Timbers Youth Update: Sept. 5, 2012

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers U-18 and U-16 Academy teams kick off the 2012-13 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season this weekend as they travel to Southern California to take on the academy teams for MLS sides Chivas USA and LA Galaxy.

Embarking on their first Development Academy season, the Timbers Academy teams have each assembled a 24-player roster. Players were selected by the Timbers Academy coaching staff following an extensive scouting process, which included an open tryout in June attended by 275 players and an invite combine held in early August. A full roster of each team is listed below.

“It has taken a year and a half of planning to get to this point,” said Timbers Academy Director Mike Smith. “We are impressed with the level of talent we have. It is exciting to bring these talented young players into a professional environment and help further develop the players for the future of our club.”

Players born Jan. 1, 1994 or after are eligible for the U-18 team, while players born after Jan. 1, 1996 are eligible for the U-16 team. Rosters for both teams are included below.

Timbers U-18 and U-16 Academy set to begin first Development Academy season
Led by head coaches Adam Smith and Mike Smith, respectively, the Timbers U-18 and U-16 Academy teams begin play after months of preparation and planning.

Timbers Academy teams will play 25 league matches over a 10-month season in the Development Academy from September through June, competing against other MLS academy teams and elite youth clubs in the Northwest and down the West Coast.

The Timbers Academy teams open a 12-match home schedule on Saturday, Oct. 6, against Real So Cal. All home matches for Timbers Academy teams will be held at the adidas Timbers Training Center in Beaverton, Ore.

“The hard work has begun, especially for the players,” said Adam Smith, Timbers Academy and goalkeeping director. “Other MLS academy teams in the league have been doing this for some time now, so it will not be an easy ride. The academy staff will provide a professional environment and everyone will be given the best chances to succeed.”

Timbers U-16 Academy forward Rubio Rubin selected to return to U.S. U-17 Residency Program
Timbers U-16 Academy forward Rubio Rubin (Beaverton, Ore.) was recently selected to return to the U.S. U-17 Residency Program for the upcoming fall semester. Rubin, 16, is one of 31 players selected to train full-time in Bradenton, Fla., with the U.S. U-17 National Team.

Under head coach Richie Williams, the U.S. U-17 National Team is preparing for the 2013 CONCACAF U-17 Championship from April 6-19, 2013, in Panama. The CONCACAF U-17 Championship serves as the regional qualifying tournament for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

A number of players from MLS academies across the country were selected to join the Residency Program for the fall semester. Click here for the full announcement.

2012-13 Portland Timbers U-18 Academy Roster

Timbers U-18 Academy coaching staff
Head Coach – Adam Smith
Assistant Coaches – Mike Smith, John Bain
Goalkeeper Coach – Steve Reese

2012-13 Portland Timbers U-16 Academy Roster

Timbers U-16 Academy coaching staff
Head Coach – Mike Smith
Assistant Coaches – Adam Smith, Rod Underwood
Goalkeeper Coach – Steve Reese