Portland, OR (Sports Network) - The Portland Timbers announced late Thursday
that the club has re-signed three players while exercising contract options on
eight players from its 2012 roster.
Portland signed goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, defender Ryan Kawulok and midfielder
Rodney Wallace to new contracts while picking up the options on goalkeeper Joe
Bendik; defenders Futty Danso and Chris Taylor; midfielders Eric Alexander,
Kalif Alhassan and Sal Zizzo; and forwards Bright Dike and Brent Richards.
The Timbers also announced that they have declined the contract option for
defender Steven Smith.
"There are difficult decisions to make regarding the roster every off-season.
Steven is a quality player and we sincerely thank him for all of his
contributions to the club last season and we wish him all the best," said
Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers general manager.
Per club and league policy, terms of the transactions were not disclosed.
The Sports Network