The Timbers held a closed practice at Jeld-Wen Field today before taking on the Timbers U23's in a closed scrimmage. With the Timbers in a long stretch between reserve games and the U23's only two days away from their season opener this Friday, both teams could use some match fitness.
The Timbers started off practice with their usual warm-ups and games of keep away. Kalif Alhassan looked to be participating fully at least until practice was closed, an improvement form the last two practices where he has spent his time jogging around the field. Missing from practice were Jake Gleeson, still working his way back form a knee injury, and Steve Purdy, who has not yet returned from the concussion he suffered against Montreal.
Eric Brunner, who was held out of theColumbus Crew game over the weekend in a move that surprised many, left practice early and headed inside after the Timbers finished their warm ups. Brunner consulted with Nik Wald, the Timbers head trainer, before heading inside.
Bright Dike, whose loan to the LA Blues was confirmed by the Timbers yesterday, was no longer with the team at practice today.
Unfortunately, as practice was closed and followed immediately by the scrimmage the press was not let back out to the field to observe.