PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers announced today a group of eight players from the team’s 2010 roster who will not be retained for the club’s inaugural Major League Soccer season in 2011, including defender and team captain Ian Joy. The group also includes Johan Claesson, Brian Farber, Derek Gaudet, George Josten, Ibad Muhamadu, Keith Savage and Ross Smith.
“I would like to thank all of these players for their service to the Timbers,” said Gavin Wilkinson, technical director for the MLS Timbers. “To a player, they are quality people and consummate professionals. We wish them the best in their careers.”
The Timbers played the 2010 season in the second-division USSF Division-2 Pro League. Further decisions regarding players from the 2010 team will be announced at a later date.
Joy, 29, started each of his 23 appearances during his lone season with Portland in 2010, totaling 1,966 minutes, 35 fouls and an assist.
“Ian showed he was a high-quality, experienced player with great character and quickly became a crowd favorite,” Wilkinson said. “I am sure he will go on to finish his career at the highest level in American soccer and we wish him all the best in pursuing his professional options.”
Claesson, 29, played in 17 regular-season games (11 starts) for the Timbers and recorded one assist in 909 minutes. The 2010 season was his second with the Timbers.
Farber, 28, played in seven games in his second season with the Timbers; his time on the field was limited due to a series of injuries. He played 36 games over two seasons in Portland.
Gaudet, 21, started seven of his eight appearances during the regular season and logged 490 minutes in his lone season with the Timbers.
Josten, 24, saw action in 18 games during the USSF D-2 Pro League campaign, recording 845 minutes, one goal and two assists. He first joined the Timbers in 2009.
Muhamadu, 28, was a mid-season acquisition for the Timbers and was signed Aug. 4. He played 511 minutes in 10 games (6 starts) during the final two months of the season.
Savage, 25, played in 10 league matches (8 starts) and recorded one assist in 610 minutes in his second season with Portland. He missed 20 league matches due to a knee injury.
Smith, 29, appeared in 16 games for the Timbers during the regular season, played 1,296 minutes and scored a goal. He also scored during the team’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run.
