PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Timbers have signed veteran English Premier League defender Liam Ridgewell to a multiyear contract.

Ridgewell will be Portland’s third designated player and will join the team once he obtains his transfer documentation and visa.

Ridgewell, 29, is a veteran of 11 EPL seasons, including stints with Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. With West Brom this past season, he played in 33 matches, playing the full 90 minutes in all but three.

The signing helps the Timbers shore up a defense that has a 1.69 goals-against average, 14th in the league. Portland has conceded 27 total goals, third in MLS.

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