Two More Players Released from Camp

In the latest article from the Portland Timbers website it has been announced that Quavas Kirk and Taylor Mueller are no longer training with the team. I started to think Gavin and Spencer would consider taking Kirk, because of the Gilbert situation at right back. That hasn't been the case however, and now we are left with 5 players still vying for a spot and 24 (23 if Gilbert is no longer in the picture) signed members of the team. Here's who we've got left:

1. Rodrigo Lopez
2. Bim Ogunyemi
3. Chris Taylor
4. Spencer Thompson
5. Brian Umony

Who do you see earning the final spots on the team? Last week I picked my five remaining player signings. Roster is expected to be 28 players for the inaugural season.

5 Roster Spots Left: Who Gets Signed?

The Portland Timbers currently have 23 players under contract for the upcoming MLS season. With Mike Golub the Chief Operating Officer of the team recently announcing we will likely carry a 28 man roster (rather than the 30 max), players are fighting for their spot. Here are the 5 players I expect to be announced prior to the opening game on March 19th.

#1 Brian Umony: A loan deal appears to have already been agreed upon and signed. Brian expected his announcement to come earlier this week. Extra help at forward was deemed necessary with the injury to Dike. I bet Umony gets announced later today!

#2 Jorge Perlaza: The Columbian forward would already be signed if his previous club weren't trying to rope in a transfer fee. Some bogus second contract Perlaza apparently signed is holding the process up. The Perlaza signing is taking longer than Gavin would like, but he will eventually be a Timbers player.

#3 Chris Taylor: The 22nd overall pick in the SuperDraft out of Tulsa. Chris is a solid defensive player that Amos and Spencer were really fond of. He was ecstatic to join the team and he will provide some extra depth at defense.

#4 Mystery Midfielder: Still have my hopes that Gavin will bring in a dynamic center midfielder. The man they want has proven more difficult to obtain, with multiple clubs seeking his services.

#5 Paul "BIM" Ogunyemi: Former U-23 winger is back in camp with the Timbers after being released from FC Dallas. I love watching this kid play and he was a major part of the 20-0-0 season the PDL squad had. He is young and has tremendous potential. Your my boy Bim!

Rumor: Brian Umony Loan Deal

A while back I suspected Brian Umony would be one of the players signed by the Portland Timbers as a replacement for the injured Bright Dike. I figured we needed one more forward option, and Umony is a young talented footballer who has had a productive preseason.

Now there are reports that a loan deal for Umony is imminent. I found this report at MLS Rumors, so it's not official by any means. However, I think most people would argue that Umony is a solid signing. I expect the next round of player signings to be announced following the teams trip to Arizona.

Timber's Trialist Brian Umony

Yesterday the Timbers played the LA Galaxy in a training game at the Home Depot Center. It was a well fought battle between two clubs still trying to gain fitness and team chemistry. The Galaxy struck first in the second half, but the Timbers were able to equalize through Brian Umony. With Bright Dike out for the next 6-9 months I suspect the Timbers will look into signing Umony to fill out their depth chart at striker.

• Age 24. Born December 12, 1986
• Often regarded as one of the finest talents Ugandan soccer has produced
• Previously played for Kampala City Council, Supersport United, and the University of Pretoria FC
• Debut for Uganda came in 2009, and has received 8 caps while scoring 8 goals
• Ugandan Super League Golden Boot: 2007-2008
• Ugandan Footballer of the Year: 2008
• CECAFA Cup Golden Boot: 2009