The LA Galaxy acquired two players from the Portland Timbers of the USL First Division on Tuesday, signing forward Bryan Jordan and goalkeeper Josh Wicks. The duo, who played for the Timbers in 2007, has been with the Galaxy since the start of the preseason, with Jordan appearing in all six of the Galaxy's preseason matches and Wicks appearing in three. Per league and team policy, details of the contracts were not announced.
"Bryan and Josh have impressed the coaching staff since the beginning of the preseason and have earned the right to be on our roster," Galaxy Director of Soccer Paul Bravo said. "We believe that both players will add depth and quality to our group and would like to thank the Portland Timbers for allowing these players the opportunity to make the jump to the next level."
A 22-year-old California native, Jordan comes to the Galaxy after spending one season in Portland. Jordan scored five times in the regular season for Portland in 26 games in 2007. He added one goal in the postseason and three in two exhibition matches, including two in the Timbers 4-1 win over Toronto FC. Prior to signing with the Timbers, Jordan played four years at Oregon State, scoring 15 goals in 68 games, including 10 in his final two seasons.
"I'm very excited to be a part of the Galaxy and can't wait for the opportunity to prove myself in MLS," Jordan said. "Portland was a great place and I can't thank them enough for the chance that they gave me last season, but I'm happy to be home, where I grew up and people know me."
Wicks comes to the Galaxy after spending the last three years in the USL First Division with Portland and the Vancouver Whitecaps. The 24-year old joins Charles Alamo and Steve Cronin in the Galaxy's goalkeeping pool. Born in Landstuhl, Germany, Wicks moved to the U.S. at the age of four, settling in San Bernardino, Calif. He played four years at Cal State - Bakersfield before signing with the Whitecaps prior to the start of the 2005 season. Wicks spent two years in Vancouver, appearing in 16 games, compiling a 7-5-4 record and recording seven clean sheets while helping the Whitecaps to the 2006 USL Championship. Prior to the start of the 2007 season, he signed with the Timbers and immediately established himself as one of the top goalkeeper's in the league. He started 27 games for Portland, compiling a 13-4-9 record with a 0.60 goals against average, the best in the USL en route and winning the 2007 Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
"Josh came in and has opened a lot of eyes with his play," Galaxy goalkeeper coach Ian Feuer said. "We knew that we needed someone who could push Steve (Cronin) for the No. 1 spot and he has certainly done that. Not only that, but he has a great attitude, works hard and always livens up the locker room. He will be a tremendous asset to the club."
"This is a great opportunity for me to play, not only for the Galaxy, but also to be closer to my home and my family," Wicks added. "I am thrilled to be joining the Galaxy and know that this is a tremendous chance for me to continue my growth as a professional."
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NAME: Bryan Jordan
NUMBER: 27
POSITION: Forward
HT: 5-8
WT: 160
DATE OF BIRTH: September 13, 1985
HOMETOWN: Temple City, Calif.
COLLEGE: Oregon State
LAST CLUB: Portland Timbers (USL First Division)
NATIONALITY: U.S.A.
ROSTER DESIGNATION: Developmental Roster
NAME:
Josh Wicks
NUMBER:
31
POSITION:
Goalkeeper
HT:
6-3
WT:
195
DATE OF BIRTH:
August 29, 1978
HOMETOWN:
San Bernardino, Calif.
COLLEGE:
Cal State - Bakersfield
LAST CLUB:
Portland Timbers (USL First Division)
NATIONALITY:
U.S.A.
ROSTER DESIGNATION:
Senior Roster
