After reports had claimed that West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne had joined the Portland Timbers just over two weeks ago, it has finally been confirmed today by the clubs' official website that the former Lyon front man has ended his time at Upton Park.

The Frenchman was signed by Avram Grant in the summer of 2010 and scored his first goal, which turned out to be the winner in the clubs' 1-0 win against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in what was West Ham's first victory of that campaign.

He played in many of the Hammers' matches that season, but the East London sides stay in the Barclays Premier League ended in May of that year. In fact, Grant was sacked when the club lost 3-2 away at Wigan athletic which ultimately sent them down to the npower championship and Grant was sacked just an hour after the final whistle had been blown at the DW Stadium.

It was clear that Piquionne wasn't in the plans of new boss Sam Allardyce as he played a limited number of matches under the former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers manager. On his last appearance for the East London club, he received a last-minute red card against his former club Portsmouth for punching an opponent in a match that the home side eventually won 4-3. He then was sent out to Doncaster Rovers on an initial one-month loan in March 2012. He made an instant impression on his debut for the Yorkshire club, scoring in a victory against Nottingham Forest.

The striker never played a single game when he returned to the capital on 9 April and has finally joined the MLS side on a one-year deal.

Discuss this story in our forum. It's quick and easy to register.

Follow @Uptonsparks