Former MLS duo Brown and Joy to return with Portland

Adin Brown and Ian Joy have seemingly got a path back to MLS after spending the past few season in Europe.

Former Colorado Rapids, Tampa Bay Mutiny and New England Revolution goalkeeper Brown, who was most recently with Norwegian club FK Aalesunds, is returning to full fitness after signing with USL club Portland Timbers and he wants to become the number on gloveman when they enter the top flight in 2011.

"I had surgery probably a little less than a month ago," Brown told Soccer365. "I've been out for a while and I just want to get my foot right.

"Portland is giving me the opportunity to come back 100% and compete for a spot and then be the goalkeeper next year, so that's my plan. I'm really concentrated of getting to 100% and showing them I can still play."

In Joy’s case, the 28-year old defender has played with Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake in the USA, and he too is looking to get back into top shape and push back into MLS with a brand new franchise.

"To be honest, it was a decision made by the year I had last year," Joy told. "I had the (hamstring) injury with Real Salt Lake, basically missing seven months of the year.

"And then after doing some rehabilitation in Munich with Ingolstadt and playing a few games there, I had to take a step back, really.

"I didn't want to get into a four-year (MLS) deal with no money, so this was all that was open to me," he said. "Because of the injury, ya know, there were questions.

"The fact that they're going up next year is definitely a bonus, but I'm more concentrated on having a good year and staying healthy."