BEAVERTON, Ore. – Chris Klute and Zarek Valentin may have started their careers in similar fashion, both having come up through the US youth national team ranks.
Since graduating from the U-23s, however, the paths of the two outside backs couldn’t have been more different.
Klute started his professional career with the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks before breaking into MLS with the Colorado Rapids. Valentin was drafted by now defunct Chivas USA, but spent the last three seasons in Norway with Bodo/Glimt.
Now they’ve converged with the Portland Timbers for the 2016 season, both eyeing the opportunity to take over for departed left back Jorge Villafana, the only starting spot up really up for grabs this preseason despite a number of departures and new acquisitions following their MLS Cup championship.