Timbers U-23s March tryouts reach capacity

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers U-23s today announced that their spring tryouts on March 10-11 and March 24-25 have reached capacity and that the team is no longer accepting registrations. The two, two-day tryouts will take place at Lincoln High School in Portland, Ore.

“To have put the word out and get this type of a response, it is exciting,” said Timbers U-23s head coach Jim Rilatt. “Our goal is to find quality players to add to our roster from the combines, and with the numbers and talent being there, hopefully we accomplish that. We are looking forward to seeing the talent at the two combines; this is a great way to get the season started.”

Under Rilatt, the Timbers U-23s open their fourth Premier Development League (PDL) season Friday, May 11, at JELD-WEN Field. The Timbers U-23s play a 16-game regular-season schedule in 2012, including matchups against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 and Seattle Sounders FC U-23s. In 2012, the Timbers U-23s will also compete in their first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament.

The Timbers U-23s is the development team for Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers, and sits at the top of the club’s youth development pyramid. The Timbers U-23s have reached the postseason twice in their first three seasons, including an historic run in 2010, where they became the first undefeated champion in PDL history. The Timbers U-23s have helped produce four current members of the Timbers MLS roster in midfielder Freddie Braun, goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, defender Ryan Kawulok and forward Brent Richards.