Joel Waterman

ACQUIRED: Via $100,000 GAM trade with Chicago Fire FC on Sept. 3, 2026. Waterman joins through 2027 with an option for 2028.

CAREER: Joined Portland in the midst of his eighth season in MLS, most recently spending the 2025 and 2026 MLS campaigns with Chicago Fire FC. During his season-and-a-half with the Fire, Waterman registered 21 appearances (17 starts) while providing two goals. Prior to his time in Chicago, Waterman played six seasons with CF Montréal (2020-25) where he made 130 league appearances (125 starts) and recorded four goals and 12 assists. He began his professional career playing for the Kitsap Pumas (2016) of the National Premier Soccer League, TSS Rovers (2017) of the BC Premier League, Calgary Foothills FC (2018) of the Alberta Premier League and Cavalry FC (2018) of the Canadian Premier League, amassing 61 total appearances across all clubs and a goal before joining MLS.

INTERNATIONAL: Waterman represents the Canadian national team and has earned 17 senior caps. Notably, he was a member of Team Canada at both the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

COLLEGE: Played five collegiate seasons at Trinity Western University (2014-19) in his hometown of Langley, BC, making 55 appearances and tallying six goals.

HONORS: 2021 Canadian Cup