PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Jeff Attinella is unique in that he's the only MLS goalkeeper who can also say he's a children's book author, a side job that has helped earn him the nickname "Dadtinella" from the Portland Timbers faithful.

He's already written five books for kids, and has even launched a publishing company.

"I had the idea to write these books because I just love storytelling, in all forms," he said. "It's inspiring when people figure out a way to tell a story in their own unique way, or when people tell the story about how they got where they are -- I just love storytelling."

While Maj...