Why Valentin, Timbers committed to each others' futures

PORTLAND, Ore. – Pin down decision-makers at top teams across North America and you’ll be able to crib together a list of terms and personality traits which fall under “core values.” For some teams, those values are aspirational. For others, the terms truly are foundational, a status that can be seen in the actions of the club.

That’s the larger context, for today’s news. In the signing of fullback Zarek Valentin to a contract extension, the Portland Timbers are not only rewarding a player who brings value to the field. No player gets a contract unless they have value between the endlines. But during his three years in Portland, Valentin has come to represent something much more than his…