The Portland Timbers opened training camp Monday hoping to use their unsuccessful late-season push for a playoff bid in 2011 as a springboard for the 2012 season.

If the Timbers (11-14-9, 42 points in 2011) are going to make a serious run at a playoff spot this season, they'll need to play better on the road. The Timbers were winless in their first seven road games and their two road wins were more than just three teams (Toronto, New England, Vancouver) in MLS.

Looking forward to another fun season of play from the Timbers. Hopefully they do better than the Blazers are right now.