The Timbers held practice today at their Beaverton training facility, opening the proceedings to the press for the first ten minutes of practice as the team did a series of quick warm-up drills, then closing practice to the press for the day's scrimmage.
Caleb Porter talked briefly about the team's goals for today's practice.
It was another opportunity for us to form our group and work on some things in training. We had one group shaped up like Colorado and one group shaped up in a way that we might use next week.
Porter also used today's action to take a look at several players mixed in with the Timbers' regular starters.
We have some guys who are not here, so it allowed us to look at some new guys in with the first group.
Players like Rodney Wallace, who Porter mentioned would likely see some time as a starter for the Timbers this year, and the team's newest arrival Frederic Piquionne seem like the most obvious choices for first team minutes.
David Horst, who is continuing his return to full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff, was also out on the pitch mixing things up, as evinced by the photo of his bloody sock tweeted by Merritt Paulson.
Trialists and Guest Players
The Timbers had two new players in practice today. Although he declined to give their names, Caleb Porter did tell the press that they were a college player and a trialist.
Kazuya Murata continued his trial with the Timbers today after joining the team earlier this week.
David Meves also continued his time as a guest player.
Injuries and Absences
Darlington Nagbe did not practice today after picking up an ankle knock in last weekend's game against the Seattle Sounders. Caleb Porter did note that if the team had a game this week, Nagbe would likely be practicing. As it is, Porter expects him to be back in training on Monday.
Sal Zizzo, who made a brief appearance during warm-ups on Tuesday also did not practice today.
The Timbers international call-ups are all still with their respective national teams as today's friendlies and qualifiers are underway. Will Johnson's Canada side lost 2-1 to Japan this morning, but Will picked up an assist in the process thanks to his well delivered corner kick. Donovan Ricketts and Ryan Johnson play tonight as Jamaica takes on Panama in World Cup qualifying. Futty Danso will also play a match tomorrow as the Gambia takes on the Ivory Coast.
Bright Dike and Brent Richards are both still out after undergoing knee surgeries in the preseason.