Portland Timbers Training Quotes and Notes: Oh, It's Brad Ring

The Portland Timbers practiced at their Beaverton training facility today, getting a late start after a team meeting kept the players indoors through the first twenty minutes. Once the Timbers hit the pitch they went through a quick warmup and closed practice to the press.

Trialists and Guest Players

Brad Ring, whose signing was announced shortly after practice wrapped up, was in attendance at training today, but his identity was not disclosed. Ring did not yet have a number as of today's training session, but he wore 5 with San Jose, which is currently claimed by Michael Harrington. Unfortunately, we did not get much of a look at Ring before practice was closed.

As usual, David Meves was there too.

Injuries and Absences

Diego Valeri, who went out in the 32' against Real Salt Lake last weekend with an adductor strain, was again not at practice today. Valeri was at the training facility today and was spotted leaving after practice wrapped up, but never took to the field. On Monday, Caleb Porter said he was not sure if Valeri would be available this weekend, but his absence today makes it seem quite unlikely that Valeri will be available for this Saturday.

Will Johnson continued practicing with the team today after coming back from a fracture in his shoulder, also suffered against Salt Lake but in the game one month ago. Johnson was still holding his arm gingerly as the team started their warmups, but participated in the whole practice.

Jack Jewsbury and Frederic Piquionne were both on the sidelines for practice today, riding exercise bikes. Both players are suffering from ankle injuries and look like probable scratches for this weekend. Brent Richards was also on the sidelines watching practice.

Bright Dike, David Horst, and Futty Danso all trained with the team today. All three players are on the verge of returning to match fitness,with Dike and Futty both looking like good bets to make the bench for this weekend's match against Toronto FC.

Alvas Powell, Ryan Johnson, and Donovan Ricketts all continued their time with the Jamaican National Team ahead of tomorrow's World Cup Qualifying matches.

Finally, Mikael Silvestre made a brief appearance at the training center today, leaving shortly after the team meeting wrapped up, but before the press were allowed onto the field to observe warmups.