The Portland Timbers have acquired midfielder/defender Lawrence Olum from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money and the Timbers natural first-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
While Olum will add depth at both center back and defensive midfielder, the Timbers are still expected to sign another staring-caliber center back to replace Gbenga Arokoyo, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury earlier this week.
The Timbers were able to add a depth piece like Olum because of the cap relief they were given following Arokoyo’s injury.
Olum has spent five seasons with Sporting Kansas City since 2011, making 86 appearances (57 starts) and recording five goals and three assists during that time. He also helped SKC win the 2013 MLS Cup and 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles. He briefly left Kansas City in 2015 to play for Malaysia Premier League side Kedah FA, but re-signed with Kansas City in 2016. He made 17 starts (19 appearances), recording two goals and one assist for SKC last season.
The 32-year-old is very familiar with Portland. He began his professional career with the Timbers in 2007 when the club was still competing in the USL First Division. He spent two years in Portland, making 44 appearances and scoring six goals during that time.
“The acquisition of Lawrence Olum gives us a player with significant MLS experience and the ability to play several positions, with no transitional risk,” said Timbers General Manager and President of Soccer Gavin Wilkinson in a prepared statement. “We are pleased to welcome Lawrence back to the Portland Timbers.”
After beginning his professional career in Portland, Olum went on to play for USL clubs Minnesota Thunder, Austin Aztex and Orlando City SC before joining Sporting Kansas City.
“Lawrence will give our club another MLS experienced player at defensive mid and central defender. He will also increase our size in the squad, which is important in this league,” said Timbers coach Caleb Porter in a prepared statement. “We look forward to his contributions, as I know he’s eager to be back in Portland playing in front of the Timbers Army again.”
— Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com
503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg
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