At the Adidas Training Center in Beaverton, the Portland Timbers opened their 2019 preseason camp. Still under the cover of a classical Pacific Northwest day downpour, players and coaches alike were hard at work!
For Portland Timbers General Manager and Club President Gavin Wilkinson expose today many of the club upcoming goals. As you know this man is responsible, not only the Timbers but also NWSL side Thorns and USL T2 in their all around success.
Among one of the topics he spoke about was the search for a right back and a Designated Player. Stating this club desire of building up for what seems to be another contested campaign in this upcoming season.
However, the man is hard at work in building once again an all-around contender in getting the ideal talent to compete and deliver. So far, with some players in mind but unable to mention names or squads these are currently playing. One thing for sure he stated that this club desire is about to invest heavily in new and versatile talent.
This is per club owner Merritt Paulson, committed to make the club biggest investment since the start of the Timbers.
Gavin Wilkinson stated the desire of any new member to the Portland Timbers organization that has to be one serious competitor and a player that can play multiple positions. Currently the squad has already added the likes of a center Back for one year in veteran Claude Delna from the New England Revolution. Another new member to call Portland home is Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic from the Slovenian League. Not present today in the Timbers first practice but told that he will join the squad soon.
In this department, Aljaz Ivacic will compete for a spot with starter Jeff Attinella and returning backup Steve Clarke. In spite of Kendall McIntosh still on the club praise heavily by the Timbers GM, he will be going out on loan.
In addition in center back, he stated that Claude Delna along with Bill Tuiloma, Julio Cascante and Larry’s Mabiala all four of them being in an open competition for the starting job. Something envisioned for the new players coming to Portland will have to compete for a starting job and put on the pressure on the veterans.
Opening the contest in the squad with the newcomers as well seeing a sort of player that can be used in the attack, depth and multitalented. The case in Jeremy Ebobisse who made his big break with the club on 2018 and with 9 games and 5 starts scoring two goals and contributing with two assists.
He also mentioned the midfield an area of less need with the necessary depth. Very well seeing young players’ development for the future and seeing a continuance of this club success.
As realistically speaking in winning shields, the need to compete is one of this club utmost of goals. As manager, Giovanni Savarese sees it game by game and this 2019 with 12 games on the road. For sure, this club has step up its challenges ahead but cementing itself as a club and be in a good position half in the season. Being better is one of these club goals every year.
MLS
Portland
