Timbers Tid Bits: Trialists and Tryouts Edition

And so it begins. With Gavin Wilkinson flying all over the world and John Spencer herding in a new set of trialists I think it's safe to say, at this point, the Timbers office is 100% focused on 2012. Not that I would have expected anything else, mind you.

First up it looks like the Timbers will host tryouts, once again, in January. So if you happen to think yourself a decent soccer player you should get in on that. Trying out will set you back $150.

Next, it looks like the Timbers have brought on a number of trialists including U-20 goalkeeper Samir Badr who has been training with FC Porto for a while not. I hope he impressed because, honestly I think the goalkeeping hierarchy would be better off without Adin Brown in that second position.

Enjoy your morning news!

Timbers news

Behind the Axe: Looking in on the MLS Playoffs and Rookie of the Year while Timbers earn MLS Award
Behind the Axe looks closely at the MLS playoffs, postseason awards which includes a Timbers honor, news surrounding Timbers coach John Spencer, and more efforts to land a USL team in Eugene, Oregon.

Portland take a look at fresh faces as 2011 winds down
A number of encouraging trialists are with the team right now.

Timbers to hold open tryouts in 2012
The Portland Timbers have announced plans to conduct open tryouts at Jeld-Wen Field in January .

Other news (after the jump)

Arsenal's Wenger: USA is "future of the game"
Remember though, Wenger's Arsenal is owned by an American so take this with a grain of salt.

The Two Sides of Phillip Anschutz: An American Soccer Savior With a Disturbing Social Agenda
Most soccer fans know the contributions of Phillip Anschutz to the growth and success of the game in the United States. What they may not realize is the truth about his disturbing social agenda.

MLS Cup Trophy arrives in LA
The MLS Cup Trophy arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday, and was greeted on the world famous Santa Monica pier by MLS legends.

MLS chief: Beckham has 'delivered'
Really? I'm not sure I buy that. He's been decent this year, but aside from that it's been a circus.

Omar Gonzalez is star of Galaxy's defense
The 23-year-old is the youngest in MLS history to win Defender of the Year award and anchors a team that allowed a league-low 28 goals in 34 regular-season games and had a record-tying 17 shutouts.

American Pro Soccer Player David Testo: I'm Gay
Good for him for coming out. I think it's a shame that such a progressive sport still has so many sexuality hang ups

D.C. United may have to consider move
MLS Commissioner Don Garber says D.C. United might relocate to a different site in the Washington-Baltimore region next season.

Final thoughts from Union boss Peter Nowak
Title says it all.

Henry stands by MLS
I'd say Henry is one of the better DPs the league has brought on for marketing reasons.

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