The Portland Timbers have bolstered their goalkeeping roster by signing James Pantemis and Trey Muse, each on contracts running through the 2025 season with options for an additional year. General Manager Ned Grabavoy emphasized the club’s focus on revitalizing their goalkeeping group and expressed excitement about the competitive edge and experience the new signings will bring to the team.
Pantemis, a 26-year-old goalkeeper from Montréal, Quebec, is making the move to the Western Conference after an impactful six seasons with CF Montréal. With 34 regular-season appearances yielding seven clean sheets, Pantemis played a crucial role in securing the Eastern Conference’s second seed in the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for Montréal. His accolades also include a call-up to the Canadian Men’s National Team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, highlighting his growing reputation on the international stage.
Muse, aged 24 and hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, joins the Timbers after a standout season with the Charleston Battery, where he was instrumental in their run to the 2023 USL Championship final. Muse’s remarkable 2023 campaign saw him tied for the league lead in clean sheets and ranked seventh for saves, demonstrating his goalkeeping prowess. His MLS journey began with the Seattle Sounders FC, with subsequent loan spells enhancing his development and readiness for the higher echelons of the game.
With these strategic signings, the Timbers are set to face the upcoming season with a fortified goalkeeping team, consisting of Aljaz Ivacic, Trey Muse, James Pantemis, and Hunter Sulte. The club’s roster also includes a balanced mix of defenders, midfielders, and forwards, indicating a well-rounded team prepared to compete at a high level in the MLS.
The Timbers’ management has shown a clear intent to create a competitive and robust squad, ready to challenge for honors and success in the league. The addition of Pantemis and Muse is a significant step towards achieving those ambitions in the upcoming seasons.
Portland Timbers 2024 Roster (as of Jan. 5)
Goalkeepers (4): Aljaz Ivacic, Trey Muse, James Pantemis, Hunter Sulte
Defenders (7): Miguel Araujo, Claudio Bravo, Larrys Mabiala, Zac McGraw, Kamal Miller, Juan David Mosquera, Dario Zuparic
Midfielders (7): David Ayala, Diego Chara, Evander, Marvin Loría, Santiago Moreno, Cristhian Paredes, Eryk Williamson
Forwards (5): Antony, Dairon Asprilla, Nathan Fogaça, Tega Ikoba, Felipe Mora
