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Anthony Noriega drafted by Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers today selected defender Anthony Noreiga from George Mason University and defender Kenney Bertz from the University of Maryland with their two picks in the 2006 USL First Division College Player Draft, held via conference call from the league’s headquarters in Tampa, Fla.

The Timbers had the eighth and 20th overall picks in this year’s draft. Portland picked Noreiga with its first-round pick and Bertz with its second selection in the draft.

Noreiga, 24, was named the 2005 Colonial Athletic Association Defender of the Year after anchoring a Patriots defense that recorded five shutouts during his senior season. A three-year starter at George Mason after transferring from the University of Mobile, the 6-4, 175-pound Noreiga was named to the 2005 All-South Atlantic first team for his efforts during his final season.

"I observed Anthony at the MLS Player Combine and was very impressed with his ability to play smoothly out of the back," said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. “I am confident he could come in here and make a difference immediately.”

Noreiga, a member of the U-23 Trinidadian National Team and a native of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, tallied four goals during his career at George Mason.

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