It was a spirited training session in the penultimate practice before the big game versus Portland this weekend. The team did some short-sided drills right near us, so I was able to get some good pictures. Nico in particular dropped in a heck of a goal from distance.

The team is about as healthy as can be, given the already-existing absences, save for the goalkeeper situation. Stephan Frei continues to make his way through the concussion protocol. Coach Brian Schmetzer stated that Frei continues to make progress and could feature this weekend, but he has to pass through the protocol first. It’s also fair to say that the coaching staff still isn’t happy with the incident that led to the concussion.

Beyond that, we got some updates on other injured players. Right back Kelvin Leerdam is making progress as well and could play a role this weekend, but Schmetzer made no guarantees there. Handwalla Bwana is a long-term injury, and should not be expected back any time soon.

There were a couple of guests out at practice, as Steve Zakuani made an appearance with Eddie Johnson, who is in town for the charity event (buy tickets and go!). Eddie looks like he could get out there and play.

Both Nico Lodeiro and Victor Rodriguez expressed a sense of urgency to get results this weekend, especially against a (the) rival at home with several tough road games coming up, and the transfer window still two weeks away. Waiting to pick up points until that point could be too late, and they know it.