PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced the signing of central defender Ross Smith for the 2010 season, pending USSF approval. Smith returns to the United States after a stint with England’s Ebbsfleet United FC.

Smith, 29, is scheduled to arrive in Portland this week to begin preparation for the upcoming USSF D-2 Pro League season. He played in six matches for Ebbsfleet United during the 2009-10 season prior to joining the Timbers.

“We are excited to have Ross on board,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers head coach and general manager. “His strengths will benefit the organization and the team in a big way.”

Smith played 15 games for the Rochester Rhinos in 2008. Signing with the club midway through the campaign, he logged 1,292 minutes and two goals during the season and helped Rochester reach the semifinals. He was a three-time USL First Division Team of the Week selection for the Rhinos.

The Milton, Ontario, native has played a majority of his professional career in Europe. After his rookie season with Scotland’s Montrose FC in 2003-04, Smith played for English clubs Margate FC (2004-05), Gravesend & Northfleet FC (2005-07) and League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge (2007-08). During his time in England, Smith was named the 2006 Player of the Year for Gravesend & Northfleet, and reached the third round of the 2007-08 FA Cup with Dagenham & Redbridge.

At the University of Rhode Island, Smith played in 75 matches during his collegiate career. He led the Rams to the Atlantic 10 title as a freshman in 1999. Following his junior season in 2001, Smith was an All-New England third-team selection and named to the All-Atlantic 10 first team. He was selected to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic team in each of his final two seasons and served as the team captain in 2002 as a senior.

The Timbers and University of Portland men’s soccer have joined together to host a charity match Wednesday at Merlo Field. Proceeds from the event, featuring a Timbers squad with trialists, benefit Mercy Corps and its relief efforts in Haiti. Tickets, priced at $7, are available through Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.