It looks like we Timbers fans are going to get an early Christmas present from the Timbers organization as they've announced, for really reals, that Jose Adolfo Valencia, the Colombian U-20 national team standout has been officially signed as the Timbers second Designated Player.

We've essentially covered El Trencito over the last few weeks so there's not much to say that you shouldn't already know.

Arsenal are visiting Greece for the final group game with top spot secured. Such games can easily become an unwanted, tiresome chore but they can also be an opportunity for the some of the players to show what they are capable of with a chance to perform in a pressure-free environment.

Of course, we don't want the team to be frivolous and roll over but I feel the squad that Wenger has taken to Olympiacos is full of professionals who respect the badge on their shirt and the game/competition.

By ADAM SERRANO

The Portland Timbers are after their first ever Designated Player and would like to do so sooner rather than later.

In a radio interview with the Talk Timbers radio program on Portland radio station 95.5 The Game on Wednesday, club owner Merritt Paulson stated that the club was interested in adding a central midfielder as a DP and hopes to have that player by the team's home opener against the Chicago Fire.

By ADAM SERRANO

The Portland Timbers hope their look in their first year in MLS not as a typical expansion franchise, but instead as a powerhouse in the nation's top league.

The Rose City faithful will have much to be excited about in their first year in MLS with a club that appears focused on being electrifying right out of the gate.