PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers U-23s began preparations for the 2012 Premier Development League (PDL) season Monday as they opened a week-long camp for trialists and select players. The team officially opens preseason with available roster players on Monday, April 30.
“The staff and I are very excited to open training camp,” said Timbers U-23s head coach Jim Rilatt. “It has been a while since the season ended last year and we are excited to get back to work.”
Some of the select players and trialists participating in the week-long camp were spotted at the Timbers U-23s’ combines held back in March. The two, two-day combines were attended by over 150 players, who traveled from across the state, country and even a few from Europe.
“We are working with players selected from our recent combines, who impressed during their short trial,” said Rilatt. “We will also have some players in on trial to test their abilities as they attempt to make our roster this year.”
Available roster players report for preseason next week as the Timbers U-23s open a two-week preseason schedule leading into their season opener Friday, May 11, against Fraser Valley at JELD-WEN Field at 7 p.m.
The Timbers U-23s play a 16-game, regular-season schedule in the PDL against the eight-team Northwest Division; the 2012 PDL regular season runs through July 15. For the first time in team history, the Timbers U-23s will compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2012, opening tournament play in May.
