PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has acquired midfielder Ben Zemanski from Chivas USA in exchange for allocation money and the right of first refusal to defender Jonathan Bornstein. Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
A veteran of three MLS seasons, Zemanski, 24, played in 72 regular-season matches, recording two goals and seven assists with Chivas USA from 2010-12. He was selected by Chivas USA in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft after a notable collegiate career at the University of Akron, where he played under Timbers head coach Caleb Porter.
“We’re pleased to add a player of Ben’s caliber, as he has proved to be an impact player in this league and fits the ethos of our club,” said Porter. “He brings an additional competitive presence that we are confident will help advance the culture of this club even further.”
Zemanski appeared in 22 matches last season, registering two assists. Selected in the third round of the 2010 SuperDraft, he was an impact player for Chivas USA as a rookie in 2010, making 17 starts. Zemanski recorded a career-high two goals and four assists in 28 matches during the 2011 campaign. He ranked among Chivas USA’s team leaders in games played in each of his three seasons with the club.
A native of Akron, Ohio, Zemanski played collegiately in his hometown at the University of Akron from 2006-09. He helped the Zips claim three straight conference championships and make three NCAA tournament appearances from 2007-09, including a trip to the NCAA College Cup finals in 2009. A two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection, Zemanski played in 86 matches, recording nine goals and 14 assists during his collegiate career. He ranked among the nation’s assist leaders as a junior with 10 assists in 2008. Zemanski also garnered Academic All-America third-team honors and was a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award following his senior season in 2009.
Bornstein, 28, was selected by the Timbers with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft on Nov. 24, 2010, from Chivas USA. He played five seasons with Chivas USA from 2006-10 before joining Mexican first-division club Tigres UANL in 2011.
Ben Zemanski
Pronunciation: zah-MAN-ski
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
Born: May 12, 1988, in Akron, Ohio
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
Last Club: Chivas USA
College: University of Akron
Citizenship: United States
Acquired: Acquired Feb. 13, 2013, from Chivas USA in exchange for allocation money and the MLS rights to defender Jonathan Bornstein.
