PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have signed midfielder Bryan Little for the 2008 season, it was announced today pending USSF and international clearance. Little joins the Timbers from Auckland City FC of the New Zealand Football Championship, where he was the team’s leading scorer through early April.
Little, 29, appeared in 12 matches with Auckland City during the 2007-08 season and recorded a team-high eight goals through his final match with the club on April 12, including a hat trick in season opener on Nov. 4 against Manawatu. Little finished his season with Auckland among the league’s leading goal-scorers.
From Edinburgh, Scotland, Little began his professional career with the Berwick Rangers of the Scottish Second Division before moving his career to New Zealand in 2003. In 2006, he was a part of Auckland City FC’s Oceania Club championship team and helped guide the team to the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. Little won several titles during his time in New Zealand, including the 2003 National League championship with the Miramar Rangers and the Chatham Cup with Team Wellington in 2004.
With Little, the Timbers now have 22 signed roster players for the 2008 season. He began training with the team Monday.
Portland will honor long-time team icon Jim Serrill – better known as “Timber Jim” – on Timber Jim Retirement Night as the Timbers open their 2008 USL First Division campaign Thursday at PGE Park. The first 2,000 fans receive 2008 schedule magnets courtesy of PGE, and the first 1,000 will also receive a “Farewell Timber Jim” T-shirt presented by Shindaiwa. 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.