OFFICIAL: Portland Timbers Signs Colombian Striker Jose Adolfo “El Trencito” Valencia as a Designated Player

MLSR readers may remember we had the talented Colombian striker rumored to be coming to Portland on this post INCOMING: Colombian Striker José Adolfo Valencia “El Trencito” to Portland Timbers? back on December 1, 2011. Now here is the official announcement from Portland Timbers FC PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers announced today the signing of 19-year-old Colombian forward Jose Adolfo Valencia as a young Designated Player. Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson made the announcement. Valencia, who becomes Portland’s second Designated Player, shined for Colombia’s U-20 National Team in 2011, helping the team to the 2011 Toulon Tournament championship and a quarterfinal finish in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Regarded as one of Colombia’s top young players, Valencia made his professional debut at the age of 16 and played four seasons (2008-11) for Colombian first-division club Independiente Santa Fe. Valencia will be ...