Post by Kurt on Mar 25, 2008 18:23:58 GMT -5
Goalkeeper, forward officially join Galaxy after preseason trials
For immediate release: March 25, 2008
PORTLAND , Ore. – The Portland Timbers announced today the club has transferred goalkeeper Josh Wicks and forward Bryan Jordan to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Wicks and Jordan have been on trial with the Galaxy since camp opened Feb. 4, and both played in recent preseason matches during the club’s tour through Hawaii and Asia . The goalkeeper and forward join Los Angeles ’ star-studded roster, which includes current and former international players David Beckham, Carlos Ruiz and Landon Donovan.
“In all, we are excited for Josh and Bryan to take their careers to the next level and represent the Timbers with the Galaxy and MLS,” said Gavin Wilkinson , Timbers general manager and head coach. “Both players made the most of the opportunities given to them last season. It’s a compliment to the Timbers organization that our environment provided them a chance to succeed and open the doors to MLS.”
Wicks, 24, recorded a breakout season with the Timbers in 2007, his first with the club. The San Bernardino , Calif. , native finished the season among league leaders in wins (14), saves (87) and fewest goals allowed (16). His 14 shutouts paced the league and set a new Timbers modern-franchise record for a single season. Wicks earned several honors in 2007, including the USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year; he was also named to the All-League first team and captured the Goals-Against Average Championship with a 0.60 average.
Jordan , 22, finished his rookie season among the Timbers’ scoring leaders in 2007. The Temple City , Calif. , native recorded five goals and one assist in 26 matches last season. Jordan also scored a goal during the Timbers’ 2007 playoff run, delivering the series equalizer against the Atlanta Silverbacks in the USL First Division semifinals. He was a two-time USL First Division Team of the Week selection in Weeks 4 and 6.
Wicks and Jordan also join former Timbers forward Alan Gordon (2004, 2006) and defender Mike Randolph (2006) on the Galaxy’s roster for the upcoming MLS campaign.
With the transaction, the Timbers now have 16 signed players for the 2008 season.
The Timbers’ preseason schedule includes matches against MLS’s San Jose Earthquakes on March 28 and Gonzaga University on March 30 as they prepare for the 2008 USL First Division season opener April 17 at PGE Park .