LA Galaxy land defender Jorge Villafaña in a trade with the Portland Timbers that will return him to Southern California
The LA Galaxy announced a trade with the Portland Timbers on Tuesday that saw them gain defender Jorge Villafaña in exchange for a first round draft pick.
Villafaña, an Anaheim native and 31-years-old, joins the Galaxy after spending the last five seasons with the Timbers where he won an MLS Cup in 2015 — playing a career high 2,929 minutes and starting a career-high 33 games — and helping Portland to the MLS is Back Tournament victory in 2020.
In his career, Villafaña has made 188 career appearances (Chivas USA, Portland) while scoring 10 goals and adding 24 assists primarily in the left-back position. He’s also taken part in 16 postseason matches during his 14-year professional career.
“Jorge is a talented veteran defender with extensive experience playing at a high level in Major League Soccer,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese. “We are confident in his ability to contribute to our club on the field, in our locker room and in our community. We are excited to welcome Jorge home and have him join our club.”
The first ever winner of Sueño MLS — a soccer competition television show produced by Univision — Villafaña joined Chivas USA in 2007 as a result of that show. He was traded to Portland after the 2014 season and departed the Timbers for Liga MX’s Santos Laguna before returning to Portland in 2018.
He’s also represented the U.S. Men’s National Team 21 times in addition to other U.S. Youth National Teams.
The Galaxy currently have 18 of 30 roster spots filled with one Designated Player Spot, and four International slots still available. Other announcements are expected this week as new head coach Greg Vanney and general manager Dennis te Kloese fill out the preseason roster.
For their part, the Galaxy received Villafaña and the 16th overall first round pick from the Timbers in exchange for the Galaxy’s first round pick (8th natural selection).
