PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers announced today the club has re-signed defender
Scot Thompson
to a two-year deal through 2009 and midfielder
Tom Poltl
for the 2008 season.
Both Thompson, who returns for a fifth season in 2008, and Poltl, returning for his fourth campaign, rank among the Timbers’ modern-franchise career leaders in games played.
“Bringing back veteran players like Tom and Scot adds to the stability of the organization and helps us accomplish our goals both on the field and in the community,” said
Gavin Wilkinson
, Timbers head coach and general manager. “Because of their experience and leadership qualities, there are high expectations for both players to continue to contribute and lead this team to an even better season in 2008.”
Thompson, 26, logged 2,429 minutes in 27 matches and recorded two goals and an assist with the Timbers last season. He was a member of the Timbers backline that set a new modern-franchise record in 2007 by allowing just 18 goals in 28 matches – the fewest in a single season since the team joined United Soccer Leagues in 2001. Thompson garnered several honors in 2007, including a USL First Division All-League second-team selection and two inclusions to the league’s Team of the Week.
“I’m excited to be returning for a fifth season with the Timbers,” said Thompson. “We have a great opportunity to build upon last year with an enthusiastic owner and a close-knit team that is now in contention for a title.”
A native of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Thompson first joined the Timbers in 2004 while on loan from Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy and helped Portland capture the USL First Division regular-season title that season. In 2005, Thompson was named to the USL First Division All-League first team and was a finalist for the league’s Defender of the Year award. He currently ranks among the Timbers’ modern-franchise career leaders in both games (88) and minutes (7,718) played.
Poltl, 30, appeared in 23 matches and totaled 1,616 minutes and one assist for Portland in 2007. For his assist against the Vancouver Whitecaps in July last season, Poltl was selected to the USL First Division Team of the Week for Week 14.
"I am excited to be back in a Timbers uniform for the 2008 season,” said Poltl. “We had a great season last year, and with so many players returning we should have a great chance at the league championship. But with the accomplishments of last season, the bar will be much higher for the team and each player next season.”
In three seasons with the Timbers, Poltl has played in 69 matches, which places him among the club’s modern-franchise leaders in career games played. In 2006, the San Diego, Calif., native was recognized for his philanthropic efforts in the greater-Portland area and was named the Timbers’ Community Player of the Year.
The announcement brings the Timbers list of signed roster players for the 2008 season to 12.
Timbers 2008 season tickets, starting as low as $142.50, are currently available along with a variety of convenient ticket packages by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For more information, visit
www.portlandtimbers.com
.
