Thank you very much Ridgy for your contributions here in the Rose City. The Portland Timbers and defender Liam Ridgewell announced this week that they have mutually parted ways.
Ever since the arrival at Portland Timbers, the man made an all-around impact in the backfield. I recall his first match was in that MLS All Star game celebrated in Providence Park. He played as a substitute on the 45’ minute by the All Stars and Portland Timbers manager Caleb Porter.
His arrival at Rose City came in 2014 as a Designated Player and since then he became an icon in the Timbers backfield and starting eleven. In five seasons, he put on impressive numbers with 97 games played (97 starts), accumulating 8553 minutes, six goals and two assists. By contributing in Portland’s appearances in the post season and winning the league cup in 2015 and being a hefty contributor in the end of the 2018 campaign appearance in the team second league final.
With an all-around personality and great leadership, the man since day one he immediately made an impact with the fans and influential leadership in the locker room. As team owner, Merritt Paulson cannot express his thankfulness to these man contributions to the Portland Timbers success.
During his time in Portland he became a two time All-star (2014 and 2016), two time timbers defender of the year (2014, 2015) and winning a MLS Shield 2015 and two Western Conference (2015 and 2018) adding to his long list of honors.
Being one of this squad most celebrated among the fans celebrations after scoring a goal was the notorious “Ridgy Roll”. As his nose and right timing in his time at Rose City, the man scored six valuable goals. Among one of those goals was in 2015 in a playoff match again heavily favorite FC Dallas that in the end made the difference in this series.
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 25: Portland Timbers tie 0-0 with Sporting Kansas City on the first leg of the Western Finals (Photo by Diego G Diaz/ProstAmerika).
Before arriving in Portland, Liam Ridgewell career span in one of the world most celebrated of associations the English Premier League and its second tier the English Football League Championship.
A career that span with Aston Villa (2002-2007), Bournemouth (2002 loan), Birmingham City (2007-2012) and West Brom Albion (2012-2014) accumulating 312 matches. During his time in Portland, he went on loan to Wigan and Brighton & Hove Albion with eleven appearances for both sides. While in his native England with Birmingham Blues, he won the Football league Cup in 2011 after beating Arsenal.
The departure of Ridgewell for sure will add an opportunity for both Julio Cascante and Bill Pony Tuiloma, these two to compete for starting position. However if you recall in the Portland Timbers last press conference of the campaign of this club getting four players new players. Here is where GM Gavin Wilkinson seeing another DP spot open, this tells you the need of getting a new center back.
*Portland Timbers Communications
Portland Timbers
MLS
