Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City FC in Tucson Desert Friendlies

Caleb Porter

(Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian)

TUCSON, Ariz. --

Ghanaian teenager Francis Dadzie is the

newest trialist, Timbers coach

said after training Tuesday.

The 18-year-old flew to Tucson, Ariz. on Monday to join the Timbers at their preseason training camp and participated only minimally in practice on Tuesday. Still, the 6-foot-1 striker's size stood out.

"Obviously, you see he’s a big, strong boy, especially for 18-years-old," Porter said. "He looks the part and we’ll see how he does."

The Timbers have only seen Dadzie play on video, but when the opportunity to bring the striker into training presented itself, Portland decided to give the youngster a shot.

Dadzie has been playing for Bechem United in Ghana's Premier League this season.

"He’ll be here as long as we think it’s good to have him here," Porter said. "The longer he’s here, the better he’s doing."

-- Jamie Goldberg