Portland Timbers Training Quotes and Notes: Frustrations

The Portland Timbers practiced at the team's Beaverton training facility this morning, following last Friday's 1-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City. Practice today was open to the press as the Timbers ran through a short circuit comprised of several agility obstacles and a shot on goal.

Although the Timbers were on the pitch nice and early, the start of practice was delayed while Caleb Porter addressed his team before getting down to business. After practice, Porter told the press that part of what he talked to the players about was letting go of the frustrations of the first half of the season as the move forward and refocus on their goal of getting into the playoffs.

After Porter had addressed the team, the Timbers went through a brief series of warm up drills, then moved into the circuit that was prepared on the pitch. While half of the team went through the circuit the other half would play a game in the center circle with two small goals for each team to score on.

Injuries and Absences

Liam Ridgewell has not yet joined the Timbers following his signing as a designated player last week. Ridgewell's international travel certificate and the other paperwork that the team needs for him to play in the US are still being processed. According to Porter, Ridgewell could join the Timbers early next week, but his fitness will determine how soon he makes the game day lineup.

Norberto Paparatto was with the team in their pre-practice huddle this morning as Porter addressed the team. However, once the Timbers took to the field for their warm-ups, Paparatto headed indoors to continue his recovery from the ankle knock that he suffered in last Tuesday's open cup match against Sporting Kansas City.

Pa Modou Kah was not in today's training session either. Kah made his return from a long bout of Achilles tendinitis against SKC on Friday, but was not in practice today as he continued to deal with that same injury.

Ben Zemanski continues his absence from practice today as he continues his recovery from a concussion suffered almost a month ago against Chivas USA. Porter told the press that, although the amount of time that Zemanski has missed was concerning, he was making improvements.