MLS expansion franchise Portland Timbers will not re-sign eight of its current roster ahead of their entry into North America's top flight.

The club announced earlier this week that the contracts of defenders Ian Joy and Ross Smith, midfielders Johan Claesson, Brian Farber, Derek Gaudet and Keith Savage, and forwards George Josten and Ibad Muhamadu will not be renewed.

The Timbers have so far signed four players - goalkeeper Steve Cronin, midfielder Ryan Pore and forwards Bright Dike and Eddie Johnson for the 2011 MLS season.