The Timbers had one final practice before tomorrow’s MLS Cup match against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium here in Atlanta. It was a relaxed, calm, yet joyful atmosphere. While the team has played here earlier this year, the focus of training was just getting re-accustomed to “the pitch, the stadium, and being able to feed off the surroundings,” as Gio Savarese put it.
However, that wasn’t to say it was complete relaxed. Gio focused on balance. “It’s not loose, but it’s calm. It’s emotionally balanced,” he said. “It’s with the understanding with what is at stake and what we expect out of this game.