The Portland Timbers have signed T2 players Marvin Loría and Renzo Zambrano to first team contracts.

“The signing of Renzo and Marvin reflects the progress and potential of both players and justly rewards them,” said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for the Timbers, in a prepared statement. “These signings also are a reflection of the effectiveness and growth of our T2 program, and we wish both players continued success with our club.”

T2 acquired Loría on loan from Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa ahead of the 2018 USL season. Loría went on to become one of T2s brightest stars in 2018. Loría tallied six goals and a team-high seven assists in 2018. The winger is a player that the Timbers believe is capable of making a significant impact at the MLS level in the long-run.

T2 signed Zambrano in August 2017. The Venezuela midfielder has been a key leader at the T2 level. He finished the 2018 season with three goals and three assists.

“We are pleased to welcome Marvin and Renzo to the first team,” said Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese in a prepared statement. “They have shown their talents with T2 and in first-team training over the course of the season, and we are excited to help further their development through this new opportunity.”

Loría and Zambrano will both occupy international slots on the Timbers roster.

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg