Vytautas Andriuskevicius was training on his own in Holland following his season with Dutch side SC Cambuur earlier this summer when the Portland Timbers first contacted him.

The Lithuanian left back knew very little about MLS and had never traveled to the United States, but he had been looking for a new and exciting opportunity and he believed that Portland could be the perfect fit.

"(MLS) is getting better every year and everybody knows that," said Andriuskevicius, who was officially added to Portland's roster last week. "So, why not? I like new challenges and I'm not afraid of anything."

The Timbers have been looking to sign an effective starting left back ever since they transferred Jorge Villafana to Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the offseason.

Portland signed Chris Klute ahead of the season, hoping that he could replace Villafana, but Klute entered preseason injured and never secured the starting spot. Both Jermaine Taylor and Zarek Valentin have seen minutes at left back this season, but the Timbers said in June that they would be looking to bring in another left back that could be a long-term option at the position.

Timbers coach Caleb Porter said that he thinks Andriuskevicius will be the right fit.

Over the last nine years, the 25-year-old has competed in the top divisions in the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and Lithuania. He also had 23 caps with the Lithuanian National Team.

Andriuskevicius made his first visit to Portland to watch the Timbers face the LA Galaxy in the U.S. Open Cup on June 29. He then returned to the Rose City Saturday, just in time to see his new team beat rival Seattle Sounders 3-1 at Providence Park Sunday.

Andriuskevicius, who has competed in leagues in Poland, Sweden and Holland, said that the atmosphere at the game felt just like a European stadium.

"You can really compare it with European fans," Andriuskevicius said. "Everything is more or less the same. Huge stadium, lots of people, good support, good game, amazing goals."

Andriuskevicius, who participated in his first training Wednesday, said that he is still adjusting to his new city and team. But he also said that he already feels comfortable with his new teammates.

"Today was the first day with the team," Andriuskevicius said. "Everybody is very nice, polite. Everything is good. Everyone is helping me."

While Porter said that Andriuskevicius is still working his way up to full fitness and wouldn't be available for Saturday's game against the LA Galaxy, he also said the left back is naturally very fit and could be in the starting lineup in the next few weeks.

Andriuskevicius said he will be ready to go whenever his number is called.

"I'm very quick to adapt," Andriuskevicius said. "I like to work hard and also I'm friendly, so I will do everything I can just to help the team."

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg