PORTLAND, Ore. — Sebastián Blanco, who helped lead the Timbers to the MLS Cup in 2018 and 2021, is leaving Portland after six seasons, the club announced Thursday.
The 35-year-old forward joined the Timbers in 2017 and was one of Portland's top players during much of his time with the club. He helped the Timbers reach the MLS Cup twice in 2018 and 2021. He also led the Timbers to victory at the MLS Is Back Tournament in 2020, where he had three goals and five assists and was named the tournament's best player.
Blanco's best season in Portland was 2018, when he led the Timbers with 10 goals and 10 assists. During his six seasons in Portland, he had 51 goals and 46 assists.
"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Sebastián, and on behalf of everyone within the club, for his seven incredible years in Portland," said general manager Ned Grabavoy. "Few players have made as great an impact on and off the field, and he will unquestionably go down as one of the greatest to ever wear the Green and Gold. He has provided all of us countless moments of excitement over the years and helped create so many lasting memories."
The Timbers also posted a tribute to Blanco on social media Thursday, thanking him for "the moments, the memories and all the magic."
Age and injuries started to catch up to Blanco the past few seasons. After starting 97 of 103 games his first four seasons with Portland, Blanco started just 34 of 73 games over the past three. Last season, he started twice and played in just 17 games, amassing the fewest minutes (427) of his six seasons in Portland.
"Sebastián's legacy will live on," Grabavoy said. "We wish him all the best with any future opportunities and look forward to celebrating his contributions as a Portland Timber in the very near future."
Other roster news
The Timbers announced Thursday that they picked up the option on Nathan Fogaça's contract and declined the options for seven players: Bryan Acosta, Franck Boli, Noel Caliskan, Diego Gutierrez, Eric Miller, Jaroslaw Niezgoda and Justin Rasmussen.
Portland said it remains in contract discussions with Acosta, Miller and David Bingham.
Here's a look at the Timbers' 2024 roster as of Nov. 30:
- Goalkeepers (2): Aljaz Ivacic, Hunter Sulte
- Defenders (6): Miguel Araujo, Claudio Bravo, Larrys Mabiala, Zac McGraw, Juan David Mosquera, Dario Zuparic
- Midfielders (8): David Ayala, Diego Chara, Yimmi Chara, Evander, Marvin Loría, Santiago Moreno, Cristhian Paredes, Eryk Williamson
- Forwards (5): Antony, Dairon Asprilla, Nathan Fogaça, Tega Ikoba, Felipe Mora
