Mini-Camp Notes – Day 2: Feb. 16, 2010
PORTLAND, Ore.
– Under unseasonably warm and sunny conditions, the Portland Timbers held Day 2 of the club’s mini-camp Tuesday. Day 2 presented another set of two-a-day training sessions and the opportunity to play full-sided scrimmages.
In the morning session, Timbers players and trialists took the field for highly competitive possession and small-sided games. The afternoon session gave way to a set of 11-on-11 games, allowing coaches to evaluate players in game action leading up to Wednesday’s charity match against the University of Portland’s men’s soccer team.
“Any time you have a situation where guys are fighting for spots, it’s a good thing,” said trialist
Doug DeMartin
. “The coaches have brought guys in to find the best players available. Playing in a competitive environment is good; it is what you want as a player.”
As part of mini-camp, Wednesday’s contest will feature a Timbers squad of both trialists and signed players against the Pilots.
Timbers, UP team up for charity match:
It may be an exhibition, but the Timbers and Pilots charity match on Wednesday is for a much bigger cause. Proceeds from the event benefit Mercy Corps and its relief efforts in Haiti following the earthquake last month. The game will take place at Merlo Field at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the UP box office, area Ticketmaster locations, online at
www.ticketmaster.com
or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
“This game is for a great cause, helping to support relief in Haiti,” said Timbers goalkeeper
Steve Cronin
. “For those fans going through ‘Timbers’ withdrawals during the offseason, it will also be a great opportunity to see some of the new faces and potential faces they’ll be supporting this season.”
Wasting little time:
Announced Monday, new defender
Ross Smith
spent his first full day as a member of the Timbers in mini-camp on Tuesday. He was one of two signed players making their first appearance in camp on Day 2.
“It’s been fantastic,” said Smith. “There is a buzz around the organization and I’m excited to be a part of it. I have been training as much as I could since Christmas, but I feel the legs a bit. I’ll be alright tomorrow.”
Joining Smith among the new faces Tuesday was midfielder
Tony McManus
, who participated in activities while he continues his offseason rehabilitation.
Wednesday’s Agenda:
Prior to Wednesday’s charity match against the Pilots, the Timbers coaching staff will lead a morning training session to open Day 3 of mini-camp.
