Timbers grant wish, sign 5-year-old goalkeeper for game

News

Portland Timbers head coach Caleb Porter walks off the pitch after an MLS soccer match against the Seattle Sounders, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, in Seattle. The match ended in a 1-1 tie. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Photo: Associated Press/Ted S. Warren

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Timbers have signed 5-year-old goalkeeper Derrick Tellez to a one-game contract.

Derrick, who is battling a cancerous brain tumor, was signed Wednesday to grant his wish via Make-A-Wish Oregon.

“Derrick is an extremely talented young goalkeeper, and we’re excited to have him signed for this weekend’s game against Orlando City,” said Timbers coach Caleb Porter. “We are pleased to have him join our club and look forward to his contributions.”

We're thrilled to sign 5-yr-old keeper Derrick Tellez to a one-game contract.⚽ Details of his wish: https://t.co/3sLqkjLzAj #WelcomeDerrick pic.twitter.com/5YNzvt3JS9

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) September 20, 2017

After taking part in training on Friday, Derrick will join his new teammates when they take the field at Providence Park for a match against Orlando City on Sunday. He’ll watch from the bench during warmups and stand with the team for the national anthem before rejoining his family for the game.

He is the youngest player ever signed by the Timbers. He’ll be included in the team’s official photo, scheduled to be taken Friday.

Recent Headlines

4 hours ago in Sports

Los Angeles Angels settles lawsuit with family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs over fatal overdose

The Los Angeles Angels reached a confidential settlement Friday in a lawsuit over the drug overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

10 hours ago in Sports

LeBron James cites ‘Luka magic’ as Doncic has 45-point triple-double

LeBron James was in awe of "Luka magic" after Luka Doncic had 45 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in his fifth triple-double of the season in a 143-135 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.

10 hours ago in Sports

Seahawks overcome 16-point deficit to stun Rams 38-37 in OT in NFC West showdown

Mike Macdonald was in no mood to play for a tie, and the Los Angeles Rams' defense had no interest in letting Sam Darnold connect with any of his top receiving options.

1 day ago in Sports

Tarik Skubal joins Paul Skenes on US World Baseball Classic pitching staff

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers has agreed to pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic, joining a pitching staff that includes reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1 day ago in Sports

Timberwolves formalize a reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a plan to finally retire his No. 21 jersey

Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves announced on Thursday they've hired the Hall of Fame member and franchise icon as a team ambassador, with a plan to honor Garnett in a jersey-raising ceremony at Target Center on a future date.