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The Portland Timbers announced on Tuesday that they have traded defender Jorge Villafana and their first round pick (16th overall) in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft to the LA Galaxy in exchange for their first round pick (eighth overall). The Timbers will also potentially receive additional allocation money depending on Villafana’s performance with the Galaxy.
Villafana appeared in 127 matches (121 starts) across all competitions for the Timbers, playing for the club from 2014 to 2015 and again from 2018 to 2020. He was a part of the team that won the 2015 MLS Cup and the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament. Villafana’s 18-regular season assists ranks fifth all-time among Timbers players and his 102 regular season appearances ranks ninth all-time.
During the 2020 season, Villafana appeared in 19 matches (17 starts) and tallied one goal and five assists in 1,550 minutes. You can read the full press release here.
Quotes about the trade:
Jorge Villafana on being traded...
“It’s been an honor playing in Portland, and I’m grateful for helping this club win some trophies. I would like to thank the Portland Timbers organization for the five amazing years that I’ve spent with the club. My family and I have built amazing memories with my teammates and friends in Portland. I also want to thank the Timbers Army and all the fans that have supported me through the good times and the bad. I’m forever grateful.”
Gavin Wilkinson, Portland Timbers GM and president of soccer...
“Jorge has been a model professional for the club and I would like to thank him and his family for their commitment and contributions to the Timbers. His performances and success for this club will leave a lasting memory and we wish him and his family all the best.”
Giovanni Savarese, Portland Timbers head coach...
“It has been a great pleasure to work with Jorge during the past few years. He is a player that has contributed to the success of the Portland Timbers organization. He has been an outstanding part of our strong longer room and I wish him and his family the best for the future.”