Timbers ripe for a shakeup

New soccer coach checks his roster, looks to add some surprises

By Steve Brandon

The Portland Tribune, Jan 13, 2006, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Much more stingy on defense, more variety and flair on offense, tighter organization in midfield É that’s the vision new General Manager and coach Chris Agnello has for the 2006 Portland Timbers.

Oh, and “in a game, I’ll have no patience with a player who is not contributing. They’ve got to go. They’ve got to come sit next to me. Everybody has to pull his weight.”

Agnello, who plans to make Timber defender Gavin Wilkinson an assistant coach, is attending the Major League Soccer combine in Los Angeles this week.

He’s discussing prospective players with the L.A. Galaxy and Real Salt Lake, where he was an assistant coach last year.

“We’re talking about loan players or players on the fringe, players they may not be able to sign but may want to hang on to through a working agreement with us,” Agnello says. “My intention is to come up with a half-dozen guys. Obviously, that would be a boost to what’s already here.”

What will be left of last year’s roster is up in the air. Already, forward Dan Antoniuk has gone to the Vancouver Whitecaps, and midfielder Aaran Lines is with the Rochester Raging Rhinos.

New talent courted as well

Agnello has talked to a handful of other 2005 Timbers, including star defender Scot Thompson, who has ambitions to play in Europe or in the MLS.

“He’s still under contract with us,” Agnello says. “I can see why teams are interested in him. We’ve had very good conversations.”

Standout midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar also is talking to the MLS.

“I spoke to him briefly. He’s a very, very talented individual,” Agnello says.

Goalkeeper Josh Saunders could be back as one of the Timbers’ loan players from the MLS.

“He’s very important in my plans,” Agnello says.

One player who probably will be back is veteran forward Fadi Afash. He played for Agnello with the Utah Blitzz.

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