PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have come to an agreement in principle to loan goalkeeper Steve Cronin to D.C. United of Major League Soccer for the remainder of the 2009 MLS season, it was announced today pending league and USSF approval.

Cronin, 26, played 28 matches for the Timbers during the 2009 USL First Division season and finished the campaign ranked among league leaders in wins (15), shutouts (10), goals-against average (0.68) and saves (97). Following the season, he was named the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year and an All-League First-Team selection.

“This is a great opportunity for Steve and well deserved,” said Timbers head coach Gavin Wilkinson. “Additionally, this allows him to possibly get a few extra games in before taking a well-deserved break.”

With a 15-4-9 record, Cronin matched the Timbers’ modern franchise record for wins in a single season. He also helped anchor Portland’s backline which shared the USL First Division lead in fewest goals allowed (19) in 2009.

Cronin played five seasons in MLS with the San Jose Earthquakes (2004) and Los Angeles Galaxy (2005-08) prior to joining the Timbers this season.

With two matches remaining on its regular-season schedule, D.C. United continues to battle for one of the final berths in the MLS playoffs. The MLS side also travels to Mexico on Oct. 20 for a CONCACAF Champions League matchup against first-division club Toluca FC.