Portland Timbers Training Quotes and Notes: First Team Training

Ahead of their second squad's debut later in the day, the Portland Timbers went about their business as usual, practicing at their Beaverton training facility. On a sunny, windy day, the Timbers put in a session that looked very similar to their mid season workouts, working their passing, pressing, and fitness.

After starting out with some basic warm ups and four-man passing drills with Caleb Porter emphasizing "confidence" in their touches, the Timbers moved into three groups for some 5v3 possession drills. Starting off with one-touch, then two-touch, passing, the Timbers.out in some high-energy work early in practice after their weekend off.

Staying in groups of eight, the Timbers next moved into a pair of drills with one group running a passing and dribbling circuit, while the other two groups faced off in a short field, 8v8 scrimmage with keepers. The Timbers gave each group the opportunity to run the circuit before wrapping up training.

Injuries and Absences

Jake Gleeson continued his absence from training this morning after taking a knock to the ankle in last Tuesday's 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. Gleeson was spotted at the practice facility after training had wrapped up and was using a crutch to keep weight off his leg.

Adam Kwarasey was at practice again, but for the third day in a row the Timbers' new keeper did not participate in training with the team, instead continuing to work with the team's trainers on the sidelines of the practice pitch. According to Porter last Thursday, Kwarasey is dealing with a tight hip and the team are being cautious with him in the preseason.

Diego Valeri and Will Johnson also continued their training on the sidelines under the supervision of the team trainers.

Trialists and Guest Players

Christian Volesky and Kharlton Belmar were confirmed to be players that the Timbers are looking at for their T2 side, but the pair continued training with the Timbers' first team today.

Danny O'Rourke is still with the Timbers, but has not yet signed a contract with the team.

Justin Luthy, who seems likely to sign with T2, also continued his time training with the Timbers today. Luthy and Andrew Weber were joined by several T2 pospects for first team practice as well, one of whom was MLS pool keeper Daniel Withrow, who trained with the Timbers for a short period last season.

T2 will their own practice report coming up shortly.