TUCSON, Arizona -- After a recent training session, Portland Timbers coach Caleb Porter pulled Lucas Melano aside to tell the young Argentine winger just how pleased he was with the 22-year-old's performance in the early days of preseason.
The Timbers have been training for less than two weeks, but Porter has already noticed a marked change in both Melano and Colombian winger Dairon Asprilla.
Both players are competing with confidence and ease.
"They know their teammates and they just look comfortable, really comfortable in preseason," Porter said. "I think they've been outstanding.