Portland Training Session and Pre-Match Interviews before Tomorrow’s Wild Card Match

The Timbers opened up training to the press today as they push for the chance to take on LAFC next Sunday in the first round of the playoffs, according to head coach Phil Neville. “This is not qualifying for the playoffs, the next round is the playoffs. This is a playing game, you know, and I think that my motivation, the coaching staff’s motivation, and the club’s motivation are that we set the bar really high with our expectations.”

Energy was high on the practice pitch as the coaching staff worked the players through drills and creative training games. There was a healthy balance of competitive focus and camaraderie that suggests the players are taking things seriously and have enough trust in each other to enjoy the pressure. Captain Diego Chará said after training, “We know this game could define our season and I think everyone is focused to make it a good game and hopefully get a good result.”

New center defender Finn Surman stopped for a chat with Prost reporters after the press conference to talk about his time with the team, the excitement and preparation for this match, and what he is most looking forward to doing as a Portlander.