By Adam Luna
Beaverton Oregon – Timbers Training Facility
Cold and rainy morning in the training camp of Portland Timbers which just means normal weather for the winter in Oregon.
Some known old faces and a lot more new and young faces in the squad. It was a surprise to see Yimmi Chara in the training camp knowing that he just played a friendly game with the Seleccion Colombia and will play again in January 28th for the Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers. In similar situation is Cristian Paredes that was just called to the Seleccion Paraguaya and will play January 27th. Another one about to leave the Timbers camp for national duties is Bill Tuiloma that was also called by the New Zealand team for a couple of friendlies January 28th and Feb 1st. Meanwhile Pablo Bonilla from Venezuela (was also called up to Seleccion Venezuela), and Andy Polo from Peru (has been called up and playing some friendlies with Seleccion Peruana).
“We have a lot of players with national teams which is a positive as well, and means the guys are doing well. We hope soon enough we have the whole group back again in order to prepare” Gio said.
About Diego Valeri “He is being so important, if not very important component and not having him around is strange. We hope that by tomorrow we will know more about his future”
“He will be remembered as a legend for all that he has done for the club and the MLS soccer”
About the academy players and drafts “7-8 academy players, and 7-8 drafted players coming to Tucson”
In addition, Van Rankin “We are talking with Jose Carlos, we are trying to see if this is something that will get done, if not we will try to find a right back besides Bonilla”.
Also spoke about Sebastian Blanco ” We are trying very hard and very optimistic on bringing him back to the club, to his house”
Goalkeepers… “Steve Clark gave us so much, so very thankful for what he has done, and we are now on a rebuilt. Ivacic has been with us and he will be a little bit more constant and we will see what he is going to be able to give us. Bingham was the whole year with us here Hunter is an academy player that now had his first year last year and most likely we will sign one more goalkeeper in which we are having conversations with a few goalkeepers and the intention is to bring another goalkeeper”.
The Portland timbers will train till Friday flying out to continue their preseason in Tucson AZ. to play against their cascadia rival Seattle Sounders as part of the Desert Showcase on Wednesday 26th.
The team will return to Portland on Feb 3rd and continue with regular training sessions for regular season which will begin on Feb 26th at home against New England Revolution.