Timbers Acquire Mexican Defender Josecarlos Van Rankin on One-Year Loan

The Portland Timbers filled an international slot on Wednesday, pending receipt of an International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa, with Mexican defender Josecarlos Van Rankin.

He comes to Portland on a one-year loan. However, there is an option “to exercise a permanent transfer.”

The 27-year-old comes from Liga MX side C.D. Guadalajara, which is also known as Chivas.

Van Rankin spent the last two Liga MX campaigns with Santos Laguna (2019-21). He appeared in 25 matches (23 starts) across all competitions where he tallied two goals.

Before Santos Laguana Van Rankin played two seasons with Chivas. He scored twice and dished three assists in 44 appearances (43 starts). Also, he made two appearances with Chivas in the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup.

“Josecarlos is an experienced player whose flexibility to play numerous positions will help us not only in MLS, but in Concacaf Champions League play,” Timbers general manager and president of soccer, Gavin Wilkinson said in a press release. “Getting a proven player with his qualities on loan is a great acquisition at a beneficial cap number and provides an extended scouting opportunity with the ability to permanently transfer him in the future.”

Van Rankin started his professional soccer career with Liga MX side Pumas UNAM (2012-19). He appeared in 180 matches (162 starts) while racking up seven goals and seven assists.

On the international stage, Van Rankin has made one appearance with the Mexican National Team where he contributed an assist in Mexico’s 3-2 win on Oct. 11, 2018 against Costa Rica.

“Van Rankin is a quality player who will provide great attacking and defending balance,” Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese said in the press release. “We believe he will adapt quickly to MLS and his experience in Liga MX will be valuable across all competitions.”

The Mexico City, Mexico native also appeared for the Mexican U-20 team that won the 2013 Concacaf U-20 Championship, and he was named to the tournament Best XI.

Portland can begin training on Feb. 22, and MLS games start on April 3.

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