Eric Alexander

ACQUIRED 

Acquired in a trade with FC Dallas in exchange for defender/midfielder Jeremy Hall on Aug. 19, 2011. Was a third-round selection (44th overall) in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas.

2011: Earned his first start in a Timbers uniform on Sept. 24 against the New York Red Bulls. Played 45 minutes against New York before coming off at halftime. Assisted on Bright Dike's goal in a Sept. 1 MLS Reserve League draw with the LA Galaxy. Made his first MLS appearence with the Timbers as a substitute and played 19 minutes in the 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Aug. 24. Started and played 90 minutes on Aug. 21 in a Timbers Reserves 3-2 win over Vancouver.

Professional
In his first year as a professional, Alexander saw limited time through the first four months of the season before a strong showing in a second-half appearance against Toronto FC on July 24. Alexander started his first MLS match the following weekend against Colorado. He logged 79 minutes before coming off for Bruno Guarda in a 1-1 draw with the eventual MLS Cup Champions.

Starting in place of injured veteran Dax McCarty, Alexander exceeded expectations in August. On the road against D.C. United, Alexander assisted on David Ferreira’s goal in the 36th minute. Ferreira and forward Milton Rodriguez then combined in the 49th minute to set the table for Alexander to net his first career MLS goal in the 3-1 victory.

Having become a regular in the midfield during FC Dallas’ historic 19-game unbeaten streak, Alexander demonstrated his ability to break down opposing defenses against star-studded Red Bull New York on Sept. 16. He set up the first goal of the game when he picked out Rodriguez at the back post for a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. After Brek Shea was shown a straight red card in the 29th minute, a 10-man FC Dallas side looked to be on the ropes when New York scored in stoppage time of the first half. But coming out of halftime, Alexander took the reins offensively. After being denied by the back post early in the half, Alexander beat three Red Bull defenders and slipped a shot by goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul to give Dallas a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute. Alexander started 11 consecutive matches to close out 2010.

International
Alexander’s remarkable first MLS season drew the attention of U.S. National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley. Following Dallas’ run to MLS Cup in 2010, Alexander, Shea, Loyd and Ugo Ihemelu made FC Dallas one of the most represented MLS teams at the January U.S. National Team camp. Alexander made the top 18 for the match and earned his first international cap against Chile when he came on for Alejandro Bedoya in the 83rd minute.

College
Appeared in 91 matches and made 80 starts, finishing with 12 goals and 13 assists for his college career…was a two time second team All-Big Ten selection… was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2007 and a unanimous pick for the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2006...was also a standout in the classroom as a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection…In his freshman year, Alexander was recognized as the best freshman in the country by ESPN Soccernet.

Personal
Was a finance major in the Kelley School of Business ... born April 14, 1988 ... son of Donald and Donna Alexander.