Timbers' David Guzmán thriving during adjustment to MLS

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Before joining the Portland Timbers over the offseason, David Guzmán had only ever played for one club: Costa Rica’s Club Deportivo Saprissa, know to fans and foes alike as “the Purple Monster.”

Now, just 10 games into the 2017 season, the 26-year-old midfielder has made the Timbers’ No. 6 spot his own, setting up shop in front of Portland’s back line where he has proven to be an effective defender and a key link in the team’s transition into the attack.

However, while Guzman has made an immediate impact with the Timbers, there are still adjustments to be made to playing in Major League Soccer. Differences in altitude, temperature, and surface are common in MLS at a level…