They come from as many as five different countries and bring with them an array of backgrounds. But the dozens of strangers at the Timbers open tryout this weekend will share one common goal as they take the field under watchful eyes.
Over the two-day open tryout, hopefuls will showcase their talents through a series of drills, small sided games and full competitive matches, looking to standout among the crowd for the Timbers coaching staff.
“It can be a nerve-wracking experience for players as they try to impress the coaching staff,” said
Amos Magee
, Timbers assistant coach and director of soccer development. “You are playing with players who are unfamiliar in style and even in name. The best players will figure out how to separate themselves through the way they carry themselves and their play on the field.”
Each with their own story, the players at this weekend’s open tryout bring with them different strengths and elements of the world’s game. Here is a quick breakdown of the player pool: players range in age from 18-42; some have played at elite or professional levels in South Africa, France, Honduras, Mexico, Iran and England; over 20 different colleges will be represented this weekend, including New Mexico, Oregon State, Gonzaga, St. Mary’s, Washington, UNLV, California Lutheran and UC Riverside; some have traveled from Canada, France, Korea and the United Kingdom to attend the combine; some bring Premier Development League experience; and even a select few can claim being a member of the youth academies of Mexico’s Cruz Azul or England’s Hull City on their resumes.
Despite the diversities amongst the participants, players will compete with and against one another, looking to shine. However it isn’t always the best individual player on the pitch that makes the best impression.
“We are looking for players that have special technical, tactical and physical ability,” said Magee. “However, players that try to do too much generally don’t show well. You have to stand out by being a solid team player with exceptional individual ability. It isn’t always an easy process for players or coaches.”
Many will be teammates for just 48 hours, but each player at this weekend’s open tryout will share more than just the playing field. Whether it is to suit up for their hometown club, to continue their playing careers, or to break into the professional ranks, they all have a shared objective – playing for the Portland Timbers in 2010.
