Defender Zac McGraw got shoutouts from Timbers' president Gavin Wilkinson and head coach Giovanni Savarese last week for the progress he's made over his year as a pro. Here, the West Point graduate talks about that last year, his unique path to professional soccer, and the current state of the Portland Timbers.

As the Portland Timbers' preseason, presented by Old Trapper continues, team analyst Ross Smith continues his check-ins with the team. On this edition, Smith talks to the team's captain, El Maestro Diego Valeri, about his unique offseason and the milestones that are to come in his career - catching in a type of improvised stereo as he finishes his afternoon routine.

With the Portland Timbers preseason, presented by Old Trapper Beef Jerky, in full swing, team analyst Ross Smith caught up with goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, how now feels 'veteran" can be attached to that description. Jeff and Ross talk about that, an active offseason for Tampa sports, and the joy Jeff finds in each preseason.