Bryan Acosta was acquired during the 2023 summer transfer window and will be under contract with Portland through 2023 with a club option in 2024. In a lighting-round style interview, he answers six questions about himself, his expectations for his tenure in green and gold, and the reason why he chose the number six.
On August 1, Honduran midfielder Bryan Acosta was officially announced as the first incoming player for Portland during the 2023 summer transfer window. Hailed as a quality defensive-minded midfielder, Acosta helps strengthen a Timbers midfield.
General Manager Ned Grabavoy likened his capabilities to current Portland midfielders Diego Chara and Cristhian Paredes, two players that have been holding it down in the middle of the field all year but now see some added depth with Acosta's arrival.
"When you look at the injuries we've had in the midfield and timing of those injuries – to ask Cristhian Paredes and Diego Chara to play the amount of minutes that they have over the last 10 or 15 games – It's been a challenge for us," said GM Ned Grabavoy. "The timing of this [acquisition] and [Acosta being] someone that's been around and played in big games – I think we're very happy with that addition right now, I think Bryan's going to fit in great."
With the MLS regular season back in action starting this Sunday at Houston, Bryan Acosta shared his favorite Honduran pastimes, why he chose no. 6, and more.
Between baleadas and pollo chuco (traditional Honduran dishes), which do you prefer?
Bryan Acosta: "The truth is I enjoy both, but I do prefer the pollo chuco if I'm honest."
On vacation, do you go to Islas de la Bahia Roatán, or do you go to La Ceiba? (Both in Honduras)
BA: "I spend a lot of time in La Ceiba, but when it comes to going to the beach and being on vacation with my family, we always try and visit Roatán because we know how beautiful it is."
Now that you've arrived to Portland, do you know about the weather? Right now it's the summer heat, but we also have very snowy winters, which do you prefer?
BA: "I think either one is fine. I think when I was in Colorado, honestly I was very cold. I do think the snow can be nice though for us."
What does the jersey number 6 mean to you?
BA: "Well, I think a lot. I think it means a lot because it's the number I started with at Real España and where I had my best years to then go play abroad. It's the number I use with the [Honduran] national team, and to be honest it's a very special number to me."
What do you think of the Portland Timbers and what can the supporters expect from you?
BA: "Timbers, truthfully, are a big club. They have opened the door for me...and I hope to be successful here. This Sunday we have a good opportunity at Houston and I hope to demonstrate why I was brought here, and we can start harvesting wins."
Do you have any pregame rituals or preferred boots?
"No, honestly not. I don't have any rituals. I don't even manage my boots, whichever ones I have are the ones I will use."
