PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic was named to the MLS Team of the Week for week 22, the league announced today. Additionally, forward Dairon Asprilla was named to the bench.
Ivacic, 28, recorded a season-high six saves in Portland’s 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on July 23, helping the team extend their unbeaten streak to seven games. The Slovenian goalkeeper recorded six big saves in consecutive matches (Vancouver, San Jose) and has registered 70 saves in 20 appearances this season, ranking third best in the league. Ivacic has been named to the team of the week twice this season, and once to the bench.
Asprilla, 30, scored the game-winning goal against the Earthquakes in the 71st minute to help the Timbers rally from a first-half deficit to earn a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Providence Park. The Colombian striker tallied his fifth goal of the season. Notably, Asprilla has scored a goal in each of the last three matches in which he has featured for Portland. Asprilla is one of three players with five or more goals this season, joining Niezgoda (8) and Bill Tuiloma (5).
The Timbers travel for a road match against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, July 30, at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn. The July 30 match kicks off at 12 noon (Pacific) with a national broadcast on ABC and ESPN Deportes and local radio broadcasts on 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).
