The man between the wickets for the Portland Timbers is getting a new contract.
Goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic signed a contract extension with the Timbers through 2025 with a club option for 2026, the team announced Tuesday.
“Aljaz has shown his level of commitment and dedication since joining the club in 2019,” Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy said in a release. “He characterizes the type of person and professional that are important within the Portland Timbers organization. Aljaz has continued to work tirelessly, and is fully deserving of this moment. We look forward to him being a part of the club for years to come.”
Ivacic, 29, is in his fifth season with the Timbers. The Slovenian national started 32 games last season for Portland, boasting a MLS-best 112 saves and establishing himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the league. He was later named Supporters’ Player of the Year by the Timbers Army.
“I’m extremely excited that Aljaz has signed a contract extension with the club,” Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese said in the release. “He has worked hard to earn his position within the team. We expect him to continue to showcase his great abilities this season and are excited to continue to see him grow with us.”
Ivacic joined Portland in 2019 from Slovenian side NK Olimpija Ljubljana, playing with T2 for a stretch before spending the past three seasons with the first team. His overall record in 39 appearances is 13-13-13.
It’s been an eventful year for Ivacic, who got married in the offseason as well.
— Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com, Twitter: @RyanTClarke
