FREDERIC-PIQUIONNE-052913.JPG

Frederic Piquionne

(Doug Beghtel/The Oregonian)

The Portland Timbers have re-signed forward Frederic Piquionne, the 35-year-old forward who proved to be their most dangerous player in the air and the box during the 2013 season.

The Timbers did not disclose the terms of Piquionne's contract.

Piquionne started seven games for the Timbers in the 2013 MLS regular season and scored one goal.

Piquionne also led the Timbers in scoring in the U.S. Open Cup, recording five goals and one assist.

He was one of four strikers that Timbers coach Caleb Porter used at various points in the season in the starting lineup.

In the MLS Cup Playoffs conference final series, Piquionne scored a key goal four minutes into stoppage time by jumping far above the surrounding Real Salt Lake defenders. The goal cut the Timbers' deficit to two goals as they headed into the second and final leg of the series.

"Obviously, with Freddy in there, he’s very good in the box," Porter said after the game. "He brings that dimension. He’s the best on our team in the air, in the box."

Piquionne could have seen more starts in 2013, but a lingering ankle injury sidelined the forward for nine games in the second half of the season.

Piquionne will occupy an international slot on the Timbers roster.

-- Jamie Goldberg