Timbers Sign Free Agent Grabavoy and Acquire Valentin From Impact

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Timbers have signed free agent midfielder Ned Grabavoy, who played last season with New York City FC.

Grabavoy is Portland's first free agent signing since joining Major League Soccer in 2011. Terms were not released.

The 32-year-old Grabavoy is a 12-year MLS veteran. Prior to playing for NYCFC last year for the team's inaugural season, he spent six seasons with Real Salt Lake.

Grabavoy was drafted by the Los Angeles Galaxy as the 14th overall selection in 2004. He has also played for the San Jose Earthquakes and the Columbus Crew.

Grabavoy brings veteran leadership to the Timbers, who won the MLS Cup last season.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers acquired defender Zarek Valentin from the Montreal Impact in exchange for an international roster spot.

The 24-year-old defender from Pennsylvania played under Timbers coach Caleb Porter at the University of Akron in 2009-10.

Valentin was the second overall pick in the 2011 expansion draft by Montreal. He started in 14 games with the Impact in 2012 before he was loaned to the Norwegian team Bodo Glimt.

He played in 55 games with Bodo Glimt over the past three seasons.

Valentin, a Generation Adidas product, was the fourth overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA, playing in 24 games his rookie season.