BEAVERTON, Ore. – “It was just a day of celebration.”
They’re the seven words you might least expect when asking an athlete about being waived. But for new Portland Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark, leaving D.C. United was a type of liberation, and a much-awaited one.
“[Being waived] wasn’t like a shock,” Clark said. “It was planned, and we were so grateful to D.C. to let me go.”
Portland fans are likely grateful, too. Clark delivered two highlight-worthy saves in the Timbers’ last home game of the season, paving the way for a 3-0 victory that vaulted Portland into Major League Soccer’s playoffs.