The Portland Timbers on Thursday announced the acquisition of Vytautas Andriuškevičius, a left back. The 25-year-old is a member of Lithuania’s national team.
Andriuškevičius, listed at 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, has played in more than 120 matches in the top divisions in the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and Lithuania since beginning his professional career in 2007.
Jorge Villafana, the left back for Portland’s MLS Cup championship run last season, was transferred to Santos Laguna of Mexico’s Liga MX in the offseason. The Timbers acquired Chris Klute from Columbus to play left back, but Klute’s season was delayed by knee surgery and he did not nail down the starting job upon his return to health.
Klute has started eight games for the Timbers, but has not played since May 28 at Chicago. Zarek Valentin, who is more naturally a right-sided player, has started the last three matches at left back. Veteran Jermaine Taylor has also seen time at left back.
Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson said acquiring a left back became a priority “a little while ago.”
“Bringing in a specialist left back that’s played at a high level, has traveled, speaks English, and has good character was very, very important for us,” Wilkinson said.
Andriuškevičius, who goes by Vytas (vee-tas), is expected to arrive in Portland on Friday.
“Vytas has a strong mentality and the physical tools to succeed in MLS,” Timbers coach Caleb Porter said in a press release announcing the move. “His profile is a good fit for our system as we want our outside backs to be effective defenders first, and that is his biggest strength. He has also shown the ability to push forward in the attack and provide width and service, which is another important aspect we need from that position.”
Porter added that Andriuškevičius’ 6-2 frame should be an asset on set pieces.
Andriuškevičius began his professional career in 2007 at the age of 17 with Lithuanian club FBK Kaunas. He has earned 23 caps with Lithuania’s national team.
Two weeks ago the Timbers sent midfielder Dairon Asprilla on a year-long loan to Colombian side Millonarios FC, clearing a roster spot and salary cap room to add Andriuškevičius.
