BEAVERTON, Ore. – The Portland Timbers’ 2019 activities picked up where 2018’s ended: in the rain. Only whereas the last time the team played together, they were doing so while shielded from a wet Atlanta night, Portland’s defense of their Western Conference crown began amid a downpour, on an immaculately prepared adidas Timbers Training Center pitch, with Northwest Oregon’s skies reminding 27 trainees of the realities of MLS’ calendar.
“It’s exciting to get back in the locker room and see everybody again,” Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella said, his hair still wet after the day’s 90-minute session.