As summer school goes, the Portland Timbers under-23 soccer team is an ideal training ground.

That is the consensus of Clark County natives — current college soccer players — who this summer are part of the Timbers Premier Development League team.

“It’s better than just playing pick-up games with your friends when you’re playing against guys from North Carolina and Akron,” Foster Langsdorf said after a 2-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders U-23s on June 25 at Doc Harris Stadium in Camas.

Langsdorf and fellow Mountain View High School graduate Peter Prescott were in the lineup for the match in Camas, as were former Papermakers Niko De Vera and Anthony Macchione. Former Union goalkeeper Collin Partee is also on the team.

Each of them said the regular two-hour training sessions with top college players from around the country are as important as any of the matches.