PORTLAND, Ore. –
The Portland Timbers have signed former U-20 U.S. National Team goalkeeper
Steve Cronin
for the 2009 season, it was announced today pending league and USSF approval. Cronin joins the Timbers after four seasons in Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Last season, Cronin started 22 matches for the Galaxy and recorded 92 saves, two shutouts, a 2.05 goals-against average and a 6-9-6 record.
“I’m excited about coming to Portland,” said Cronin. “I have heard good things about Timbers fans and the team’s ownership. I am looking forward to learning a new city, meeting my new teammates and coaches and helping bring a championship to Portland.”
Selected 10th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, Cronin, 25, started his career with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2004 before being traded to Los Angeles prior to the 2005 season. In five seasons in MLS, the Fair Oaks, Calif., native has played 2,475 minutes over 28 matches, recording 112 saves, a 1.93 goals-against average and a record of 7-13-7.
“Having a goalkeeper of Steve’s caliber is not only a big addition to our roster, but a great signing for our organization,” said
Gavin Wilkinson
, general manager and head coach of the Timbers. “With experience at the international level and in MLS, he is a very intelligent player who provides a presence in goal and leadership both on and off the field.”
Cronin was a member of the U.S. National Team at the U-17, U-18 and U-20 levels from 1998-2003. At the FIFA World Youth Championships in 2003, he guided the U-20 U.S. National Team to a fourth-place finish and earned Goalkeeper of the Tournament honors. In 2001, he helped the U-18 U.S. National Team capture the International Tournament of Lisbon championship. Recently, he was a part of the U.S. National Team’s player pool in 2008.
Cronin played three seasons during his collegiate career at Santa Clara University. He led the Broncos to West Coast Conference titles in 2001 and 2003, and was an All-WCC first-team selection as a junior. Despite missing parts of his sophomore and junior seasons due to commitments with the U.S. National Team, Cronin played in 37 matches during his time at SCU, posting a career mark of 22-8-4. He ranks among the school’s all-time leaders with 12 career shutouts.
Opening the season on the road, the Timbers make their 2009 PGE Park debut on April 30 when they play host to the Carolina RailHawks at 7 p.m. Season tickets and a variety of season-ticket packages are currently available, including the new Thursday Night Ticket Plan. For more information, contact the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555 or visit
www.portlandtimbers.com
.
