Aaron Lewis will continue as head coach of the Warrior men's soccer program while also serving as the head coach of the Portland Timbers U23 team.
SALEM, Ore. – The Portland Timbers U23 announced on Monday morning that Corban University head men's soccer coach Aaron Lewis has been named the head coach of the Portland Timbers' PDL franchise. Lewis will continue as head coach of the Warrior men's soccer program while taking on these new duties as the head coach of the Portland Timbers U23 team.
"I believe that this program has the potential to help fuel further growth of soccer in our local community, and provide developmental opportunities to people we're connected with," said Lewis. "Being associated with the Timbers in this way will provide us experience, information, and connections that will ultimately enhance our Corban players' experience.
The Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer recently announced that the Portland Timbers U23, the MLS Club's PDL franchise, will now compete in Salem and will be run by the Capital FC Timbers. The Timbers U23 have competed in the PDL since 2009, reaching the PDL Playoffs five times. In 2010, the club won a PDL National Championship with a 16-0-0 record during the regular season on its way to becoming the first undefeated champion in PDL history.
"Aaron has demonstrated his ability to create a winning team culture both at Corban and with the Vancouver Victory," said Capital FC Timbers Executive Director, Collin Box. "We are delighted to have him leading the charge and are excited to see what the season brings."
In 1999, Lewis was the first ever NAIA Player to be drafted in the MLS SuperDraft, being selected 35th overall by the Dallas Burn (FC Dallas). Following his career in the MLS, Lewis played professionally for the Portland Pythons of the World Indoor Soccer League. Later, he was hired by the Portland Timbers in 2010-2013, and during that time, he helped lead the Portland Timbers U23 team in an administrative role.
In his first four years as head coach at Corban, Lewis guided the Warriors to a 65-16-4 overall record with two Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Regular-Season Championships, three CCC Tournament Championships, and four berths in the NAIA National Tournament. In 2016, the Warriors won in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round for the first time ever, advancing to the NAIA Final Site and Round of 16. For Corban's accomplishments during the 2016 season, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) named Lewis the NAIA Region Coach of the Year.
"I want to thank the Timbers, Capital Timbers, and Corban University for allowing me to lead the Timbers U23s this season," said Lewis. "I feel very fortunate to be partnering with very talented people that want to use this opportunity to benefit others."
During his playing days at Corban, Lewis helped the program secure four-straight Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Titles in 1995-1998 and was named the CCC Player of the Year in both 1996 and 1998. Lewis also earned All-CCC First-Team honors in three of his four years with the Warriors while helping lead Corban to the 1996 National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship.
"Being asked to be the Head Coach of the Portland Timbers U23 team is a tremendous opportunity for Aaron, and it reiterates how fortunate we are to have him as our Director of Soccer at Corban," said Corban Director of Athletics Greg Eide. "We believe this is a win-win for the Timbers and Corban, as Aaron will have the ability to continue to develop his coaching expertise at a very high level and deepen Corban's investment into the Pacific Northwest soccer community."
Lewis joins Corban University Sports Information Director Danny Day on the Timbers U23 staff. Day is serving as the Director of Media Relations on a part-time basis during the PDL summer season.
The PDL, a part of the United Soccer Leagues – which also operates the Division 2 USL as well as the Super Y League – has served as an important stepping stone for aspiring professionals for more than two decades. More than 550 PDL alums have been drafted since 2000, with 59 standouts selected in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. Nearly 70 percent of MLS SuperDraft selections wince 2010 have had PDL experience.
The Timbers U23 plays games during the months of May, June, and July. The team is comprised of collegiate players from all over the country. Announcements of players committing to play for the team will be announced soon.
For more information about the Timbers U23s, click here.