Samir Badr has joined MLS expansion side Portland Timbers for a week long training stint before the 2011 MLS season concludes leading up to MLS Cup in Los Angeles.  Samir is currently a Free Agent after spending the last two seaons with FC Porto and is exploring options to play in MLS, Europe and the Middle East.

Article Courtesy of Dan Itel at mlssoccer.com

PORTLAND, Ore. – A few new faces took part in training on Tuesday at JELD-WEN Field as the Portland Timbers introduced four trialists to their remaining offseason program.

Goalkeepers Samir Badr and Justin Myers, striker Alhaji Kamara and defender Kyle Altman scrimmaged and went through shooting and passing drills. They are expected to remain with Portland until they disperse for the offseason break following the MLS Cup final on Nov. 20.

“They’re just some guys who have been recommended to us, so we brought them in,” head coach John Spencer said on Wednesday. “It’s a good time of year to bring guys in and have a look at them.”

The most-recognizable name is Badr, a 19-year-old from Fairfax, Va., who signed a reserve-team contract with FC Porto in Portugal in 2009 after graduating from high school. Prior to turning professional, he spent time at the US Soccer Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla., and played for the United States U-15 and U-17 squads. He was also a member of the U-20 team that won the Milk Cup in 2010.