Opportunity arrives today for the Portland Timbers, and for some of the players aspiring to wear the team’s colors when it makes its Major League Soccer debut in two weeks.
It’s also a big day for longtime fans of the Timbers.
The Timbers will play Seattle Sounders FC at 7:30 p.m. today, then face the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 4 p.m. Saturday in a preseason gathering dubbed the Cascadia Summit. The games — including a Sunday afternoon match between Seattle and Vancouver — will be played at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila.
Timbers coach John Spencer said he understands these aren’t just everyday friendlies for the fans — an opinion he shares.
“These are important games whether they’re preseason or not,” Spencer said, noting that any game against a big rival is significant.
For the fans, the significance of the Cascadia Summit games will fade once the regular season kicks off on March 19. But for players fighting for spots in the lineup or on the roster, these games are a chance to make a lasting impression.
Spencer said his plan for the weekend is to field two separate 11-man squads with the intention of playing each lineup for the full 90 minutes.
One reason for the separate lineups is that the games begin 20 hours apart, Spencer said.
For some of the players, this will be the first time they’ve played the full 90, so it will be another benchmark of fitness levels, Spencer said.
The Timbers currently have 23 players signed, though several of those are not available because of injuries or other complications. Several other players have been training with the team on a trial basis.
Rumors persist that the Timbers will soon add a significant player. ESPN.com blogger Jeff Carlile reported on Thursday that the Timbers have made an offer to an unnamed designated player.
The firm roster news of the week was the acquisition of veteran midfielder Jack Jewsbury from Sporting Kansas City. Jewsbury turns 30 next month and played eight MLS seasons with Kansas City.
Spencer said Jewsbury’s experience made him attractive for a Timbers team which has built its roster primarily with younger players.
“He’s a very experienced player, a very good player,” Spencer said.
The Timbers (1-0-4 preseason) have scored three goals and surrendered two through five preseason games. Portland’s victory was a 1-0 win over second-division Montreal.
Live video of this weekend’s games will be available online at the Timbers website, Portlandtimbers.com.
