Maxime Crépeau, MLS Cup winner with LAFC, close to joining Portland Timbers

Canadian goalkeeper and MLS Cup winner Maxime Crépeau had hoped to become one of a select group of players to have won back-to-back titles but the Columbus Crew denied him and LAFC of that honor as were crowned the new monarchs of Major League Soccer last month.

Since then, the Black & Gold have signed new goalkeeper - Hugo Lloris, a World Cup winner with France in 2018. That, it seems, prompted Crepeau to make the decision to move on. He is set to join Portland Timbers after two years in Los Angeles. It wasn’t the only reason - his contract had expired and he was already a free agent... He leaves having made 51 appearances for the franchise.

Tom Bogert, MLS insider and journalist for The Athletic reports that Portland are delighted to be hiring one of the best goalkeepers in MLS on a free transfer - Crépeau’s arrival will undoubtedly strengthen the team defensively.

Timbers hire new keepers

Curiously, the Timbers recently announced the signings of Trey Muse and James Pantemis, both goalkeepers. However, the Canadian is vastly more experienced and will be a new leader in the squad under new coach Phil Neville, who arrived at the start of November.

Continuing with LAFC was practically impossible, especially after Lloris was brought in. His chances of playing in 2024 would be drastically reduced and beside, once his contract was up, that signalled the end - pretty much the same as what happened with team captain Carlos Vela.

Now the former Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper will aim to continue making his own history in the league. The first objective is to reach the playoffs, something the Timbers last achieved in 2021.