Portland Timbers Training Quotes and Notes: Underdogs

This morning the Portland Timbers held their final training session before taking on the LA Galaxy tomorrow evening in vital western conference matchup. The team stayed in the locker room until after 10:30 before taking the pitch for a closed practice at Jeld Wen Field.

After practice today, Caleb Porter told the press why he though the Timbers are the "underdogs" in tomorrow's game:

They are back to back MLS Cup champions and based on that alone they are the favorites in every game they play. They have one of the most talented teams in the league and regardless of how games have gone this year, you know they have lost some games, this is the time of year they turn it on and they have shown that the last several years.

He also singled out one player on the Galaxy while praising their lineup:

They are a team that can open you up, so if you are letting them attack and giving them time and space, a guy like Robbie Keane will rip you apart.

Injuries and Absences

Frederic Piquionne is back with the Timbers after playing in the first two group stage game of the Gold Cup for Martinique. The club has confirmed that he will stay with the Timbers and will not be returning to national team duty.

Will Johnson is back in Portland as well, but he is only here for the duration of his illness and will be rejoining the Canadian national team when he recovers.

Rodney Wallace is still away on international duty with Costa Rica.

Jake Gleeson and Dylan Tucker-Gangnes were not at training today as both were working out as a part of their recovery from concussions suffered in practice two weeks ago.