PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers today unveiled details of their 2012 preseason as the club prepares for its second season in Major League Soccer. The Timbers’ preseason schedule includes a camp in Southern California, a preseason tournament in Portland and features a slate of exhibition matches against MLS opposition and other clubs.
Timbers coaches and players are scheduled to report on Friday, Jan. 20, and will kick off preseason training in Portland on Monday, Jan. 23. The club will train in the Rose City for the first two weeks before heading to the Los Angeles area for a 12-day camp at The Home Depot Center from Feb. 5-16. Further details regarding dates and opponents of preseason matches while in California will be announced at a later date.
The Timbers return to Portland for the remainder of preseason training and will wrap up preparations for the upcoming season by playing host to a four-team tournament at JELD-WEN Field from Feb. 27 through March 4. The round-robin tournament will feature the host Timbers along with MLS sides Chivas USA and San Jose Earthquakes and top-flight Swedish club AIK. Tickets for the tournament go on sale Monday, Feb. 6, at the JELD-WEN Field box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
Portland opens the 2012 MLS campaign Monday, March 12, against the Philadelphia Union at JELD-WEN Field on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes; kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. (Pacific).
Portland Timbers 2012 Preseason Training Schedule (subject to change):
Friday, Jan. 20 – Players report to Portland
Saturday, Jan. 21 – Player entrance physicals
Jan. 23 – Training begins in Portland
Feb. 5-16 – Preseason camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
Feb. 17 – Return to Portland for training
Feb. 27 – Tournament: Preseason match vs. San Jose at JELD-WEN Field; 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
March 1 – Tournament: Preseason match vs. Chivas USA at JELD-WEN Field; 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
March 4 – Tournament: Preseason match vs. AIK (Sweden) at JELD-WEN Field; 5 p.m. (Pacific)
March 12 – MLS First Kick 2012: Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union at JELD-WEN Field; 6:30 p.m. (Pacific)
