Overcoming what coach John Spencer described as a lackluster effort, the Portland Timbers struggled to defeat Oregon State 1-0 in a scrimmage game Thursday night at Jeld-Wen Field.

"They were a little bit flat," a disappointed Spencer said. "We never showed a lot of quality."

Centerback Hanyer Mosquera's header after a corner kick by Kalif Alhassan in the 84th minute allowed the Timbers to avoid what would have been an embarrassing draw to the Beavers.

Another concern was the injuries the Timbers sustained to key players.

"We were dropping like flies out there," Spencer said.

Starting midfielder Franck Songo'o left the game after tweaking his right knee midway through the first half and centerback Mamadou "Futty" Danso left the game a few minutes later after being kicked in the face.

"(Songo) tweaked his MCL (medial collateral ligament) a little bit," Spencer said. "I think he'll be out for two or three days. Hopefully not longer than that."

Neither injury appears serious, but Spencer said injuries can occur when players are not in the right mindset for the game. Perhaps it's hard for MLS players to find the motivation to play a college team.

"When you're not mentally and physically prepared, a little bit of (fatigue) sets in," Spencer said.

Newly signed forward Kris Boyd was expected to make his debut, but didn't play after suffering a slight tweak to his right ankle while taking shots during training Thursday morning. Boyd was walking with a slight limp after training and Spencer opted to hold him out of the game.

"He would've played (Thursday night), but he had a shot that came off his toe a little awkwardly," Spencer said. "So, we didn't want to take any chances."

The Timbers started a group consisting of goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, outside defenders Mike Chabala and Steve Purdy, with centerbacks Eric Brunner and Danso. Eric Alexander and Songo'o were the outside midfielders, flanking Jack Jewsbury and Diego Chara in the middle. Bright Dike and Jorge Perlaza started at forward.

The Timbers, behind the pinpoint long passes of Songo'o and Alexander's penetration, created numerous scoring chances by getting the ball into the box, but couldn't capitalize early in the game.

Spencer wasn't happy with the Timbers' inability to match the Beavers' energy and desire, two factors he warned his team about before the game.

"You can't underestimate anybody," Spencer said. "These kids from OSU have a point to prove. They see the Timbers' staff and say, 'If I play well, maybe there's something for me down the line.' "

While the Timbers managed to squeeze out a win against Oregon State, they will need to play much better when they compete in the four-team tournament (MLS teams San Jose and Chivas USA, along with Swedish team AIK) that begins Monday at Jeld-Wen Field.

"We're a better team that what we showed (Thursday). We know that," Spencer said. "What we're trying to do is build a culture that when you step on the field, put on the uniform, you're ready to play. We don't play half-(way). That's not going to work for us this year."

Notes: Gleeson played the entire game. Ryan Kawulok and Rodney Wallace started at outside defenders in the second half. Mosquera and Andrew Jean-Baptiste were the centerbacks. Brent Richards and Kalif Alhassan were the outside midfielders and James Marcelin and Freddie Braun inside. Dike and Rincon were the forwards. ...One Portland player who stood out was young midfielder Sebastian Rincon. The 18-year-old Colombian displayed some quickness, movement and an ability to create his own shot that impressed Spencer. "He's got a great chance. He's got a super attitude," Spencer said. "I'm hoping in the next couple of days we can announce something."

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