Portland Timbers Training Quotes and Notes: Two Birds, One Stone

At the Portland Timbers' training sessions both today and Tuesday, the Timbers closed the proceedings early as they prepare to take on the Houston Dynamo this Saturday. After the Timbers went through their usual warmup routine, practice was closed to the press.

Trialists and Guest Players

Former Chivas USA defender Rauwshan McKenzie finished his trial with the Timbers on Tuesday after spending two weeks with the team. McKenzie was not at practice today.

The Timbers Academy players from Washington continued their time with the first team coaches this week. The academy kids worked under the direction of Cameron Knowles and were joined by Steven Evans and Mobi Fehr on Tuesday, and Mobi Fehr and Sebasitan Rincon today.

David Meves continued his time with the Timbers as a guest player as well.

Injuries and Absences

On Tuesday Mikael Silvestre warmed up with the team today after suffering an adductor strain in practice last Friday. Silvestre took part in the early agility drills before breaking off to work with John Cone as the intensity of training was ratcheted up. Today, however, it appeared that Silvestre was with the team for the full practice as he was leaving the field when the press were allowed back out.

Sal Zizzo did some jogging on the sidelines on both Tuesday and Today. According to Caleb Porter, Zizzo is still a week or two away from a return to training.

Brent Richards and Bright Dike, both of whom are recovering from knee surgery, were each spotted on the sidelines of practice recently. Richards passed the ball back and forth briefly with Mikael Silvestre on Tuesday, while Dike observed practice from the sidelines today.