In the moments after the Portland Timbers won the MLS Is Back tournament, his face appeared on the fieldside screen, though in spirit, Andrés Flores had been with his teammates throughout. Leaving the Timbers in the days before Orlando to be with his dying father, "Ruso" had stayed in touch, including through the good luck messages collected for the team as Portland approached the tournament's final rounds.

Now reintegrated into the group, the El Salvador international talks about his recent loss, his team's success in Florida, the new home he's made in Portland as well as the increasing competition at his position in midfield.