The Portland Timbers have had defensive issues for most of the 2012 season, and it is a reason they are out of the playoff race in the MLS Western Conference, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the team shook up the roster on Thursday with another trade and an international player signing.
The Timbers signed New Zealand international Ian Hogg on Thursday, adding the 22-year-old to the roster on the same day the traded veteran left back Mike Chabala to D.C. United for a first-round pick in the 2014 Sopplemental Draft.
A member of New Zealand's Olympic team, Hogg has made four appearances with the New Zealand senior national team. The young left back has been a youth national team teammate of Timbers back-up goalkeeper Jake Gleeson.
Chabala joins a D.C. United side that needed depth at left back, with regular starter Daniel Woolard recently dealing with concussion issues. Chabala started just six matches for Portland this season, managing just one assist.
Chabala will fill the roster spot vacated by Kurt Morsink, who retired on Thursday to take on a role as D.C. United's scouting coordinator.
The trade is the second by Portland this week after dealing goalkeeper Troy Perkins to Montreal for goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.
HAINAULT, GARCIA AMONG DYNAMO PLAYERS ON INTERNTIONAL DUTY
Canadian defender Andre Hainault, Honduran midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia, Jamaican defender Jermaine Taylor and midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson have all been called up for international duty for upcoming friendlies on Aug. 15th.
Hainault and Canada will take on Trinidad & Tobago, while the Jamaican duo will pay against El Salvador at RFK Stadium.
BERNARDEZ, CHAVEZ CALLED UP BY HONDURAS
San Jose defender Victor Bernardez and midfielder Marvin Chavez have been called up by the Honduran national team ahead of an Aug. 15th friendly against Argentine club power Boca Juniors.