Portland Timbers Acquire Bryan Acosta to Bolster Midfield

 Portland Timbers Acquire Bryan Acosta to Bolster Midfield

Portland Timbers Acquire Bryan Acosta to Bolster Midfield(Image-Getty)

Portland Timbers Bolster Midfield with Acquisition of Bryan Acosta from Colorado Rapids

The Portland Timbers have strengthened their midfield by acquiring Bryan Acosta from the Colorado Rapids. In the trade, Colorado will receive $150,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM) with the possibility of an additional $175,000 in 2024 GAM based on certain performance metrics and roster criteria.

Acosta, a 29-year-old Honduran international, brings valuable experience to Portland, having played in 100 league matches with two goals and nine assists in his MLS career. He previously featured for FC Dallas from 2019 to 2021 and spent the 2022-23 season with Colorado, earning 62 caps with the Honduran national team.

Ned Grabavoy, the general manager of the Portland Timbers, expressed his delight at the acquisition, stating that Acosta provides a solid option in a position where the team needed reinforcement. He believes Acosta will play a crucial role in their pursuit of positive results and finishing the season strong.

Acosta's arrival in Portland comes as the team seeks veteran depth in their midfield for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs push, especially after injuries to central midfielders Eryk Williamson and David Ayala. In their absence, the team has relied heavily on the trio of Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes, and Evander.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rapids have also faced challenges in their central midfield, particularly due to a long-term injury to club captain Jack Price (Achilles tendon) early in the 2023 season. Connor Ronan and Cole Bassett have been key players in filling the void left by Price's absence.

The Rapids' president, Pádraig Smith, thanked Bryan Acosta for his contributions during his time with the club and wished him the best in his new stage of his career with the Portland Timbers.

Both clubs from the Western Conference are eager to move above the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs line, with Colorado currently in 14th place and Portland in 12th. They aim to make up ground following the Leagues Cup break as they push towards securing a playoff spot.