Player Watch: Bim Ogunyemi

Excerpt + Photo from FC Dallas website:

Roster Watch 2011: "The 20-year old midfielder from Lake Orion, Michigan was selected by FC Dallas in the first round of the Supplemental Draft. After missing the first week of preseason while awaiting completion of his physical, Ogunyemi watched while other trialists began to stake their claim. At 5’9” the Schoolcraft College product has been eager to show his ability while lining up at left midfield, but with a crowded and versatile midfield, the window to seal a place on the Western Conference Champions roster is a difficult task."

It also appears that Bim scored a goal in a 3 v 3 training game helping his team win the contest. He then played in a full 11 v 11 match with his team getting the 1-0 victory.

U-23s Get Promoted! Congrats Freddie + Jake

It's official folks. I knew it was bound to happen eventually, but today the press release came out. Freddie Braun and Jake Gleeson will be members of the Timbers in 2011. These two deserve everything they get. I had the pleasure of watching them perform this summer for the U-23s and they are both class individuals. They were always willing to lend a hand and they made me feel welcome amongst the team. We had some good times hanging out at the stadium and our trip to Kitsap was a blast. Freddie will add to our depth at the CM position, and Jake has the potential to be our number 1 keeper in the next few years. Big ups to these guys, can't wait to see them take the field.

Photos courtesy of Portland Timbers

NZ Website: Jake Gleeson Remains a Timber

It appears that Jake Gleeson who played for the Timbers U-23s will be the third goalkeeper signed for the MLS Timbers. In an article posted on the NZHerald website, Gleeson has apparently been given a contract.

"One will go to former New Zealand under-17 goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, who had an excellent season for Portland's title-winning reserve team last year. Gleeson will step up to the MLS squad and Wilkinson has challenged him to be their No 1 goalkeeper in two years."

I'd like to wish Jake all the best as he makes the jump to MLS. He is a great keeper with loads of potential. I couldn't be happier for all these U-23 Timbers moving onto brighter futures. Congratulations Jake. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Jake running me across the field after winning the PDL Western Conference Title

And so it begins...

The Timbers held their first practice today at the Adidas field in Portland. Opening kick is on the horizon and the team will have its work cut out for them in the inaugural season.

Here is a list of the unsigned players attending camp that have been revealed by the coaches: Tony McManus, Josh Cameron, Steve Purdy, Adin Brown, Doug DeMartin, Quavas Kirk, and Freddie Braun.

Stay tuned to the Timbers website for a potential player announcement later today or tomorrow! It could be the mysterious Colombian center midfielder or the other forward that has been signed.

Congratulations Paul "BIM" Ogunyemi

After the MLS Superdraft I had the pleasure of congratulating Jarad from the University of Portland on being drafted by Real Salt Lake. Today marks another significant day for a former Portland Timber U-23, as Paul Ogunyemi was selected 17th in the Supplemental Draft by FC Dallas. He goes by the name of BIM, and he is a bright young talent. I had the opportunity to watch about 12 games played by the U-23s this summer during my internship, and Bim was an integral part of the squad.

Bim played primarily on the wings for the PDL Timbers. He is extremely confident running at defenders and he plays with a patience that lulls his opponents to sleep. His physical strength is one of his biggest assets. While he is not a towering midfielder, he is able to hold the ball up with his back to goal with ease. I remember watching defenders literally drape themselves over his body, and Bim was strong enough to hold his ground. Bim plays with swagger and puts his heart and soul into every game. He is a unique player, and quickly became a fan favorite of the Timbers Army. Bim started all 20 games for the perfect 20-0 Timbers, and he finished with 3 goals and 6 assists in the regular season (16 games). In the playoffs he had a perfect cross to Tracy Hasson in the PDL Championship for the opening goal, and he scored a goal of his own in the Semifinal against Reading United.

I'm very proud of Bim and I hope he has a great career in Dallas. Ultimately, he still needs to attend pre-season training camp and earn his spot on the roster, but I am confident he will impress. I can honestly say I have never seen a player like Bim. He plays with a style unlike any other, and I was lucky to have witnessed it this summer. Congratulations Bim!

Congratulations Jarad

I wanted to congratulate Jarad van Schaik from the University of Portland on being drafted today in the third round with the 52nd overall pick. Jarad was chosen by Real Salt Lake, where he will reunite with his old teammate Collen Warner. Jarad and Collen played together at Portland and they also were teammates on the Portland Timbers U-23 (PDL Team). I had the pleasure of meeting Jarad this summer, and I always felt he would be able to make the jump to MLS. He is a solid center midfielder with plenty of confidence on the ball. Very happy for him and wish him all the best in his future career.

Flashback 8/7/10: Timbers U-23s Champions

Official match highlights from FSC broadcast

Skip ahead to the 55 second and 1 min 20 second marks

to see some freeloader trying to join in on the festivities.