Daily Training Report
Austin: Day 1
D.C. United’s day started bright and early with a 5:45 a.m. EST departure from RFK Stadium en route to Baltimore/Washington International Airport for its flight to Austin, Texas. After a three hour flight, the team made its way from the plane to a charter bus, and in case they needed reminding they were now in Texas, country music was in full force for the entire ride. While players went out to grab lunch and relax for a few hours, the staff scrambled to unpack all the equipment bags to set up the training room and get ready for practice. On the nicest night the team has had so far this preseason, the players and coaching staff were back at it stressing intensity and mental focus as its first CONCACAF game is 15 days out. A little 5v2 turned in to half-field possession to goal, which led to a light finishing drill to end the day. You could tell everyone was excited to be in a warm climate and out of the DC cold as we get ready for our second preseason trip.
On the Field Highlight of the Day:
After a frigid training session in DC on Tuesday, everyone was happy to walk onto the training field to 70 degree temperatures and a perfectly manicured field. And it showed in the 5v2 warm up as it might have been one of the most enthusiastic and lively sessions to date. The sun was setting, downtown Austin was in the background and MLS camera crews surrounded the team as it enjoyed the game they have played since they were toddlers on a perfect evening in Austin. You couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque first training session in Austin.
Off Field Highlights of the Day:
Traveling with 40 people for a 16 day trip requires a lot of luggage. The fun game of “did my bag get lost” was in full effect today as 65 of 66 bags were accounted for. The unlucky bag that has still not been located belongs to Physical Preparation Coach Adam Rotchstein.
MLSSoccer.com sent a video crew to Austin to film ‘A Day in the Life of D.C. United: preseason edition. Keep your eyes peeled for some sneak peeks on Instagram over the next couple of days. Today, the camera crew followed Bobby Boswell, Davy Arnaud, Chris Pontius and Sean Franklin out to lunch, and with that crew, there is a high percentage of friendly banter.
Q&A with Luis Silva:
DCU: Coming in to the second preseason camp, is this one different than the first? Is there a different mentality?
LS: I think our mentality since the beginning has been to get ready for the Costa Rica game. Obviously the guys are a bit more fit this camp and mentally we are getting where we need to be. We are just taking it one day at a time and trying to stay focused with the purpose of preparing for Costa Rica.
DCU: After two weeks in Florida, one cold day in DC and one perfect night here how is everyone looking?
LS: The big thing is that we got mainly everyone back from last year and we are adding some good pieces that are going to help this team and give it depth. The group is looking really good.
DCU:You personally, how do you feel coming back from the hamstring injury?
LS: I feel great. I should be ready to go soon. Overall I feel good. I feel I should be coming back in a little bit and playing some games soon.
Quote of the Day:
Markus Halsti: Back home we think all Texans have big hats and big belt buckles.
Andrew Dykstra: Well Texans think you are a fish eating Viking.
Training Room Current Song:
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge
Notes:
Scott Goodwin, Luke Mishu, Travis Worra and Rauwshan McKenzie joined the Black-and-Red in Austin as trailists.
Midfielder Michael Farfan is slated to meet the team later this evening after signing with United yesterday.
Steve Birnbaum and Perry Kitchen who spent the last month with the U.S. Men’s National Team will join the Black-and-Red in Austin tomorrow and remain with the team for the rest of preseason.
