Updated

The Portland Timbers have begun formal training for their inaugural Major League Soccer season with one catch: No soccer balls.

The Timbers are working on their fitness this week at Adidas. Their home field, PGE Park, is still being renovated for the upcoming season.

The team won't break out the soccer balls until next week when they train for a week in Southern California.

Among those at the workout Monday was Darlington Nagbe, a forward and midfielder who helped Akron win its first NCAA title. He was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the MLS draft earlier this month.

Forward Kenny Cooper, who spent several seasons with FC Dallas before playing in Germany the past two seasons, was not expected to join the Timbers until February.