As the smoke cleared and confetti slowly settled in the wake of the Timbers’ 2015 MLS Cup run, the team turned to face a short off-season to prepare for the 2016 calendar, and with it came difficult decisions concerning the roster. Major League Soccer had yet to infuse the level of allocation money that club’s enjoy today, and the price of success showed a cast of important players out the door. Captain and team enforcer Will Johnson, starting winger and MLS cup game-winning goal scorer Rodney Wallace, clutch striker and crowd favorite Maxi Urruti, and starting left back Jorge Villafana all departed after earning their championship rings.
Getting the band back together: Jorge Villafana
