PORTLAND
, Ore.
–
The Portland Timbers have exercised the option of midfielder
Lawrence Olum
, extending his contract with the club through the 2009 season, it was announced today. The 2009 season will mark Olum’s third with the Timbers.
A native of Nairobi, Kenya, Olum has appeared in 44 matches during his two seasons with the Timbers, accumulating six goals and one assist. Last season, Olum, 24, was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week for Week 14 following his one-goal performance during a two-game road trip in late July.
“We are excited to bring Lawrence back and have a player of his ability,” said
Gavin Wilkinson
, Timbers general manager and head coach. “The potential that he possesses makes him a valuable asset to the organization. We hope that his maturity has a direct effect on the field, and we expect him to be a significant contributor next season.”
Olum was a three-time, All-America honorable mention and American Midwest All-Conference selection at Missouri Baptist University. With the St. Louis Lions of the Premier Development League (PDL) in 2006, Olum guided the team to a 7-3-6 record in its inaugural season and was the team’s leading scorer with nine goals.
With Olum, the Timbers have seven players under contract for the 2009 USL First Division season. He joins defenders
Cameron Knowles
and
Scot Thompson
, midfielders
Kiki Lara
,
Miguel Guante
and
Bryan Little
, and forward
Chris Brown
on the list of players returning for 2009.
Season tickets for the Timbers’ 2009 campaign start as low as $150 and are available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For more information on season-ticket packages, including the new Thursday Night ticket plans, click here.
