June 6, 2012

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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Timbers Army has a simple policy: "No membership, no initiation, no rules, no fuss. Just wander into the North End of Jeld-Wen Field and join the fun!" Expect the Army to grow quickly as the greatest men's soccer player in Oregon State history, Danny Mwanga, joined the Portland Timbers on Wednesday.

The Timbers acquired Mwanga from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for Jorge Perlaza in a move announced by Portland general manager Gavin Wilkinson, bringing even more excitement to the most passionate fan base in Major League Soccer (MLS).

"Danny is a mature, young player who has shown that he can be productive in this league during his time with Philadelphia," said John Spencer, Timbers head coach. "He has roots in Portland, his family still lives here, and we look forward to getting him integrated into the team quickly."

Mwanga, who was the first overall pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the expansion Philadelphia Union, made 63 appearances with 37 starts over his first three MLS seasons with Philadelphia, recording 12 goals and nine assists. He was named the Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year by prestigious publication Soccer America.

In two seasons at Oregon State, Mwanga earned Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and Pac-10 Player of the Year honors, becoming the first Beaver to win that award. He was the first Oregon State player to be the No. 1 pick in a professional draft since Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker in 1963.

He was a Herrman Trophy semifinalist in 2009 when he led the Beavers with 14 goals, the third best single-season total in school history, and led the Pacific-10 Conference in goals, points per game (1.67), goals per game (0.78) and game-winning goals (5).

"To be certain, I'm happy for Danny, the Timbers organization and fans and OSU Soccer," Oregon State head coach Steve Simmons said. "We all know how special Danny is as a player and person, but to have him back home is a bonus. I know he'll continue to make us proud and help the Timbers move forward in their progress."

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