Notebook: Timbers search for new talent continues

PORTLAND
, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers continue their search for fresh talent for the upcoming season as members of the coaching staff participate in two combines over the next two weekends. Portland coaches will be at the Major League Soccer combine this weekend in Florida, and then conduct the team’s annual tryout Jan. 19-20.
At the 2008 MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Timbers coaches will have the opportunity to evaluate over 60 invited seniors from 33 NCAA Division I schools. Four players from the Northwest will be showcasing their abilities for professional coaches – two from the University of Washington, one from Gonzaga University as well as Portland, Ore., native
Alex Nimo
.
Starting Jan. 19, the Timbers will conduct the club’s annual two-day combine. Dozens of players from around the United States and abroad will compete for a spot on the Timbers’ 2008 roster. Several trialists are traveling from as far away as France, England, Spain, Russia and Kenya to participate in this year’s combine.
The Timbers already have 11 players on the roster for the 2008 season – nine players returning from the 2007 squad. Among those returning are all-league performers midfielder
Andrew Gregor
and defenders
Cameron Knowles
and
Scot Thompson
. Newcomers to the Timbers 2008 roster include midfielder
Miguel Guante
and defender
Tim Karalexis
.
Season-ticket packages for the upcoming 2008 campaign are currently available by contacting the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. Click here for more information on season tickets, flex plans, group outings and suites.
No place like home: English players return home for training / trials
Over the past week, two members of the Timbers 2007 squad have made the trip across the pond to train with English clubs. Both from England, midfielder Tom Taylor has been on trial with Wrexham, an English League Two club, while forward David Hague has been involved in training sessions with Sunderland, a member of the English Premier League.