Portland Timbers Development Update: Oct. 3, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers Academy teams return to action this weekend as they play host to the San Jose Earthquakes Academy and Cal Odyssey on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, at the adidas Timbers Training Center.

Saturday’s matchups against the Earthquakes Academy feature the U-18 teams at 12 noon (Pacific) and the U-16 squads at 2:30 p.m. On Sunday against Cal Odyssey, the two U-18 sides kickoff at 12 noon (Pacific), while the U-16 teams square off at 2:30 p.m.

The Timbers U-18 Academy (1-2-1, 4pts) are looking to rebound from a loss to the LA Galaxy U-18 Academy on Sept. 22, which ended an early two-game unbeaten run.

After an unbeaten opening weekend to the 2013-14 season, the Timbers U-16 Academy (1-2-1, 4pts) have lost two straight, falling to the Chivas USA U-16 Academy and Galaxy U-16s in their last matches.

Goalkeeper from adidas Timbers Alliance club named to U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team
The roster for the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team for the upcoming 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship features one local player, goalkeeper Lauren Rood from Camas, Wash., and a member of adidas Timbers Alliance club Washington Timbers.

Rood was announced as part of the squad by U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team head coach B.J. Snow on Sept. 25. The 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship will take place in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from Oct. 30-Nov. 9. The top two teams from the eight-team tournament will qualify for the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Prior to departing for Jamaica, Rood and the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team will conduct one final training camp in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., from Oct. 13-19. Click here for the formal announcement.

Timbers, OYSA announce plans for upcoming winter and spring leagues and tournaments
In late August, the Timbers and Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA) announced an innovative partnership in which the youth soccer organization joined the Timbers’ comprehensive youth development structure. This week, the Timbers and OYSA announced plans for the upcoming winter and spring youth leagues and tournaments, including the OYSA State and Presidents Cups.

The mission of the Timbers is to unite soccer in Oregon and these competitions will be open to all teams. Winter leagues for U-15-19 teams will begin Jan. 25, 2014; click here for full details of the upcoming youth seasons for OYSA clubs.

Additionally, the Timbers and Portland Thorns FC will offer coaching education modules in association with the leagues, including special clinics on goalkeeper training and modules on the youth development processes at other global leaders, such as France’s Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona of Spain.