PORTLAND, Ore.– The Portland Timbers have signed midfielder Arsene Oka for the 2008 season, it was announced today. Oka, a former Ivory Coast youth international, played for the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer in 2007.
Last season, Oka played in six Reserve Division matches for New England and recorded two goals and one assist in 398 minutes. He made one appearance for New England’s first team, entering a match against the Chicago Fire on April 7.
Oka, 24, began his professional career in Africa in the Côte d’Ivoire Premier Division, the top flight of the Ivory Coast. He played for clubs Stade d’Abidjan, Stella Club d’Adjame and Africa Sports National before signing a developmental contract with New England on Sept. 15, 2006.
A native of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Oka was a member of the Ivory Coast’s U-17 and U-20 National Teams.
With Oka, the Timbers now have 17 signed roster players for the upcoming 2008 season.
The Timbers open the 2008 USL First Division campaign on April 17 against the Puerto Rico Islanders at PGE Park. Season tickets are currently available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For more information on season-ticket packages, flex plans, group discount opportunities and party suites, visit www.portlandtimbers.com.