Jamaican defender Alvas Powell is the youngest player in Timbers MLS history to start and play in a match at 19 years, 16 days old (on Aug. 3, 2013). Still just a youthful 20 years old, the fast and physical outside back has worked his way into a regular spot along the team’s back line.
Sporting Idols
A fan of soccer at every level, Powell counts French international defender Patrice Evra (Juventus) and Brazilian right back Dani Alves (Barcelona) as some of the players he has looked up to during his career.
Avid Gamer
“Sometimes I play FIFA with Barcelona against Real Madrid. Sometimes I use the Timbers versus Salt Lake and Seattle because they’re difficult teams to play against. Sometimes I go on easy, sometimes I go on pro (difficulty). Sometimes I get smacked and sometimes when I can’t win, I put it on easy and smack them and put it on my Snapchat and stuff like that.”
Before Soccer
“I used to do track and field when I was younger, but when I started to learn to play soccer, I didn’t do track and field anymore. I was eight or nine years old, I was a distance runner and a 4x100 relay runner.”
Ink
“I have my mom’s name and the number five [on my left arm]. When I first started to play soccer for the national team, I got number five. [On my right arm], I have this one of a dove and on my back I have ‘One Life, One Chance.’ I might get some more soon but not yet. My mom’s name is my favorite one.”
Jamaican Pride
“The best thing about being Jamaican is our accent, the way we dress and the type of food [we make]. Jamaican food is the best food.
End Note
“I learned this from Caleb Porter the first time I came here and I started to play. I got a red card and he said to me, ‘One thing, remember just learn from your mistake.’ And up to today, I remember that and I’ve been sticking to that advice.”
