The Portland Timbers announced today that fullback Zarek Valentin has signed a new deal with the club. He’s made 71 appearances from 2016 to 2018, including career highs in appearances (32), starts (30), and minutes played (2,721) in 2018.
Valentin appeared in 40 games across all competitions in 2018, including his first postseason appearance during the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. He would eventually make six appearances (5 starts) and log 457 minutes played as the Timbers advanced to their second MLS Cup final in four seasons. He was also Community MVP twice, in 2016 and then again this year.