Eric Alexander knows what it’s like to be the new guy.

The third-year MLS pro, who at this time last year was just coming off his first appearance with the US national team, joined the Portland Timbers in mid-August after being traded from Dallas.

Alexander started just three matches while trying to discover his role with the team, so the midfielder can relate to the new faces in Timbers preseason camp as they try to meld with what Alexander said is becoming a well-oiled machine.