Portland Timbers U23’s Press Release – www.portlandtimbers.com

Monday, March 30, 2009

PORTLAND, OREGON – The Portland Timbers announced today the club has signed midfielder Mutanda Kwesele as the club’s first Timbers U-23s player. The transaction is pending USL and USSF approval.

“Mutanda is a very hard-working and intelligent player who will provide a solid foundation for our PDL team this season,” said Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson. “We have high expectations for Mutanda and expect to see him challenge for a first-team spot in the coming years.” 

Kwesele, 23, is the first player signed by the Timbers U-23s as the team prepares for its inaugural season in United Soccer Leagues’ Premier Development League in 2009. A native of Seattle, Washington, Kwesele was a standout at Seattle University, where he played for three seasons, helping the Redhawks reach the NCAA tournament in back-to-back seasons in 2006 and 2007. In total, he played in 42 games during his college career and recorded two goals and five assists. Kwesele, who played his final college season in 2008, attended the Timbers’ annual player tryout in January. 

Kwesele has been training with the Timbers’ first team since preseason training camp opened on Monday, March 9.