Despite being a closed session today without any tasty tidbits from John Spencer to chew on, today's Timbers practice was an interesting one none the less.

Although Kris Boyd was, not surprisingly, not yet practicing we were told that he would likely join the team in around ten days while they are in California.

Hope Solo could potentially miss tomorrow nights all important semifinal match against Costa Rica with a lingering quad injury. The timing could not be any worse as whoever loses the match tomorrow will not qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Solo was seen clutching her right knee during the game against Mexico this past Tuesday night.

Recently we discussed the importance of deceleration in relation to high performance training and injury prevention. We learned about eccentric strength and the role it plays in reducing momentum. We also made reference to dynamic balance and the importance it plays in maintaining control while performing skillful athletic movements.

On Thursday, NBA players will be back playing in NBA arenas and practice facilities just like the good ol' days. Although the new CBA hasn't been agreed to yet and there is still voting that needs to take place, the NBA decided to lift that ban and allow teams and players to begin working together.

The realm of sports has become increasingly techy in recent years. Whether its the hugely debated goal line technology or the simple tracking of workouts, sports and technology have a... Read more »

Juan Mata believes that AVB is the right man to lead Chelsea charge for silverware this season and believes you will see us adopt the Porto style of modern attacking football.
I posted yesterday an article stating that Pat Nevin believed we would so the same and Mata has more or less confirmed it.

Photo by Jose L. Argueta/ISIphotos.com

By THOMAS FLOYD

If all goes according to plan in the nation's captial, the centerback pairing of Dejan Jakovic and Brandon McDonald could be in the early stages of a long, productive tenure.

A few weeks ago, the Cuban national team flew up to Charlotte N.C. for a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Costa Rica, as is usually the case when their team flies to some other country, a number of Cuban players defected to the United States. One of the players was 27 year old Yosniel Mesa, who is currently training with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers while he seeks his working permit.

Chad Ochocinco, formerly Chad Johnson, has learned very well how to use marketing strategies to elongate an entertainment career. This average NFL Wide Receiver playing in a below average populated metropolitan area (Cincinnati) has shown the world that he can take a little eccentricity a long way.
He has been able to take a name change after his playing number (Ochocinco is 85 in Spanish, Chad's uniform number) and a few crazy hairdos to bring about a reality tv show and an invitation to participate in Dancing with the Stars.