The Portland Timbers and central defender Liam Ridgewell mutually agreed to part ways on Thursday.
Ridgewell, 34, joined the Timbers as a designated player in 2014. Ridgewell was a stabilizing presence on the back line for the Timbers as he helped guide the club to an MLS Cup victory in 2015 and a runner-up finish last December.
In five seasons, Ridgewell made 97 appearances, all of which were starts, and recorded six goals and two assists. He also wore the captain’s armband for a time while in the Rose City.
“Liam is quite simply one of the most important and influential signings in Timbers history,” said Timbers owner Merritt Paulson in a statement. “Not only has he been a top defender in MLS since his arrival but he is a winner who greatly contributed to our locker room culture. I thank Liam and will miss him.”
Ridgewell, a two-time MLS All-Star and two-time Timbers Defender of the Year, expressed pride over his accomplishments in Portland in a prepared statement.
“It has been an absolute pleasure playing in Portland for the past five seasons, and I am grateful to the fans and everyone involved for the opportunity,” he said said. “I am very proud of what we achieved together, and at the same time I am very excited about what the future holds for me as I move on to the next chapter in my career.”