Magee, who will be inducted into the United Soccer Leagues Hall of Fame Friday for his accomplishments as a player, will assume his role with the Timbers immediately.

 

As the director of soccer development, Magee, 37, will oversee the Timbers’ new Premier Development League team, which begins play in 2009. He will also serve as an assistant coach under Wilkinson.

 

“Amos brings a wealth of experience and leadership, both as a player and coach, to the Timbers organization and will be a valuable resource,” said Wilkinson. “He has a successful history of integrating development programs into organizations. We look forward to him joining the Timbers as an assistant coach and shaping the club’s development program.”

 

A native of St. Paul, Minn., Magee served as a player/assistant coach for the Minnesota Thunder for three seasons before being named the team’s head coach in 2006. He coached the Thunder for two full seasons before stepping down in July 2008. He currently serves as the head coach of the U.S. Maccabi Men’s Open Team, which earned a gold medal in the 11th edition of the Pan-American Games in 2008.

 

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with Merritt Paulson, Gavin Wilkinson and the Timbers organization in assembling a championship-caliber team in 2009,” said Magee. “Working to develop the Timbers U-23s team and help nurture the top talent in Portland will be exciting and just as important.”

 

A forward during his playing career, Magee was a member of the Thunder from 1991-2005. He guided the club to six championship appearances and helped Minnesota capture the USL First Division title in 1999. Magee recorded 37 goals and 22 assists in 150 USL First Division regular-season games – all with the Thunder. He also played parts of three seasons in Major League Soccer from 2000-02, appearing in a combined 13 matches with the Tampa Bay Mutiny and Chicago Fire. He was inducted into the Minnesota Thunder Hall of Fame in 2005.

 

Magee’s induction ceremony into the USL Hall of Fame is a part of USL SoccerFest in Tampa, Fla., and is being held in conjunction with USL’s annual general meetings over the weekend.

 

Season tickets for the Timbers’ 2009 USL First Division season are now available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For more information on a variety of season-ticket packages, including the new Thursday Night ticket plan, visit www.portlandtimbers.com.