Former Timbers star Diego Valeri joins Portland Pilots Men’s Soccer coaching staff

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland Timbers all-time leading scorer Diego Valeri has joined the University of Portland’s men’s soccer program as the Pilots Director of Player Development, the team announced Thursday.

Valeri is a legend within the MLS and a member of the all-time XI Timbers team. Portland acquired him in 2013. He scored 86 goals and tallied 91 assists in 262 career games.

He was named one of the top 25 best players in MLS history in 2020, the MLS MVP in 2017, and was given MLS Best XI honors three times in his career.

“I’m proud to join the Portland Pilots family and support a program with such a strong tradition of excellence,” Valeri said. “Portland is a city I deeply love and my home, and soccer has always connected me to its people. I’m excited to stay involved with the community, to help create opportunities for young players to grow on and off the field and to be part of the next generations of the game.”

The Argentine native led the Timbers to their only MLS Cup in 2015 and two Western Conference Titles (2018, 2021).

Pilots head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt commented on Valeri’s impact on Portland, sharing, “Diego Valeri is a top-class human being who’s always inspired the Rose City. From his magical moments and championship MVP performances to his deeply rooted community involvement, he’s ingrained himself in the fabric of the Portland soccer culture. Diego represents all the special things about our wonderful city.”

Portland is currently one of four teams with a 5-0-0 record so far this season and is ranked No. 9 in the country. They’ve also not allowed a goal this season and lead the country in points (57), goals (18) and assists (21) and goal differential (18).