The Portland Timbers practiced at their Beaverton training facility today, putting in some serious work as they ramp up the preparations for their final game of the regular season against Chivas USA on Saturday. Practice got off to a late start after the Timbers went through their usual routine of having a meeting before practice two days before a game, then closed as the Timbers were going through their warmups.
There was some activity going on around the training facility today as a new rack was installed in the boot room. The rack (pictured above) looked like it features air blowers to dry out wet boots, which, frankly, seems like a great idea for Portland, despite the currently amazing weather
Injuries and Absences
Diego Valeri was in the team warmups today, after spending the first two practices of the week riding an exercise bike on the sidelines. In the limited time that practice was open Valeri looked to be moving well as he continues to manage the adductor strain that has plagued him since the end of August. Earlier this week, Caleb Porter told the press that Valeri was going to continue being evaluated going into this weekends game, but that he could potentially start or not play at all.
Maximiliano Urruti did not practice with the team today, instead heading indoors before training began to continue his recovery from a hamstring strain suffered against the Seattle Sounders two weeks ago. Porter confirmed on Monday that Urruti would probably miss this weekend's game.
Andrew Jean-Baptiste was on the sidelines of practice today. Although more specific information on AJB's injury was not available, he was wearing a walking boot after practice.
Ryan Miller was on the sidelines as well, riding an exercise bike alongside AJB. Miller has been recovering from a stress fracture in his leg earlier this season.
David Horst, who has missed the last week with a knee strain suffered in the Timbers' final reserve league match against the Sounders, was at the practice facility but worked out indoors as he continues his recovery.