SALEM, Ore. -- The Timbers U23 squad have spent the last week announcing the first 6 players set to hit the pitch this 2021 season. The teams opening lineup consists of players from Grand Canyon University, University of the Pacific, UCLA, St. Bonaventure, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and San Diego State.

“Our goal is to take a group of players from all different backgrounds and get them to gel on and off the field as quickly as possible," said Timbers U23 Head Coach, Matt Broadhead. "This will be crucial to achieve success in the league standings as well as our teams appearance on game days.”

Here is a full look at the first announced players of your 2021 Timbers U23 squad -

Esai Easley | Midfielder/ Defender | Grand Canyon University

• All-WAC Honorable Mention 2019. 

• All-WAC First Team 2021. 

• Helped anchor the backline to a conference title in the 2021 season.

• The Lopes allowed an average of 0.43 per game in his seven starts compared to 1.00 goals per game when he did not start.

• Emory Rapaport | Center Back | University of the Pacific
•  

• All-WCC Freshman Team 2019.

• All-WCC Honorable Mention 2021. 

• Captain of Portland Timbers Development Academy in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Pablo Greenlee | Outside Back | UCLA

• 2019 Mission League Offensive MVP.

• 2019 Mission League Defender of the Year.

• Three-time All Mission League First Team.

• Played club soccer for the LA-Breakers, the top-ranked team in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).

Trevor Wilson | Goalkeeper | St. Bonaventure

• Captain at St. Bonaventure.

• 2019 USL League Two “Sve of the Year” finalist. 

• Listed as “Top 3 Goalkeepers to Watch” with everybodysoccer.com for Division 1 Class of 2020.

Tim Bielic | Midfielder | University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Has been a member of both the U14 and U16 US National Team. 

• Ranked as the No. 14 midfielder and the No. 47 player in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer in highschool.

• All-Big Ten Freshman Team honor for the 2021 season.

• Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for the 2021 season.

• Played with Sockers FC Chicago in the US Development Academy throughout high school.  

Laukoa Santos (Pending League Approval) | Midfielder | San Diego State University

• 2020/2021 Captain of San Diego State Men's Soccer.

• Pac 12 All Academic Team (2018 & 2019).

• First player from the state of Hawaii to play in the Pac-12 conference. 

• Three time All BIIF Player of the Year.

• Recorded 87 goals and 48 assists during his prep career.

--

Click here for a look at our complete 2021 Home Game Schedule.

To keep up with all things U23, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To become an official fan of the Timbers Army, purchase one of our Membership Packages!