Jack Jewsbury at Seattle (Seattlepi.com/Josh Trujillo)

In the first big player move by Sporting Kansas City, the team has traded long-time midfielder (and Missouri native) Jack Jewsbury to the expansion Portland Timbers for allocation money.

“This was not an easy decision. Jack has spent eight years with Kansas City, representing the organization on and off the field with class,” Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said. “I understand that it might sound cliché, but we really do wish Jack all the best and sincerely thank him for what he accomplished with this club and in this city.”

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/03/01/2690549/sporting-kc-trades-midfielder.html#ixzz1FNOgwyhb

Here’s the report from the Portland Timbers website

Jewsbury, 29, has played the past eight seasons with Sporting KC, appearing in 195 regular-season matches and recording 15 goals and 21 assists during his time with the club. Named Sporting KC’s 2008 Defensive Player of the Year, Jewsbury ranks among the club’s all-time career leaders in games played.

“This is a great signing for the club, adding a player with eight years of MLS experience to the group,” said Timbers head coach John Spencer. “I think he will be a great addition, and he will definitely make us a better squad.”

A native of Springfield, Mo., Jewsbury appeared in 29 games for Sporting KC last season, contributing two goals in 1,675 minutes. He had a standout season in 2008, posting career-highs in assists (7) and points (13), while being named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year. In 2009, Jewsbury ranked among Sporting KC’s assist leaders for a second straight season, with five assists during the campaign.

“I’m excited for this opportunity,” said Jewsbury. “After being in Kansas City for the past eight years, it’s tough to leave some of the guys and friendships I’ve created. But I’m excited for the opportunity with a new club. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Portland fans and the Timbers organization.”

I’m going to be sampling a few Timber’s soccer blogs, if you’re interested in doing the same here’s a list of Portland soccer blogs to consider.

UPDATED – Down The Byline breaks down Jack’s career numbers

Jewsbury finishes his Wizards career in the top ten of multiple categories. He finished in 7th place for league minutes (13,275), minutes in all competitions (14,973), league appearances (195), appearances in all competitions (218), league starts (142, tied with Mo Johnston), and all competition starts (162). He also finished 8th in assists in league and all competitions with 20 and 21 respectively. In terms of goals, Jewsbury finished his career in 12th in league goals with 14 and 16th in all competitions with 15.