Timbers set for preseason trip to Kitsap

PORTLAND, Ore. –
The Portland Timbers left today for a five-day trip to Bremerton, Wash., where they will continue preseason preparation for the upcoming season. The trip will include training sessions and a preseason game against the Kitsap Pumas of the Premier Development League.




The trip to Bremerton, hosted by the Pumas, comes as part of the Timbers’ fifth week of preseason training camp. The preseason friendly between Portland and Kitsap will be held Saturday at Bremerton Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased at the door or online at
www.brownpapertickets.com
.




“Ben Pecora and Kitsap have provided a great opportunity for us to continue to prepare for the season,” said
Gavin Wilkinson
, Timbers head coach and general manager. “This environment will allow the players to completely focus on their preparation for the season and time to continue to get to know one another and gel as a unit.”




During the Timbers’ stay on the Washington peninsula, players will participate in multiple two-a-day training sessions, focusing on technical work and fitness. Away from the training field, Wilkinson and assistant coach
Amos Magee
are scheduled to join the Pumas coaching staff for a coaches symposium Friday evening; details regarding the symposium are available at
www.kitsapsoccerclub.com
.




Kitsap won the PDL’s Northwest Division championship last year and is one of only a few professional clubs in the PDL. The Timbers and Pumas met in the opening round of the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with Portland earning a 3-0 victory in Bremerton.




The Timbers open the 2010 USSF Division 2 Pro League season at PGE Park Saturday, April 17, as they play host to the Rochester Rhinos at 7 p.m.




Timbers remain unbeaten in preseason

Over the weekend, the Timbers finished Week 4 of preseason with a 1-0 win over the University of Portland in a preseason training game. Timbers trialist O.J. Obatola scored the game’s lone goal in the first half; it was his second goal of preseason. The Timbers are 3-0-1 in preseason matches in 2010.