SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – David Guzmán didn’t travel with the Portland Timbers to Costa Rica. He hadn’t been in Portland, missing out on the first six days of his club’s preseason training amid national team duty back home. As the Timbers’ Jan. 30 flight traveled south, Guzmán was already in his hometown, awaiting the arrival of his Major League Soccer teammates, and having a hand in the small welcome parties that awaited the Green and Gold.
Upon seeing their first views of the Costa Rican capital, Timbers players and staff were greeted by a small band of costumed dancers, celebrating amid music Guzmán had helped arrange.