Photo by: Mark Kuhlmann
Former Bluejay Diego Gutierrez Signs Official Contract with Portland Timbers
2/25/2022 2:01:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Portland, Ore. -- The Portland Timbers today announced the signing of former Bluejay Diego Gutierrez, Portland's second pick from the 2021 MLS SuperDraft Draft (No. 70 overall), to a one-year contract with three club option years.
Gutierrez, 23, joined the Timbers at the beginning of the 2022 preseason in Portland and made appearances in all three preseason matches against Minnesota United FC, Real Salt Lake and Viking FK at Providence Park.
"This feeling is indescribable. I can't put it into words, it has been a blessing and a dream come true to be able to accomplish one of my ultimate goals," said Gutierrez. "It's a proud moment for myself and for my family as well. I've really been enjoying it all and soaking it in day by day."
Gutierrez wrapped up the 2021 season by leading Creighton back to the NCAA Tournament, including an upset win over Missouri State in the opening round. The decorated forward was named to the Postseason Best XI Second Team by Top Drawer Soccer. Gutierrez was previously selected to the All-American Second Team by the United Soccer Coaches Association on December 9.
Gutierrez closed the regular season by repeating as the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year, also earning a second consecutive selection onto the All-BIG EAST First Team. A unanimous choice for BIG EAST First Team, Gutierrez was the BIG EAST leader in points (27), goals (10) and assists (seven). Gutierrez also finished atop the conference statistical rankings in goals per game (0.53) and points per game (1.42) during the 2021 season. He started each of Creighton's 19 matches in 2021, closing the season with 1,535 minutes played.
"It's another Creighton grad living out his childhood dream to sign pro. We are delighted and very proud of Guti and wish him the best of luck as he embarks on his pro career," said Creighton head coach Johnny Torres.
Gutierrez recorded at least one point in 12 matches for the Bluejays in 2021, including eight of the final nine. His best output came when the Bluejays needed him most, delivering two goals and one assist in Creighton's 4-2 win at Villanova on Oct. 13. That match began the Bluejays' six-match unbeaten streak (5-0-1) that helped Creighton reach the BIG EAST Tournament and ultimately the NCAA Tournament. He scored the game-winning goal in dramatic fashion in Creighton's 1-0 win over Missouri State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 18, splitting two defenders in the 78th minute.
Gutierrez, 23, joined the Timbers at the beginning of the 2022 preseason in Portland and made appearances in all three preseason matches against Minnesota United FC, Real Salt Lake and Viking FK at Providence Park.
"This feeling is indescribable. I can't put it into words, it has been a blessing and a dream come true to be able to accomplish one of my ultimate goals," said Gutierrez. "It's a proud moment for myself and for my family as well. I've really been enjoying it all and soaking it in day by day."
Gutierrez wrapped up the 2021 season by leading Creighton back to the NCAA Tournament, including an upset win over Missouri State in the opening round. The decorated forward was named to the Postseason Best XI Second Team by Top Drawer Soccer. Gutierrez was previously selected to the All-American Second Team by the United Soccer Coaches Association on December 9.
Gutierrez closed the regular season by repeating as the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year, also earning a second consecutive selection onto the All-BIG EAST First Team. A unanimous choice for BIG EAST First Team, Gutierrez was the BIG EAST leader in points (27), goals (10) and assists (seven). Gutierrez also finished atop the conference statistical rankings in goals per game (0.53) and points per game (1.42) during the 2021 season. He started each of Creighton's 19 matches in 2021, closing the season with 1,535 minutes played.
"It's another Creighton grad living out his childhood dream to sign pro. We are delighted and very proud of Guti and wish him the best of luck as he embarks on his pro career," said Creighton head coach Johnny Torres.
Gutierrez recorded at least one point in 12 matches for the Bluejays in 2021, including eight of the final nine. His best output came when the Bluejays needed him most, delivering two goals and one assist in Creighton's 4-2 win at Villanova on Oct. 13. That match began the Bluejays' six-match unbeaten streak (5-0-1) that helped Creighton reach the BIG EAST Tournament and ultimately the NCAA Tournament. He scored the game-winning goal in dramatic fashion in Creighton's 1-0 win over Missouri State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 18, splitting two defenders in the 78th minute.
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