Sporting Kansas City announced today that the club has traded Michael Harrington to the Portland Timbers in exchange for allocation money.
Per club policy, financial terms of the agreements will not be disclosed. “We would like to thank Michael for his six seasons in Kansas City and wish him nothing but the best in Portland,” Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said. “Michael has grown as a player and person and we are appreciative of all his contributions to this organization.”
Following a successful college career at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Harrington was selected third overall in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by Kansas City as Manager Peter Vermes’ first draft selection.
In his first season, Harrington was named the club’s Rookie of the Year, starting 27 matches and recording three goals and four assists as predominantly an outside midfielder.
Harrington later made the move to outside back and finished ninth all-time in Kansas City for regular season minutes played (11,633) and games started (128, T-Josh Wolff).
Harrington recorded five goals and 14 assists in six seasons with the club, including 11 appearances (nine starts) in the 2012 season for Sporting Kansas City.
“I want to thank Sporting Kansas City and all of the great fans for my time here. This happens with the business side of sports,” Harrington said. “I am excited to start a new chapter of my career, but will always cherish the wonderful times I had in Kansas City.”
Sporting Kansas City also announced that the club will not exercise the option on Korede Aiyegbusi, making him available for the Stage One MLS Re-entry Draft on Dec. 7.
Aiyegbusi was drafted 20th overall in the second round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by Kansas City. He made his professional debut in the opening game of the 2010 MLS season against D.C. United.
Aiyegbusi made nine appearances in his three seasons with the club and was regularly featured in Reserve League matches.
