Last season, both Gregor and Knowles were named to the USL First Division All-League first team and helped guide the Timbers to the club’s first appearance in the USL First Division semifinals.

“Andrew and Cameron bring elements of leadership and competitiveness to our squad,” said Gavin Wilkinson, Timbers head coach and general manager. “They are hard-working players, and we expect their desire to win to continue to shape the team’s hard-working mentality we’ll have again this season.”

Knowles, 25, started all 28 matches for the Timbers in 2007, becoming the ninth player in modern-franchise history to play in all 28 matches during the regular season. The New Zealand native was a part of Portland’s backline that led the league in fewest goals allowed and set a new modern-franchise record for the fewest goals allowed in a single season (18). In addition to his first-team selection, Knowles was one of three finalists for the 2007 USL First Division Defender of the Year award.

Gregor, 32, led the Timbers in scoring last season with eight goals and five assists for 21 points. From Beaverton, Ore., Gregor was a four-time USL First Division Team of the Week selection and was named the league’s Player of the Week for Week 4. In the playoffs, the 10-year veteran scored the series-deciding goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round to help the Timbers reach the semifinals.

Portland begins its 2008 USL First Division season April 17, when it plays host to the Puerto Rico Islanders at PGE Park. Season tickets for the 2008 campaign, starting at $142.50, are available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For more information on season-ticket packages, flex tickets, group discounts and party suites, visit www.portlandtimbers.com.