PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced the signing of defender Ivan Becerra for the rest of the 2009 USL First Division season. Becerra joined the Timbers in advance of the USL First Division roster freeze.

Becerra, 25, was a member of the 2009 Premier Development League-champion Ventura County Fusion. He scored the go-ahead goal in the championship match to lead the Fusion to their first league title.

Born in San Luis Potose, Mexico, Becerra was selected 27th overall in the 2006 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft by the Columbus Crew as a forward. During his rookie season, he played in six MLS Reserve Division matches and also spent time with the Cincinnati Kings of the USL Second Division while on loan.

He split a standout collegiate career between Mission College and the University of California - Santa Barbara, playing the forward position. After two seasons at Mission, where he was a NSCAA Junior College All-American, Becerra played his final two college seasons at UCSB. He guided the Gauchos to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the championship match in 2004. He was an All-Big West Conference first-team selection as a senior in 2005.

With the addition of Becerra, the Timbers’ roster includes 26 players.

Timbers 2009 playoff ticket packages are on sale, starting at $36. Playoff packages include a ticket for all three possible home playoff matches – first, semifinal and championship rounds – at PGE Park, presented by Spirit Mountain Casino. Packages are available through the PGE Park box office or by calling the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555.