The Portland Timbers are supposedly making offseason moves, starting with defenders. Grant Wahl broke news on Twitter that the Timbers have acquired veteran defender Nat Borchers from Real Salt Lake, in exchange for allocation money. Borchers, 33, has been heralded as one of the most consistent defenders in MLS since 2008, after returning from Norwegian side Odd Grenland. With the expansion draft coming up, which features two teams, the Timbers will likely be making Borchers one of their 11 protected players.
Today, it was revealed by Portland Timbers beat writer Jamie Goldberg, that Timbers defender Michael Harrington is being traded to the Colorado Rapids. Harrington came to Portland in 2013 after spending six years with Sporting Kansas City. Harrington was an integral part to their first place finish in the Western Conference during the 2013 season. 2014 turned out to be a disappointment for Harrington who lost his starting spot to Jorge Villafana due to inconsistent play and injury. It's unknown at this time what Portland will receive for Harrington, but most likely will be a draft pick or allocation money.
The defensive changes are being welcomed by Timbers fans after many believe missing the 2014 playoffs were due to their defense, or lack thereof. Portland were second in defense in MLS in 2013 with 33 goals against, but ended this season giving up 52 goals against, dropping them to the bottom half of the league in defense.
None of the acquisitions have been confirmed by any of the teams' front offices.