Across seven seasons with the Timbers (2011-17), Nagbe appeared in 214 regular-season games, scoring 27 goals and contributing 30 assists – both among the top five in club history
Editor's Note: In honor of the Portland Timbers' 50th anniversary, the club is recognizing an All-Time XI collection of the best players from across all eras of the team's history as voted on by you, the fans. The XI is comprised of one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards – a 3-4-3 formation.
Each day between now and the team's 50th anniversary celebration on July 19 – when the Timbers host Minnesota United FC (7:30pm PT, TICKETS, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV) – the club will unveil one player from the All-Time XI followed by a special recognition of the group on the evening of July 19th.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe was the first player drafted by the Portland Timbers in their Major League Soccer era. Selected in the first round, No. 2 overall of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Akron, Nagbe became a club centerpiece for the first seven seasons in MLS.
After a standout career at Akron where he helped the Zips to their first-ever national championship and won the Hermann Trophy as the top collegiate player in 2010, Nagbe arrived to Portland. Across seven seasons with the Timbers (2011-17), Nagbe appeared in 214 regular-season games, scoring 27 goals and contributing 30 assists – both among the top five in club history.
Path to Portland: Darlington Nagbe
In just his eighth start with the club in 2011, Nagbe scored his first-career MLS goal in spectacular fashion. Collecting a punched-out ball near the edge of the area, Nagbe juggled it twice before volleying it into the far corner. It won him the 2011 MLS Goal of the Year.
In 2013, Nagbe started every match, tallied a career high in goals (9) and helped lead Portland to the best record in the Western Conference (14-5-15) and their first appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs. That year also saw him named MLSsoccer.com’s top player in their 24 Under 24 list – a compilation of the league’s most promising young players.
Nagbe’s incredible technical skill on the ball, ability to set the tempo on the pitch and strong possession play made him a key orchestrator on the team’s run to the 2015 MLS Cup. Nagbe played every minute in their playoff run that year and calmly converted his penalty kick attempt in the MLS Cup Playoffs Knockout Round Game against Sporting Kansas City. His alertness in midfield helped set up Portland’s second goal in the MLS Cup final, earning him an assist on Rodney Wallace’s 7th minute strike in Portland’s 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew SC.
An MLS Fair Play Award winner with the Timbers in 2013 and 2016, Nagbe was also voted into the 2016 MLS All-Star Game as part of the Fan XI. As a U.S. international, Nagbe helped the USMNT win the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup where he was also named to the tournament Best XI. Playing in his 200th league appearance for Portland against Seattle Sounders FC on June 25, 2017, Nagbe, then 27, became the second-youngest player in league history to play 200 games with a single club in MLS.
Darlington Nagbe talks family and soccer
From the Archives
Join us for the presentation of the Timbers All-Time XI on July 19 when the Timbers host Minnesota United!
Celebrating 50 years of the Timbers
Celebrating 50 years as a club, the Timbers honor the fan-vote, All-Time XI, Ring of Honor members and alumni from all eras. The match features a crossbody bag giveaway.
All-Time XI Eligibility:
The Timbers All-Time XI is comprised of one goalkeeper, three defenders, four midfielders, and three forwards – a 3-4-3 formation.
To be considered, fans voted on the 50 eligible players who met established criteria based upon career achievements as a Timbers player and were selected by a panel. Players had to meet one of the following criteria:
- Play a minimum of 100 league games for the club for field players; 50 league games for goalkeepers.
- Inducted into the Timbers Ring of Honor.
- Rank in the Top 5 (by era) in a career statistical category (games played, goals, assists, wins, shutouts, etc.) for the club.
- Be a key contributor in winning a championship or trophy.
- Receive league honors (All-League, Best XI, MVP, All-Star, Golden Boot, Rookie of the Year, etc.) as a member of the club.
