The Portland Timbers have signed central defender Rauwshan McKenzie, the club announced Wednesday, getting a reinforcement for their injury-riddled defense. The club also announced it had waived defender Ryan Kawulok. Per league and club policy, the terms of the deals were not disclosed.
McKenzie, 26, joins the Timbers after making 20 appearances (19 starts) for Chivas USA during the 2012 season, recording one assist. Drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in the fourth round (53rd overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, McKenzie played two seasons in Kansas City before signing with Real Salt Lake in 2010.
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The Illinois native appeared in six regular-season games for RSL in 2010 and 2011 and also made two starts as they reached the final of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League.
Kawulok, 23, was selected by the Timbers with the eighth overall pick in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. The Colorado native appeared in 14 matches for the Timbers Reserves during his time with the club. Prior to signing with the Timbers, Kawulok was a member of the Timbers U-23s for two seasons from 2010-11.
