The Portland Timbers held a closed practice today at the tram's training facility in Beaverton. With no games to play until the 17th, John Spencer was true to his word and the Timbers trained longer than usual, not wrapping up practice until 11:30.
Eric Brunner and Sebastian Rincon both missed practice due to injury, although Rincon was present and rehabbing at the practice facility. Brunner has been out since picking up a concussion against the Vancouver Whitecaps, while Rincon missed practice yesterday thanks to a knock he sustained in Saturday's reserve game.
Kris Boyd had not yet returned from his wedding and was absent from practice again. Boyd's countryman, Steven Smith, is still with the team and has not yet left for his own wedding. Smith, despite warming up with the team, was not on the field at the end of practice and looks to be still recovering from an achilles strain.
The least expected absence from practice today, however, was Jorge Perlaza. Perlaza was reportedly being held out of training and a more specific explanation was not on offer.
More training notes, plus quotes from David Horst, after the jump.
None of the Timbers' international absences have returned from their call-ups yet. Jake Gleeson will likely get the start for New Zealand tonight at 9:00 p.m. PST (there is a $3 stream available from oceaniafootball.com) for their World Cup Qualifying match against the Solomon Islands. The rest of the Timbers internationals will have to wait until this Friday and Saturday before the CONCACAF and CAF qualifiers begin.
Mike Chabala, who is on the mend from a groin strain, looked like he was limping as the team finished up their warm-ups but was still out on the pitch running when the press was let back on to the field after practice.
Although views of the field were very restricted today and there was very little activity after the press were let back out, the mood on the field seemed light as players enjoyed some moments of sunshine before heading inside to the locker room.
Quotes
David Horst
(coming soon)