From NCAA to MLS: Ian Smith and Gage Guerra Are Earning Their Keep with the Timbers

From NCAA to MLS: Ian Smith and Gage Guerra are earning their keep with the Timbers

The preseason roommates have been a jolt of energy for Portland.

Rookies Ian Smith and Gage Guerra jump from college to make impact with Timbers

Ian Smith (Craig Mitchelldyer photo/Portland Timbers)BEAVERTON — The carrot dangles yards away from the T2 practice pitch.During the week, the Timbers’ development team trains on the turf field right next to the first team, with dozens of young and hungry players pushing to someday cross the concrete plaza and take their place on the big club’s grass pitch for good.For Gage Guerra, the transition has come in the last month. The 69th pick in the …