Portland Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell has agreed to a short-term loan with English Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, the MLS club announced on Wednesday.
The Timbers captain, whose loan will begin on Jan. 2, led the franchise to their first MLS Cup crown in early December. Before moving to MLS in 2014, Ridgewell, 31, spent time with Premier League sides Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.
"Similar to last year, Liam expressed an interest in staying in the UK on a short-term loan to maintain his fitness and to stay sharp leading into the upcoming MLS season," said Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson on Wednesday.