Jorge Perlaza is now a Portland Timber — officially.
The team announced on Monday that it signed the Colombian forward, who has been with the team as a non-roster player during preseason. He scored a goal in Friday’s 2-0 exhibition win over the Seattle Sounders FC.
He joins Portland after four seasons with Colombian first-division side Deportes Tolima.
Perlaza, 26, is entering his 11th professional season. Last season he scored 15 goals in 31 matches with Tolima.
“With his athleticism and how tough he plays, we think he is a great fit for the Timbers,” general manager Gavin Wilkinson said. “He was a tremendous goal scorer last year for Tolima, and he already has shown he has the ability to be the same with Portland this season.”
Coach John Spencer said he sees Perlaza as a potential difference-maker for the Timbers.
“Jorge definitely has the potential to score a lot of goals in this league and could be a very exciting player for this organization for many years to come,” Spencer said.
