This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Former Real Salt Lake midfielder Will Johnson will be wearing a different uniform — and a new accessory this year.
The Oregonian reported Tuesday that Johnson, who was traded to the Portland Timbers in exchange for allocation money at the start of the offseason, will be wearing the captain's armband at the start of the season.
"He's been in a winning locker room in Real Salt Lake. That experience is invaluable. His competitiveness is extremely valuable in terms of getting our culture right," Portland coach Caleb Porter said, according to The Oregonian. "He's a guy that can grab guys by the scruff of their neck and say, 'Hey let's get going.' But he also has the maturity and emotional intelligence to give positive reinforcement at the right time as well."
Jack Jewsbury, the Timbers' captain the last two seasons, will be Portland's "club captain," a position Porter said was not a demotion.
- Aaron Falk