Powell cements deal with Timbers in MLS

Washington, Dec 11 (IANS/CMC) Major League Soccer (MLS) club Portland Timbers have signed Jamaica international Alvas Powell in a long term deal.

The move comes after the 20-year-old defender spent more than a year on loan from Jamaican Premier League Portmore United, reports CMC.

Powell's agent, Romel Wallen, said the player had entered the radar of several European clubs of late.

"A few (European) clubs had expressed interest in the lad, which is not surprising given his perceived upside," Wallen was quoted as saying Wednesday.

"He has become a vital player in the Timbers' playing system, which has accelerated his development. As such, they were keen not to lose him at this stage."

A strong right back, Powell was in action for Jamaica only last month as the Reggae Boyz beat Trinidad and Tobago to win the CFU Caribbean Cup in Montego Bay.

This year, he appeared in 15 MLS games and scored two goals.

In August, he scored to help inspire Timbers to a 3-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps and a week later, netted again in a 3-3 stalemate with San Jose Earthquakes.

--IANS/CMC

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