Timbers U-23s begin final prep for 2010 PDL season

PORTLAND, Ore. –
After a series of combines and informal training sessions, the Portland Timbers U-23s have officially opened preseason training camp as they prepare for the upcoming Premier Development League season.




The Timbers U-23s kick off the 2010 campaign on Saturday, May 15, at PGE Park against Northwest Division newcomer the Washington Crossfire, at 2:30 p.m. The team’s season opener is part of a doubleheader at PGE Park as the Timbers’ first team plays host to AC St. Louis at 7 p.m.




Entering their second season in the PDL, the Timbers U-23s have assembled a 20-player preseason roster, including recently announced goalkeeper
Jake Gleeson
. The preseason squad includes returning midfielders
Tracy Hasson
,
Roberto Farfan
and
Steven Evans
, and defender
Chris Harms
.




The Timbers U-23s, the development team for the USSF D-2 Pro League Timbers, play a preseason match on Saturday in Medford, Ore., against the Southern Oregon Fuego; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at US Cellular Park. It will be the team’s only preseason match in advance of the regular season.




Under head coach
Jim Rilatt
, the Timbers U-23s face a 16-game, regular-season schedule against Northwest Division opponents in 2010. The team will play its home matches at various venues throughout the greater-Portland area, including three at PGE Park.




The Timbers U-23s finished their inaugural PDL season in 2009 in second place in the Northwest Division with a record of 11-3-2 and advanced to the postseason.




Timbers U-23s Roster for Saturday’s Preseason Match:

Goalkeepers:
Jake Gleeson, Steve Spangler




Defenders:
Jason Coelho, Matt Drake, Graham Dugoni, Chris Harms, Mike Neilson, Joe Sleven,




Midfielders:
Mark Conrad, Roberto Farfan, Tracy Hasson, Ryan Kawulok, Bim Ogunyemi, Taylor Thompson




Forwards:
Eddy Prugh, Brian Ramsey