Alvas Powell
Age: 21
Club: Portland Timbers
Nationality: Jamaican
Position: Fullback
The idea of something Jamaican standing out in the Pacific Northwest sounds like a stoner’s fever dream. Alvas Powell wants you to know this isn’t a dream: it’s opponent’s nightmares. Since arriving to Portland, first on loan in 2013, and then permanently in 2015, Powell has made 57 appearances for the Timbers. His presence up the side of the pitch has allowed Portland to transition from offense to defense, and back effectively, and efficiently.
At 6’2, Powell is an intimidating force on the back line. He has the size to compete with target forwards for jump balls, and the agility to work an attack off the wings to his leading players. For country, he’s featured 16 times, and looks to gain experience this summer at Copa America Centenario. Look for the physically dominant fullback to cause trouble for any who cross his path hoping to zigzag their way into the box.
How to cite this article: “The Young Guns” Written by Shaker Samman (2016), Copa America Centenario 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/copa-america-centenario-2016-guide/the-young-guns/ (accessed on (date)).
