town releasing Jake in advance of the end of their season in order that he could return to the U.S. and play for the Timbers,” said general manager Jim Taylor. “Jake has been an integral part of this club for the past two seasons, and we're expecting big things from him."
Sagare played for the Timbers the entire 2002 season and joined the team late in the 2003 campaign after playing for Grimsby Town FC of the English First Division.
“I’m glad to be back,” said Sagare. “We pretty much have the same team as last year, and I think we’ll be even better with the added experience.”
Sagare appeared in 32 games with Halifax Town in 2003-04.
“I have definitely improved since last season,” added Sagare. “Any chance you get to play in games and improve in an intense environment in the off-season is good for you.”
Sagare came on strong late in the 2003 season, netting three goals in the last four games while tallying four goals on the season, two of them game-winners. Sagare started all 20 games he appeared in with the Timbers.
Logging 1,963 minutes over 27 games in 2002, Sagare notched four points on four assists in his inaugural campaign in Portland.
The Timbers selected Sagare in the third round of the 2002 A-League College Draft out of the University of Washington, where he played alongside Timbers teammate Aaron Heinzen.
TIMBERS NOTES:
The Timbers will travel to Oregon State to take on the Beavers in a preseason match Wednesday, April 14 at 3 p.m. … the Timbers kick off the 2004 season vs. Seattle at PGE Park, Saturday, May 1 at 7 p.m. … individual-game and season tickets are now on sale … for ticket information, call 553-5555.
