PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have signed veteran goalkeeper Adin Brown for the 2010 season, it was announced today pending USSF approval. A former member of the U.S. National Team, Brown has played the last five seasons for Norway’s Aalesund FK.

 

Brown, 31, returns to the United States, where he started his career in 2000, to join the Timbers.

 

“Adin is a tremendous goalkeeper, and while he is coming off surgery, the opportunity to sign him was too good to pass up,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers head coach and general manager. “His ability and mentality have never been questioned, and when he is healthy he is one of the best goalkeepers in North America. We both feel this is an opportunity for him to focus on getting fit and healthy and reach those heights again. ”

 

Brown, who underwent successful foot surgery earlier this month, is scheduled to join the club in mid-March and begin rehabilitation with Sports Medicine Oregon. He is expected to be available for selection starting in mid-June.

 

A native of Pleasant Hill, Calif., Brown played in 69 games during his time with Aalesund FK from 2005-09. In 2006, he led Aalesund to a second-place finish in Norway’s second division, and a return to the country’s Premier League in 2007. Brown scored his first professional goal in 2007, netting the equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Rosenborg.

 

Brown played five seasons in Major League Soccer before taking his career abroad. Selected third-overall in the 2000 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids, he spent most of his time in MLS with the New England Revolution (2002-04), leading the club to the 2002 MLS Cup final. In total, he started 83 MLS games for Colorado (2000-01), Tampa Bay Mutiny (2001) and New England, recording 396 saves and a 1.73 goals-against average.

 

He joined the U.S. U-23 National Team in 1998, serving as the team’s starting goalkeeper when it qualified for the 2000 Olympics. Brown was a member of the U-23s for three seasons (1998-2000) and also helped the team claim a bronze medal at the 1999 Pan-Am Games. He has been called into camp with the senior U.S. National Team on several occasions and was on the 18-man roster for the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

 

Brown had a standout collegiate career at the College of William and Mary. Following his senior season in 1999, he became just the third goalkeeper at the time to earn two All-America honors during a collegiate career. Brown led the Tribe to the Colonial Athletic Association championship in 1999 and ranks among the school’s career leaders in saves (417) and shutouts (34).

 

The Timbers open the 2010 campaign on Saturday, April 17, at PGE Park as they play host to the Rochester Rhinos at 7 p.m. Season ticket packages, starting at just $96, can be purchased by calling (503) 553-5555. Those who purchase a 2010 season ticket package or make a $50 per-seat deposit towards 2011 MLS season tickets gain priority status for season tickets for the Timbers inaugural MLS season in 2011. Additional ticket information is available at www.portlandtimbers.com or www.PortlandMLS2011.com.