PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers and Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy announced today the Timbers have acquired Galaxy defender Scott Bolkan and midfielder Vardan Adzemian on loan for the 2008 season. The transaction is pending USSF approval.
Bolkan, 23, was a three-time All-Pac-10 selection at Stanford University. From Salem, Ore., Bolkan appeared in 66 matches - including 60 starts - during his time at Stanford. Entering his collegiate career, he was named one of the top “100 freshman to keep an eye on” by College Soccer News. Bolkan attended South Salem High School where he was a NSCAA/adidas and McDonald’s All-American as a senior in 2004.
Adzemian, 24, started his professional career at the age of 18 in Greece, seeing time with first division clubs AEK Athens and Panathinaikos, as well as FC Marko (third division) and FC Pavlos Melas (second division). Born in Armenia, Adzemian made several appearances in MLS Reserve Division matches in 2006 with Chivas USA, Chicago, and Kansas City. He played with the Ventura County Fusion of the Premier Development League in 2007. Adzemian attended the Timbers’ annual tryout in January prior to signing with the Galaxy.
With the addition of Bolkan and Adzemian, the Timbers now have 20 signed players for the 2008 season. Both players participated in the Timbers’ preseason match against Gonzaga University on March 30.
The Timbers begin the 2008 USL First Division campaign on Thursday against the Puerto Rico Islanders at PGE Park. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets, starting at $11, are available through the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (503) 224-4400.