Mini-Camp Notes – Day 1: Feb. 15, 2010
PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers conducted their first official workouts of 2010 Monday, opening a four-day mini-camp in Portland. A combination of 27 signed players and select trialists participated in the first day of camp.
Led by head coach
Gavin Wilkinson
, Day 1 of mini-camp featured two training sessions. In the morning, players were put through ball work and possession exercises before the group broke into small-sided games. The morning session concluded with a quick full-sided scrimmage; midfielder
Rodrigo Lopez
scored the game’s lone goal.
The afternoon training session started with more possession, and then goalkeepers were put through the paces with shooting exercises. The day finished with additional small-sided games.
“The guys came in today ready to play,” said Timbers defender
Mamadou Danso
. “I have been working out over the offseason, but it was good to get the legs back and work in fitness. It feels good to be back in Portland. I am ready to start the season.”
Welcome to Portland, officially:
Several signed players returned to the field on Day 1 of mini-camp, but experiencing his first training sessions as a member of the club was midfielder
James Marcelin
. Joining the Timbers last week, he played with some of his new teammates for the first time Monday.
Other signed players in camp include goalkeeper
Steve Cronin
, midfielders
Ryan
Pore
and
Josh Cameron
and forward
George Josten
. Also among the pool of players are midfielders
Jordan Crasilneck
and
Tracy Hasson
, both members of the Timbers U-23s in 2009.
Getting a closer look:
With spots available on the Timbers roster, select trialists were invited to participate in the mini-camp this week. In total, 18 trialists attended Day 1, getting their first looks from the Timbers coaching staff.
Number of trialists by position: defenders (7), forwards (6), goalkeepers (3), midfielders (2).
Charity game for Haiti:
The Timbers and University of Portland men’s soccer have teamed up to host a charity game on Wednesday at Merlo Field. Proceeds benefit Mercy Corps and its relief efforts in Haiti. A team of Timbers trialists and players face the Pilots at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster outlets, online at
www.ticketmaster.com
or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
