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Another one that never suited up for the Loons, Jeff Attinella was had an exciting spring of 2017 as he as tossed around before ending up in Portland. After being a Nick Rimando’s backup he got his shot to be a starter in Portlandia, after some trade gymnastics of course.
What did he do?
Nothing. Literally nothing. His goodbye post to his Real Salt Lake fans and teammates doesn’t even mention that he’s coming to Minnesota. A week after being plucked by the Loons in the expansion draft he was trade to Portland. He didn’t even have time to practice his pronunciation of the word bagel. On the bright side all the flannels he bought to fit in in Minnesota can also be worn in Portland.
— Jeff Attinella (@Jeff_Attinella1) December 20, 2016
How did he leave?
Jeff Attinella did not pass go and did not collect $200. I’m going to guess that he never actually set foot in the Land of 10,000 Lakes before flying to Portland. The Loons traded Attinella to Portland for their 2018 2nd round pick in the SuperDraft and the rights to Miguel Ibarra. Ibarra was drafted by Portland in 2012, but never made the roster. They still held his rights, despite his time in Minnesota in NASL. That 2018 second round pick was sent to Toronto(who used it on defender Tim Kubel) along with $50,000 GAM in return for their first round pick. The Loons used their first round pick from Toronto on Carter Manley, the last pick of the first round. In the end, the Loons moved up spots for their $50,000 GAM investment. Kubel has 10 appearances for Toronto II, and Lucas Stauffer, the only other outside back taken between the two picks, has 11 appearances for Red Bulls II. Manley has 10 appearances between the Loons and Las Vegas Lights.
Essentially the Loons grabbed Attinella in the expansion draft from RSL, gave Toronto $50,00 GAM, gave Portland Attinella, and ended up with Ibarra and Manley.
Where is he now?
Attinella is still in Portland and after being on the bench for most of last year, has been the de facto starter in 2018. His heroics have the Timbers in the 5th spot in the Western Conference standings with a game or two in hand over the teams above them. So far this season he has seven shutouts with the senior team and is tied for 4th among keepers with over 15 appearances on WhoScored.com. His one appearance with Timbers II was a rehab assignment to at the beginning of the season.