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Portland Timbers acquire Zarek Valentin from Montreal Impact

Reuters

The Portland Timbers have bolstered their defensive ranks with the acquisition of versatile right full-back Zarek Valentin in a trade with the Montreal Impact.

Valentin last played with Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt after leaving Montreal in 2013, but the Impact maintained his rights in the league; as such, the Timbers sent Montreal an international roster spot for the 2016 season. Further terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are getting Zarek at an optimum time in his playing career," Timbers head coach Caleb Porter said in a statement. "He cut his teeth in MLS as a promising young defender and now his stint in Norway has matured his game even further. He is capable of playing any position in the back four and I expect him to earn a significant role in our squad."

With the trade, the Impact now have nine international roster spots for use in the 2016 season.

Valentin made 25 appearances as a rookie for Chivas USA after being drafted fourth overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. He joined the Impact in their inaugural season, making 15 appearances.

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