Kosuke Kimura, a 28-year-old Japanese defender who helped the Colorado Rapids win the 2010 Major League Soccer title, was obtained by the Portland Timbers in a trade on Thursday.

The Timbers sent Colorado an international roster spot and money in exchange for Kimura, who had spent six seasons with the Rapids, scoring four goals in 117 matches, including one goal in 12 starts this season.

Kimura, a native of Kanagawa, was the first Japanese player in MLS when he was drafted in 2007 by Colorado.

During Colorado's championship campaign, Kimura set-up three goals and scored the match-winning goal in the playoff semi-finals to boost Colorado past San Jose into the title match, where the Rapids beat FC Dallas 2-1.

Kimura was also named the Rapids' 2010 Humanitarian of the Year, recognizing his off-field work in the community.