Less than a week after winning the MLS Cup, one starter is already out of the Portland Timbers’ door.
On Friday, the MLS Cup champions officially announced that left back Jorge Villafaña has been transferred to Liga MX side Santos Laguna. The 26-year-old defender turned in a remarkable performance during the MLS Cup Final vs. the Columbus Crew, shutting down dangerous Crew winger Ethan Finlay, as well as being recognized as SBI MLS Cup Final Man of the Match.
“This was a win-win for Jorge and for our club; it was an opportunity that neither one of us could pass up,” head coach Caleb Porter said in a press release. “We wish Jorge all the best and thank him for his contributions to our championship.”
According to the MLS Players Union, Villafaña earned a base salary of $130,000 with the Timbers in 2015. During his two years in Portland, he made 52 regular-season appearances, recording two goals and seven assists.
Meanwhile, Villafaña will face off against a familiar foe in the LA Galaxy during 2016. Santos Laguna plays the MLS side in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League in February.
What do you think of this move? Will Villafaña do well with Santos Laguna?
Share your thoughts below.
The Dream continues! Good for him!
Hope he gets a nice raise; he deserves it.
The kid was pleasant surprise.
What is Portlands compensation for the move?
Portland’s compensation is 1,000 Garber Bucks. The value is worth 1/100th of a cent.
They get about $650k, which happens to be the max amount that can be converted to allocation money. That’s roughly a 15% increase to salary cap for next year.
Yah! only took 3-4 posts to get his name right!
Sweet hair.