The signings keep rolling in for the Portland Timbers, who announced the acquisition of free agent midfielder Ned Grabavoy on Tuesday afternoon, their second signing of the day after Zarek Valentin.
Per league and club policy, the terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Grabavoy, 32, is Portland first free agent signing in MLS, joining the club after a year with New York City FC. Prior to his time in New York, Grabavoy spent six years with Real Salt Lake. He has also played for the LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew SC and San Jose Earthquakes.
“Ned is a versatile, veteran player that brings a great deal of MLS and CONCACAF Champions League experience to the club,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager of the Timbers, in a statement provided by the team. “His addition not only gives us important depth during a congested season, but it also helps us maintain the integrity of the core group already in place.”
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Grabavoy has totaled 279 league appearances (220 starts) in his 12-year MLS career. He went to the playoffs with RSL in each of his six seasons there, winning the second MLS Cup of his career in 2009 following a 2005 triumph with the Galaxy. Grabavoy has scored 17 goals and added 31 assists in regular-season play during his MLS career.
Like Valentin, Grabavoy also has a connection to Timbers head coach Caleb Porter. Grabavoy played his college soccer at Indiana University from 2001-2003, coinciding with Porter's time as an assistant there, before being drafted 14th overall by the Galaxy in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.
“Ned is a great fit for our club. He is a smart and technical player that provides quality proven depth in several attacking roles,” said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers, in a statement. “His MLS and CCL experience will also be key in helping us manage a rigorous schedule involving multiple competitions.”
