PORTLAND, Ore.
- Portland Timbers goalkeeper
Josh Wicks
was named the USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year, it was announced today by the United Soccer Leagues. Wicks is the Timbers' first modern-era goalkeeper to receive the league's goalkeeping award.
In his first season in Portland, Wicks, 23, was a part of the Timbers defense that set a new modern franchise record for fewest goals allowed (18) and most shutouts (15). Last week, Wicks was named the USL First Division's Goals-Against Average Champion with the lowest goals-against average in the league (0.60). He also ranked first in goalkeeper minutes played (2,385), games played (27) and shutouts (14).
In 2007, Wicks, who was the USL First Division Player of the Week in Week 11, was also named to the USL First Division All-League first team and selected by fans as the Timbers' Supporters Player of the Year.
Portland meets the Atlanta Silverbacks in the semifinal round of the 2007 USL First Division playoffs this weekend. The Timbers will host the second match of the two-game, total goals series at PGE Park on Sunday at 5 p.m. Sunday's match, presented by OHSU, will be featured live on Fox Soccer Channel.
Playoff tickets, starting at $12, are available at the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (503) 224-4400.
