Timbers' Gleeson named to New Zealand Olympic Squad

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that goalkeeper Jake Gleeson has been named to New Zealand’s 18-man roster for the London 2012 Olympics by New Zealand U-23 National Team head coach Neil Emblen.

Gleeson, 21, will join the New Zealand U-23 National Team on Monday, July 9, and remain with the team through its participation in the London 2012 Olympics. The “Oly Whites,” one of 16 nations competing in the Olympic tournament, will compete in Group C against Belarus, Egypt and Brazil. New Zealand opens group play against Belarus on July 26 at City of Coventry Stadium.

New Zealand will also play three exhibitions leading up to the Olympics, traveling to Asia to take on Japan on July 11 and Republic of Korea on July 14. The New Zealand U-23 National Team will face United Arab Emirates on July 19 in its final preparation match.

From Wellington, New Zealand, Gleeson recently helped the senior New Zealand National Team to a third-place finish in the OFC Nations Cup, and has six caps with the All Whites. With the New Zealand U-23 National Team in March, he played in three matches of the OFC Olympic Tournament, leading the team to the tournament championship and a berth in the upcoming Olympic Games. Gleeson has also represented the All-Whites at the U-20 and U-17 levels. In 2007, he led the New Zealand U-17 National Team to the OFC U-17 Championship and competed in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea.

New Zealand U-23 National Team Pre- and Olympic Schedule
Wednesday, July 11 – Exhibition vs. Japan at National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan
Saturday, July 14 – Exhibition vs. Republic of Korea in Seoul, South Korea
Thursday, July 19 – Exhibition vs. United Arab Emirates at TBD.
Thursday, July 26 – Group C match vs. Belarus at City of Coventry Stadium in Coventry, England
Sunday, July 29 – Group C match vs. Egypt at Old Trafford in Manchester, England
Wednesday, Aug. 1 – Group C match vs. Brazil at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England
Saturday, Aug. 4 – Olympic tournament quarterfinals
Tuesday, Aug. 7 – Olympic tournament semifinals
Saturday, Aug. 11 – Olympic tournament gold-medal match