Press Release

Portland Timbers acquire $250,000 in General Allocation Money from FC Cincinnati in exchange for defender Alvas Powell

Alvas Powell, 12.27.18

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has acquired $250,000 in General Allocation Money from FC Cincinnati in exchange for defender Alvas Powell. Additionally, the Timbers retain a percentage of the international transfer value on Powell.  


Powell, 24, appeared in 121 regular-season matches (112 starts) across six seasons (2013-18) with the Timbers, tallying six goals and 10 assists after joining the club as an 18-year-old from Jamaican Premier League side Portmore United FC in 2013. The St. Thomas, Jamaica, native made 11 postseason appearances (9 starts) with the Timbers, helping the club capture its first MLS Cup trophy in 2015 and advance to its second MLS Cup in 2018.


“As one of the longest tenured players with our club, Alvas has been a phenomenal teammate and quality player for the Portland Timbers for the past six seasons,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “After coming to the club at the age of 18, it has been extremely rewarding to see him develop both as a player and as a person as part of the Timbers family, and we wish him all the best in all of his future pursuits.”

Powell ranks 13th across all eras in club history (since 1975) in regular-season appearances, while ranking sixth in appearances during the MLS era. Powell made 24 starts during the 2018 regular season, tallying two goals and three assists in 2,072 minutes played.


“It has been a great pleasure to have coached Alvas this season,” said Giovanni Savarese, head coach of the Timbers. “More than that, it has been a pleasure to get to know him as such a fine individual, and we all wish him great success as he continues his career.” 


Powell made three appearances (1 start) in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, as Portland advanced to its second MLS Cup in four seasons when it faced Atlanta United FC. 


At the international level, Powell has earned 35 caps with the Jamaica Men’s National Team since making his debut in 2012. 


Transaction: The Portland Timbers acquire $250,000 in General Allocation Money from FC Cincinnati in exchange for defender Alvas Powell. The Timbers retain a percentage of the international transfer value on Powell.