News Release

McDonough Invited To Portland Timbers Camp

FOREST GROVE - Matt McDonough (Sr., Fairbanks, Alaska) believed that, maybe in his wildest dreams, he would have a chance to play professional soccer. Those wildest dreams are about to come true.

The Pacific forward and Northwest Conference Men's Soccer Offensive Player of the Year has earned an invitation to training camp for the Portland Timbers of the United Soccer Leagues' First Division. The two-week camp begins on March 19.

"Maybe in my wildest dreams, but none of my practical dreams," McDonough said of his thoughts of playing professional soccer. "I never would have thought of this happening. It's nice to be invited back, and now I want to make this team. I want to be starting and playing."

McDonough was one of 70 players to attend a two-day, invitation only tryout with the club in January, which also included Boxers' goalkeeper Jory Shene (Sr., Molalla, Ore.). According to Timbers' spokesman Marc Kostic, only four players from the tryout earned training camp invitations. Training camp begins Mar. 19 at Portland's PGE Park.

The Fairbanks, Alaska, native earned the tryout invitation thanks to a season where he led the Boxers to one of the biggest turnarounds in NCAA Division III men's soccer history. McDonough led the conference with 12 goals, doubling his previous season best of six from his freshman season, and 27 points. He netted four game-winning goals, including winners in 1-0 victories over both Cal State East Bay and Whitworth.

McDonough finished the season ranked in the top-five in nearly every NWC offensive statistical category. He led the Boxers to a 10-6-1 record, an 8.5-game improvement from the Boxers' record the year before. For his efforts, McDonough was named by the conference's coaches as the league's Offensive Player of the Year and was tabbed as a First Team All-West Region selection by both D3Kicks.com and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Following the tryout, McDonough said he didn't think he had shown enough to impress the Timbers' staff, led by first year head coach and general manager Gavin Wilkinson. The tryouts field included a number of local small college players, current professional prospects and Division I standouts. "I had moments out there, but you need enough moments to stand out among that many good soccer players," McDonough said. "I honestly didn't feel really good about it. I was out of shape, more than I should have been."

Pacific head men's soccer coach Jim Brazeau, a former Timbers'goalkeepers coach, and Pacific assistant coach Jim Rilatt mentored McDonough through the tryout and were on site observe his progress.

"Matt held his own," Brazeau said. "He competed well and he proved that he was as athletic as some of the other kids. He did well for himself. He played out of position in the right midfield area and he did well."

McDonough's attitude has changed now that he has advanced to the next step. He is playing on local teams three times a week as well as running and lifting every day. He likens the training to a part-time job as he balances training with finishing up his senior year. McDonough is on schedule to graduate in May with a degree in business.

Brazeau believes that McDonough's style of play and desire to perform would make him a strong fit with the Timbers. "I think if he goes out, plays within his ability and shows that he is willing to learn and contribute to the team in whatever position Gavin wants him in, I think he has a chance to get one of those spots," he said.

McDonough is optimistic about his chances, but also realistic. "I have no idea how it's going to go," he said. "I just want to be in good shape and as conditioned as I can be. Gavin looks for a lot of heart in the players. If that's what he's looking for, I have to put it all out there."

If McDonough succeeds in making the roster, he would continue a string of Pacific men's soccer players who have made a living in professional soccer over the last 20 years. A total of seven Boxers have advanced to the professional level. One of those players, Nick Vorberg, had played professionally since 1997 and continues to tend goal for the Milwaukee Wave of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

The Portland Timbers are member of the United Soccer Leagues' First Division, the second tier of professional soccer in the Unites States just behind Major League Soccer (MLS). Wilkinson and his staff will be aiming to rebound from the most disappointing season in the team's history. The Timbers finished 7-15-6 during the 2006 season, missing the playoffs for only the second time in the franchise's six-year history.

Submitted 2007-02-20 09:20:03 by D3Kicks.com Sports Information Department

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