PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers today signed midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer to a one-year contract.
Kreamalmeyer, 23, spent the 2005 season with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer (MLS). There, he appeared in six games and made two starts for the first team. Prior to joining Real Salt Lake, Kreamalmeyer spent time with the Chicago Fire Reserves and the St. Louis Strikers of the Premier Development League, where he tallied a combined 11 goals and 12 assists.
“Luke is an incredibly talented player who can start on the right or center of midfield,” said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. “I had the pleasure of helping coach him at Real Salt Lake, and he is one of the fastest players I have ever seen come out of college.”
Prior to turning professional, Kreamalmeyer played college soccer at Bradley University from 2001-2004 alongside fellow Timber Salim Bullen. A two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first team selection, Kreamalmeyer left Bradley ranked fourth all-time in assists (20) and fifth in points (72). He also led the team in goals (8) and assists (9) his senior season, helping the team reach the semifinals of the conference tournament.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Portland for the first time and getting a fresh start there,” said Kreamelmeyer, who was named MVP of the 2005 MLS Player Combine. “I know coach (Chris) Agnello from my time at Real Salt Lake. He is someone who is determined to win, and I strongly believe I can help him accomplish that.”
The announcement brings the Timbers’ list of signed players to 12.
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.
