Rodney Wallace signs one-day contract to retire with the Portland Timbers

After nearly two years without a club, Major League Soccer veteran Rodney Wallace signs a ceremonial one-day contract with the Portland Timbers to officially retire with the Western Conference club.

The former Costa Rica international player last competed in the American league in 2019. He first joined in 2009 after a successful collegiate career in Maryland propelled D.C. United to pick up the player as the number 6 overall selection during the MLS SuperDraft.

Wallace went on to play for the Portland Timbers, New York City FC and most recently Sporting Kansas City throughout his MLS career. 

“Thinking back on my career, I realized that retiring as a Timber was the best way for me to respect what the organization has done for me and what I was able to do for the club, the city, and the fans,” Wallace said in Friday's release. “Winning an MLS Cup is my biggest accomplishment to date, and I’m proud to have been a part of that.”

Wallace formed a crucial role in Portland’s development, standing as an original member of the Timbers 2011 expansion side. He went on to appear 129 times for the Western Conference side, recording 18 goals and 20 assists. In 2015, Wallace inspired his side to the MLS Cup trophy and earned the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award in 2014. 

"Rodney Wallace gave so much to our club. Having him make the choice to retire a Timber is something that is tremendously meaningful to me personally and is a testament to the quality experience many players have with us,” Portland owner and CEO Merritt Paulson said. “Also doing this before a Seattle game is fitting. Few Timbers ‘gutted the fish’ like Rodney!”

The Timbers are also set to honor the player by recognizing his efforts on the field prior to Sunday’s rivalry matchup against the Seattle Sounders.