PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers announced today that goalkeeper
Josh Wicks
will return for the 2008 season – his second with the club. After a breakout performance with the Timbers last season, Wicks was named the 2007 USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year.
Wicks was a part of the Timbers defense that led the league last season in the fewest goals allowed (18) and set a new modern-franchise record with 14 shutouts in a single season. In 27 matches, Wicks recorded 87 saves and allowed only 16 goals. He was crowned the USL First Division’s Goals-Against Champion with a league-leading 0.60 goals-against average. For his accomplishments, Wicks was named to the USL First Division All-League first team for the first time in his career.
“Josh was a part of a great defensive unit last season and performed well,” said
Gavin Wilkinson
, Timbers head coach and general manager. “His accomplishments were a result of his hard work throughout the season. Josh’s honors last season have certainly raised the bar; we expect him to continue to work hard, develop his game and reinforce why he was selected as the league’s top goalkeeper last year.”
A native of San Bernardino, Calif., Wicks, 24, began his professional career in 2005 with the Vancouver Whitecaps. In two seasons with Vancouver, Wicks appeared in 16 matches, including 11 as a rookie, and logged 59 saves and seven shutouts while allowing only nine goals. He was a member of the Whitecaps’ 2006 USL First Division championship team.
Wicks finished his time at Cal State Bakersfield as the career leader in several goalkeeping categories, including minutes played (7,149), saves (358) and shutouts (34). He was voted to the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-League first team as a senior in 2004.
The announcement brings the number of roster players for the Timbers’ 2008 season to 15.
The Timbers open the 2008 USL First Division season April 17 at PGE Park against the Puerto Rico Islanders. Season tickets, starting at $142.50, for the 2008 campaign are available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553.5555. Click here more information on season tickets, flex plans, suites or group outings.
