PORTLAND, Ore.
- The Portland Timbers today announced that defender Scot Thompson will return to the team for a third season.
Thompson, 25, was a USL First Division All-League First Team selection with the Timbers in 2005 and was a finalist for the First Division’s Defender of the Year award. A four-time member of the league’s “Team of the Week” in 2005, Thompson tallied four goals and two assists in his second season with the Timbers, missing just two starts to try out with Sunderland AFC after an impressive showing against the Premiership club during a July 23 exhibition match at PGE Park.
“I’ve always loved Portland, and I’m looking forward to the new management and new style,” said Thompson, who had trials with the Columbus Crew of MLS and Norway’s Ham-Kam during the off-season. “I plan on being even more of a leader on this team and being more involved. Every season is a chance for us to show what kind of soccer we can play in Portland, and especially after my experiences in the off-season, I feel like I’m a better person and a better all-around player.”
Thompson originally joined the Timbers midway through the 2004 season on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
“Scot is a tremendous player,” said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. “I look forward to him anchoring our defense on what I hope will be a very strong team in 2006.”
Drafted by the Galaxy in the second round (16th overall) of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, Thompson was a member of the U.S. U-18 National Team pool in high school before becoming a standout defender at UCLA, where he was named to the Pac-10’s first team his senior year.
Portland kicks off its sixth USL First Division season on Saturday, April 22, against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium. The Timbers open the home portion of their season by playing host to the Whitecaps at PGE Park on Friday, May 5. A variety of season ticket options are available by calling the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For detailed ticket information, go to www.portlandtimbers.com.
NOTES
: The Timbers will be holding an open player tryout at PGE Park on Saturday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tryout camp is open to players 18 years of age and older. Interested players must submit a completed registration and waiver form along with a $75 tryout fee. Additional details are available at www.portlandtimbers.com.
