Portland Timbers players admit there are some strong emotions since the sacking of head coach John Spencer.
The Scottish tactician was relieved of his duties on Monday with interim manager Gavin Wilkinson taking the reins for training on Tuesday and the absence of the former boss was still a shock to some of the Timbers stars.
"Yesterday was a sad day for everybody involved," said team captain Jack Jewsbury. "Still a little sombre around here, but guys realize the task at hand is now to look forward to the weekend and to get back to business."
Striker Kris Boyd added: "It's obviously disappointing with the coach leaving his post. I said it was one of the big reasons I came here in the first place, but now we need to get on with it in a professional manner and look forward to the game against LA on Saturday. I'm a professional athlete; I turn out and do my job. I'll do that until I'm told otherwise.
"As I've said, I've enjoyed my time here, it's been great. As I've said, yes, it's disappointing that the coach has lost his job. But we need to move on in a professional manner."
Whilst goalkeeper Troy Perkins said: "John's an incredible guy. I think everyone in that locker room would put their life on the line for the guy. But unfortunately that's the bad part of this business, any business. We all know what we sign up for."
