COLUMBUS, Ohio – When your last training of the year is the last training before you play in an MLS Cup, it’s a pretty good day.
The Portland Timbers stayed loose at a sunny MAPFRE Stadium Saturday in front of a large contingent of international media. The club is balancing the excitement of playing in Sunday’s league final against Columbus Crew SC (1pm PT, ESPN) with staying humble and focused on business as usual.
Timbers defender Jorge Villafaña, who led the team in minutes in the regular season, is definitely looking forward to the game but also keeping it in perspective.
“I think you just try to relax and think of the game,” he said. “but [also] just being at the hotel and just doing the things right to be 100 percent for tomorrow.
With hundreds of Timbers supporters flying, driving and finding every which way to get to Columbus, the team is also well aware of what their loud presence will bring to MAPFRE Stadium and what a win would mean for them.
“You feel the love that they’re doing this to support their team,” said Villafaña. “We know that when we travel, we can hear our fans chanting so it really does help knowing you’re going to have some support.
“They’re the fans that are always cheering for you no matter what, whether you lose or you win, they’re always behind you. They always support you. I’m really happy for them and to have that support from home [in Portland] and the one’s that are going to be here, we’re going to play tomorrow to give them the trophy that they deserve.”
Forward Fanendo Adi, who leads the team in goals with 18 across the MLS regular season and playoffs, agrees.
“We are proud of them cheering us on in the stadium and, of course, we will try to give them a victory,” he said.
With only one night’s sleep left before the biggest game of their careers, both Villafaña and Adi are excited to step out on the pitch and get the game started.
“I’m looking forward to winning the balls, fighting for the team, and trying to help the team win,” said Adi.
Echoed Villafaña, “I’m just looking forward to a great game, trying to do my best, and at the end, lift that trophy.”
