Portland Timbers confirm three additions for the 2017 roster

The Timbers continue their off-season roster acquisitions and additions with the inclusion of Myers, Okugo, and Asprilla going into 2017.

It has almost been a week since the conclusion of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and the Portland Timbers have announced new roster moves. Instead of making headlines for expanding their “youth movement”, the Timbers have added three MLS and/or Portland veterans.

All three players will fit well into Porter’s system (if they haven’t already), as well as bring in-league and out of league experience. Here is a look at all three.

Chance Myers

Apr 2, 2016; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting KC defender Chance Myers (7) dribbles the ball up field against Real Salt Lake during the second half at Children’s Mercy Park. Real Salt Lake won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

The 29-year old Californian native joins the Timbers as a free agent after being out of contract with Sporting Kansas City. Myers has been in the league since 2008, making 147 appearances for the 2013 MLS Champions.

A proven defender and full back; Porter will look to add Myers to the mix immediately as the Timbers conceded 53 goals in 2016. Portland will hope to mix a healthy amount of both youth and experience throughout the backline in order to retain the most clean sheets in 2017.

Amobi Okugo

Aug 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Amobi Okugo (18) participates in warm-ups before the Timbers play Sporting Kansas City at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Okugo will be coming back to the Rose City as the Timbers announced they had re-signed the defensive midfielder. Since his time with the Philadelphia Union, Okugo has bounced around with Sporting Kansas City, Orlando City, and Red Bulls II before landing in Portland in 2016. Failing to impress last season, Okugo fell out of favor in the midfield and only appeared four times.

With the recent signing of David Guzman, the aging Diego Chara, and Ben Zemanski ahead of him on the depth chart, Okugo will be looking for more minutes, as well as a more solidified role.

Dairon Asprilla

Nov 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Dairon Asprilla (11) kicks the ball against FC Dallas in the second half of leg two of the Western Conference championship at Toyota Stadium. The matched ends in 2-2 draw. The Timbers advance on aggregate goals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

A second chance for Asprilla? It has been confirmed that the Colombian is on his way back to the Rose City and will join the Timbers for the 2017 season. Asprilla re-joins the Timbers from a loan spell with Colombian club, Millionarios.

With Lucas Melano out on loan for the upcoming season, Asprilla will be looking to re-gain his natural position on the wing. Asprilla has appeared 35 times for the Timbers, scoring 2 goals and assisting on two goals.

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