Preseason Camp Notes – Day 3: March 13, 2008
PORTLAND, Ore. –
Nearing the end of the first week of preseason camp, the Portland Timbers conducted a spirited training session Thursday morning at PGE Park. Through the first four days of training camp, the focus continues to be on ball work and fitness.
Playing in the rain:
Thursday’s training session was the team’s first wet-weather practice on the new FieldTurf playing surface at PGE Park.
“Even as the rain came down this morning, the field held up great,” said Timbers defender
Tim Karalexis
. “There weren’t any puddles, but the surface was a bit slick and allowed us to move the ball fairly quick. Other than wet feet, training has been great. I’m still adjusting to the other guys at the back, and we’re figuring out one another. It’s still early, but training has been good.”
New faces in the crowd:
Midfielder
Miguel Guante
saw his first preseason action on the field Thursday. Reporting for camp on Monday, Guante rested an offseason injury during the first four days of training. Second-year midfielder
Kiki Lara
joined his teammates Tuesday when he reported for training camp.
Since the opening day of camp, second-year head coach
Gavin Wilkinson
has trimmed down the pool of trialists to 13.
What’s on tap?
Week 1 of the Timbers preseason extends through Saturday. Players will have one day off and start Week 2 begins on Monday, March 17 at PGE Park. The Timbers’ second week of camp will consist of six days of training and an informal scrimmage.
Add it to the list:
On Thursday, the Timbers announced a third preseason match as the team prepares for the upcoming 2008 USL First Division season. On April 11, the Timbers will face the University of Portland Pilots at the Clive Charles Soccer Complex at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children 18 and under and will be available starting March 24 through the UP box office and Ticketmaster outlets. The Timbers also face Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes on March 28 and Gonzaga University March 30.
