PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced the signing of academy forward Foster Langsdorf as an MLS Homegrown Player for the 2018 season. Langsdorf becomes the second product of the Timbers Academy program to sign a Homegrown Player contract since the club’s inaugural season in 2011.
Langsdorf, 22, capped off a four-year career at Stanford University (2014-2017) in which he helped lead the Cardinal to three straight NCAA National Championships (2015, 2016, 2017) and four straight Pac-12 titles (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017). Individually, Langsdorf finished his collegiate career as the Pac-12 career leader in points (86) and goals (37), while twice garnering Pac-12 Player of the Year honors (2016, 2017) and All-Pac 12 First-Team honors (2016, 2017). Langsdorf’s 37 career goals were the most by a Stanford player in 34 years, which ranks sixth all-time in school history. Since Langsdorf’s freshman season, Stanford established itself as the country’s winningest program, sporting an overall record of 65-10-13 (.812).
“We are delighted to announce Foster as our second Homegrown Player signing from our academy system,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers. “Since joining our academy in 2012, Foster’s commitment and approach to the game have enabled him to excel, and coming off a very successful college career he deserves this opportunity to take the next step in his development with the Portland Timbers.”
In 2017, Langsdorf played in 23 matches, leading Stanford in goals scored (14), while ranking tied for second in assists (6) and being named a 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist. In the 2017 NCAA College Cup men’s soccer semifinal at Talen Energy Stadium on Dec. 8, Langsdorf registered the game-winning goal to propel his side to the NCAA final in a 2-0 win over the Akron Zips. Two days later, Stanford defeated Indiana University in the College Cup Final with Langsdorf being named to the College Cup All-Tournament Team.
“We are very pleased to add Foster to the group as a Homegrown Player out of the club’s academy system and welcome him to the first team,” said Giovanni Savarese, head coach of the Timbers.
A native of Vancouver, Wash., Langsdorf played for the Portland Timbers Academy from 2012-14, and was named the 2013 Timbers Academy Player of the Year. Additionally, Langsdorf played three seasons (2014-2016) for the Portland Timbers U23s in the PDL, featuring in 17 matches, while registering three goals and an assist.
Transaction: Portland Timbers sign forward Foster Langsdorf as a Homegrown Player
Foster Langsdorf
Position: Forward
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Born: Dec. 4, 1995, in Portland, Ore.
Last Club: Stanford University
College: Stanford University
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Signed as a Homegrown Player for the 2018 season on Jan. 19, 2018
