Better Know a Timber

Hello, I'm Ross Smith.
Age: 29
Height: 6'1''
Position: Defender
Birthplace: Ontario, Canada

Another big free-agent signing by the Timbers this off-season, Ross Smith will bring experience and steady play to the Timber's defensive backline. With the losses the team has already taken to its defense and the Scott Thompson situation still lingering, Smith's signing will be a welcome and much needed addition.
Smith has had quite a varied and rich soccer life. Although spending much of his youth playing soccer outside of the States, Smith eventually decided to play college soccer at the University of Rhode Island. He would spend four years at Rhode Island, playing in 75 matches, and helping the Rams to a A-10 title in 1999. He was an All A-10 selection in 2001, as well as an All Academic selection his junior and senior seasons.

After college, Smith headed over to England to jumpstart his proffesional career. After playing for a couple different clubs, Smith eventually signed with Gravesend and Northfleet FC (now known as Ebsfleet United) where he would win player of the year for the club in the 2006 season.

With some success abroad under his belt, Smith would head back to the American east coast and play for the USL's Rochester Rhinos in 2008. Smith was selected as a USL 1st-team of the week member three times that year, as well as scoring two goals for the Rhinos from the backline. The MLS would take notice.

Ross Smith Has Got Heart
In 2009, the MLS's Colorado Rapids signed Smith to a contract, but would later terminate that deal becuase of health concerns. Smith would be diagnosed with a heart condition, in which a faulty valve resulted in the enlargement of his Aorta. Smith complained about chest pains during play before seeing doctors, who would eventually say that his condition would require surgery before he could return to the field again safely. Although a life-threatening condition, the NBA's Ronnie Turiaf also suffered from the same ailment before having successful surgery leading to his eventual NBA return.

“This is one of those things you usually find out about when it’s too late,” said Smith last year. “I’m just so lucky. If I took a knock (to the chest) I could be in a bit of trouble, so … surgery is the only chance I have to play again.”

Despite what must of been emotionally trying times from Ross Smith, his friends and family members - Smith was determined to go through with the operation and put in the work to get back onto the soccer field. After a successful surgery and recovery, Smith was assured by doctors that it would be safe for him to play soccer again. He would start his comeback in England. Re-signing with Ebsfleet United, Smith appeared in 6 matches for Ebbsfleet before announcing that he'd be making his return to the States in 2010. With a return to the MLS near the top of his soccer goals, Smith signed with the Portland Timbers this off-season, where he'll surely get the chance to impress MLS scouts and coaches.

"We are excited to have Ross on board," said Gavin Wilkinson, "His strengths will benefit the organization and the team in a big way."

Smith will get the opportunity to become a key member of the Timber's defense this season, although a return to the MLS still remains an uphill task. But if there's one thing Timber fans already know about Ross Smith, its that he possesses the determination and the heart to meet that challenge head on. Good luck, Ross. We at Dropping Timber and the rest of the Timber fanbase will be rooting for you.