A Portland Timbers press release this morning has announced the departure of MLS Cup winning goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey.
The Norwegian goalkeeper was a stand out in last season’s triumph but injury and the increasingly impressive form of Jake Gleeson has led to today’s news.
Full Club Release:
TIMBERS TRANSFER GOALKEEPER ADAM KWARASEY TO NORWEGIAN CLUB ROSENBORG BK
Kwarasey is leaving but with many happy memories
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced the transfer of goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey to Rosenborg BK of Norway’s top-flight Tippeligaen.
“On behalf of the Timbers, I would like to sincerely thank Adam for his major contributions to the club, both on and off the field, and for his instrumental role in helping the Timbers win their first MLS Cup,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers.
“This transfer gives the Timbers flexibility to strengthen the team and is a move that makes sense for Adam, his family and the Timbers. We wish him all the best in his career.”
Born in Oslo, Norway, Kwarasey signed with Portland on Dec. 8, 2014, and made 40 regular-season league appearances over the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Timbers.
In his first season in 2015, Kwarasey, 28, appeared in 33 regular-season games and five matches during the MLS Cup Playoffs. This season, Kwarasey appeared in seven matches for the Timbers before sustaining an injury in April.
“I want to thank Adam for his contributions to the club and for helping us win our first major trophy,” said Caleb Porter, head coach of the Timbers. “I enjoyed working with him, and he was a top-class professional in his time here. We wish him nothing but the best with his new opportunity.”
Prior to joining the Timbers, Kwarasey made 154 league appearances over eight seasons with Strømsgodset of the Tippeligaen, winning a league championship with the club in 2013.
Currently atop the Tippeligaen table, Rosenborg BK has won 23 league titles, nine Norwegian Cups and is the reigning champion of the Tippeligaen. Based in Trondheim, Norway, the club has played in the UEFA Europa tournament in five consecutive seasons and advanced to the third qualifying round of the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League tournament.
