Injuries haven't been kind to the Portland Timbers backline this season, and on Friday they addressed their issues by adding reinforcements.
The club announced the signing of Gambian-Norwegian defender Pa Modou Kah through the 2013 season just hours before a release went out confirming center back Mikaël Silvestre suffered a torn ACL on his left knee on Thursday in the Timbers' 0-0 draw against the New England Revolution. Kah, 32, played professionally in Europe and most recently in the Middle East before joining the Timbers. He also represented Norway internationally.
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“With the loss of David Horst, we have had our eye on adding another central defender for the past month,” head coach Caleb Porter said in a statement. “Kah is a top-level player and will bring a wealth of experience as a professional, playing in some of the top leagues around the world. This signing couldn’t come at a better time with the recent injury of Mikaël Silvestre. We expect Kah to step into the backline and make an immediate impact in our club.”
Born in The Gambia, Kah moved to Norway with his family in 1998 and joined local side Vålerenga that year. He also played for Sweden's AIK, Dutch club Roda JC, Qatari clubs Al-Kohr and Qatar Sports Club, and most recently for Saudi Arabian side Al-Wehda.
Kah was also a member of Norway's U-21 team before earning a senior call-up to the senior national team. He made 10 appearances for Norway between 2001 and 2008.
