REPORT: Portland Timbers sign Croatian center back Dario Zuparic

The Portland Timbers allowed 49 goals last season, and per reports, are bolstering some defensive depth with hopes to shore up the back line for next season.

An ESPN report Tuesday says the Timbers are signing center back Dario Zuparic from the Croatian club HNK Rijeka.  The 27-year-old Zuparic is a native of Croatia and will remain with his current Rijeka club through mid-December, when the winter break begins for the Croatian First Football League.

Sources tell ESPN that the Portland Timbers have signed HNK Rijeka center back Dario Zuparic. He’ll remain with Rijeka until start of winter break in mid-December, then join up with Portland in January: https://t.co/MVf2Gsbexu #RCTID

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) November 19, 2019

The Timbers currently have four other center backs on their roster including Larrys Mabiala, Bill Tuiloma, Julio Cascante, and Claude Dielna.  All except Dielna were protected in this week’s MLS expansion draft.

Zuparic turned professional in 2011 and has since spent time playing for clubs in Italy and his native Croatia.