PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Giovanni Savarese has been named coach of the Portland Timbers

Savarese has been coach of the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos since 2012. He led the team to three Soccer Bowl championships in five seasons.

The Venezuelan forward played for 18 seasons in Europe and in the United States, including stints with Major League Soccer's MetroStars (Red Bulls), New England Revolution and San Jose Earthquakes.

Savarese replaces Caleb Porter, who parted ways with the Timbers last month after five seasons with the team. Porter compiled a 68-50-52 record and guided the team to an MLS Cup championship in 2015. This past season, the Timbers finished atop the Western Conference.

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