2008: Appeared in 26 matches and recorded one goal and an assist in his first season in Portland ... scored his lone strike in a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at PGE Park on April 24 ... was named the USL First Division Player of the Week in Week 2 ... was issued a red card against the Miami FC Blues on May 26 at PGE Park ... ranked among team leaders in fouls with 38.

 

NATIONAL TEAM: Has 55 appearances with Japan’s National Team ... played in the 2002 World Cup, appearing in all four games (three starts) and scored a goal in a 2-2 draw against Belgium in group play ... participated in the 2001 and 2005 FIFA Confederation Cups ... led Japan to the title match in 2001 ... helped Japan claim the 2004 AFC Asian Cup ... saw action in five 2006 World Cup Qualifying matches ... has scored 11 goals in international competition. 

 

CAREER: Started his career in 1995 with the Kashima Antlers of the J-League ... has played for several J-League clubs, including JEF United (1999), Kawasaki Frontale (2002-03), Yokohama F. Marinos (2007) and Kashima (1995-96, 2000-02) ... scored 40 career-goals in the J-League ... career also includes time with Brazilian side CFZ Rio (1997, 1999), Belgium clubs Racing Genk (2003) and Heuden-Zolder (2003-04) and Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade (2005-06) ... with Racing Genk in 2003, played in four UEFA Champions League matches ... helped Red Star Belgrade capture the 2005-06 Meridian Superliga title.