Daily training report
Preseason reset: Day 12
Ben Olsen wasn’t one hundred percent satisfied with D.C. United’s performance in a scoreless draw Tuesday against Swedish side Jonkopings in the team’s second friendly of 2015. He also knew some of it had to do with tired legs from intense preseason work, and so he had a lighter, merrier session on tap Wednesday. But not before going into teacher mode, walking through areas where players could have been sharper, had a better formation, and needed to be more compact in some areas and wider in others.
After game discussion, it was time for soccer tennis. Teams of three and four divided by age and experience spread out around the field, and the change of pace was welcome. Banter between players started immediately and the inner child came out of nearly everyone. That intensity will be redirected back to preparation over the final two days in Bradenton.
On Field Highlight of the Day:
To determine soccer tennis teams Assistant Coach Chad Ashton had all the players who were over 30 years old step to one side of the field as each one represented a team. Then, each player under the age of 23 line up behind one of the veterans. Cue 20-year-old Collin Martin, sprinting to Chris Rolfe, giving him a big high five and showing off a wide smile on his face to celebrate that he’d beat everyone else.
Off Field Highlight of the Day:
It should come as no surprise that the board game Settlers of Catan has been a staple of the D.C. United preseason. According to Conor Doyle, he has been the best on the current trip. The worst? Rumor has it Davy Arnaud is awaiting punishment for walking out on a game. No telling what the punishment will be, but he is currently banned from playing until it is decided. Speaking of Conor Doyle...
Q&A With Conor Doyle:
DCU: Only two days left of preseason in Florida, how are you feeling?
CD: Good. I’m happy to be back training and playing soccer with the guys. It just feels good to be back.
Andrew Dykstra (in the background): CONNOOORRRRRR DOYYYLLLLEEEE
DCU: How has this preseason been a little different for you coming back off an injury?
CD: It’s just taking it slow and getting back in to the rhythm of playing soccer again. It’s kind of a quick turnaround with a game in month so its finding the balance between trying to get back and making sure I’m ready to go.
DCU: How was this off-season for you while you were recovering from your knee injury?
CD: The off-season wasn’t too bad. I was in DC for a lot of it just trying to get my knee sorted out and get fit and ready for preseason. It was really the last four months of the season that was tough while I was out.
DCU: So where do you stand now with the knee?
CD: I feel 100%. Obviously the soccer stuff is coming along and there are a couple things I need to work on. The knee feels fine and I am ready to play.
DCU: How’s preseason been both on and off the field?
CD: It’s been good. We have a great group of guys. We have a good time together. On the field it’s been intense and how it should be during preseason, and off the field we have been able to relax and stay together as a team so it’s been good.
DCU: How’s Settlers of Catan going this preseason?
Luis Silva (in the background): I love you Conor Doyle!
CD: It’s been good actually. I’ve been the best one so far. I’ve won a few games. Davy [Arnaud] is in a little bit of trouble because he walked out on a game so we are trying to sort out a punishment for him so he can come back and play. He was losing and he rolled a 7, and if you play Catan you know that’s not a good thing, and he walked out on a game so that’s what we have to deal with.
