2009 Roster Update

Let's take a look at how the 2009 Timbers roster is shaping up:

(from portlandtimbers.com)

Portland Timbers Roster »

Forwards »
Jallow, Antou
Josten, George
Keita, Mandjou
McLaughlin, Jason

Midfielders »
Cameron, Josh
Claesson, Johan
Farber, Brian
Guante, Miguel
Lara, Ricardo "Kiki"
McManus, Tony
Olum, Lawrence
Poltl, Tom
Savage, Keith

Defenders »
Dunn, Cameron
Knowles, Cameron
Thompson, Scot
Vua, Dieumerci

Goalkeepers
(None?)

Okay, so there will obviously be some changes before opening day. A goalkeeper or 2 is definitely in order. Gavin Wilkinson may be waiting on MLS Rosters to be finalized before seeing what other talent is available.

The Roster has a lot of size at forward (all 6-footers), short but quick midfielders, and solid starting defenders.

Here are some players I'd be interested in seeing added to the opening day roster:

1) Jamie Watson (FW/Mid/RB): currently on trial at FC Dallas. From the 3rdDegree.net reports (Buzz Carrick's one of the best), it seems that Jamie's having a great spring, but may be cut due to a limitation on roster spots and an abundance of forwards already on the Dallas roster. Watson's fast, can play a number of different positions, and is competitive as hell. He just needs the opportunity to show his stuff for a whole season.

2) Nico Cololuca (Mid): currently on trial at Colorado Rapids. He tried out for a month with RB New York, but was unsuccessful. He's a young and talented midfielder, who may be on his way out of Colorado.

3) Josh Lambo (GK): a Generation Adidas player at Dallas. He wants a chance to get some playing time. Portland doesn't have any keepers on their roster. A more local option would be Austin- but I'm pretty sure they signed their PDL keeper to a contract. He's a young and talented GK for the US U-20s.

4) Kyle Veris (Def): Played for Los Angeles and in Norway; currently on trial with DC United. He's a big defender with decent speed. He could provide depth and competition for our backline.

Goalscoring was a huge problem last year. Has Gavin's roster changes added speed and goalscoring ability to the roster? I'm not convinced. I remember far too many scoreless ties or losses at PGE Park last year.

Still some time before opening day. Anybody you guys would like to see added to the roster? Maybe a Pacific NW product or 2?

C'mon you Timbers!