Borchers training in his home town/Photo Jeff Wilson
Nat Borchers is quite at home in Tucson, AZ. His parent were teachers there at the U of A for two years, during which time he was born.
Speaking to the media there after Friday’s training session he was full of joy about training with the Timbers in his place of birth:
“It’s awesome. We brought the rain with us the first couple of days and we were beginning to think it was Portland wherever we went in terms of the weather but it cleared up, and it’s been beautiful ever since. Perfect days and perfect weather for training.”
Naturally for a player who has arrived from such a well run club, he was asked the traditional ‘compare and contrast’ question. He did note that the Timbers players seem to be friends on and off the pitch:
“There’s a lot of similarities and a lot of differences. I’d say that this group seems like they’ve got an identity. They’ve got a way they play; a style. The group’s really tight. A lot of the guys have really good relationships on and off the field which always leads to success I think. Caleb’s done a great job of keeping it sharp.”
More lightheartedly, he faced a question about beards and lumberjacks, being asked to comment whether that would help him fit in quicker in Portland:
“I was told that’s why they traded for me. That’s what Gavin (Wilkinson) was telling me. I’m excited to interact with these fans and get back to Portland; and to embrace that community because it’s such a fun soccer-loving community. Everybody’s been really friendly so far.”
Asked about the challenge of adjusting to a new centre back partner, Borchers mentioned Norberto (Paparatto), perhaps giving an indication of Caleb Porter’s likely preference for starting pair in Liam Ridgewell’s absence.
On the subject of his partnership with Ridgewell, he added:
“I’m very hopeful it’s going to work well. With the kind of experience a guy like Liam Ridgewell has, playing in Europe and getting half a season here under his belt, I think he knows how to get the job done.
“I’ve heard very good things about how he’s been with the team. I’m excited to work with hum and make sure we’re both in the same page.”
There is of course the shadow of the CBA and a potential strike hanging over the 2015 season. Borchers did not sound very optimistic.
“Everybody’s hopeful but it’s going to be very tough because we are so far apart right now. There’s some very big issues out there that need to be addressed. Until we have those discussions, I don’t think we can talk about the season starting on time.”
Taken out of context, his last line seems ominous. Sadly, taken in context, the same conclusion can also be drawn.
Also See:
Timbers Friday Training Report: Prepping for Houston
