Daily training report
Preseason reset: Day 8
The morning after the team’s 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC in their first preseason match of 2015, D.C United players were given an extra hour of sleep before breakfast and the one more training session before a much anticipated off day. Since most everyone got in on the action on Friday night, the majority of the team started with a regeneration session that included foam rollers and stretching bands (along with some friendly banter between Chris Pontius and Davy Arnaud, which is always entertaining). Team activities were brief, and afterward some players went to the gym for a quick lift, others kicked the ball around on their own. Jalen Robinson, Chris Rolfe, Markus Halsti and Rod Dyachenko did some additional ball work and drills as a group. The team will get back to work Monday ahead of the next game preseason match Tuesday afternoon.
On Field Highlight of the Day: Halsti and Rolfe concluded practice with extra passing and shooting drills, and both looked sharp. Rolfe, who made a brief playoff return in 2014 after missing the last eight regular season games with a broken arm - looked like himself: soft touches, quick breaks, and clean strikes on goal. Back on the field, he’s a weapon Black-and-Red fans will be excited to see. Halsti looked just as good. A big, strong midfielder with a great touch and a workhorse mentality through the drills, he’s fun to watch. Both players should get work in United’s next preseason game.
Off Field Highlight of the Day: The players had Saturday afternoon off as well as all day Sunday to relax, take a breather and enjoy Sarasota. After a grueling week of two-a-days, lifts and games, the coming break gave the players a little extra pep in their step on Saturday. Some will hit the pool, others the golf course while others are just happy to avoid having to put on their training gear.
Q&A with Chris Korb:
DCU: One week in and you finally get a little break. How was the first week of preseason?
CK: It was a tough first week, but that’s what you expect from the first week of preseason. Some guys are feeling it in their legs, but a day and a half off will be nice for all of us.
DCU: After having a little time to look back on Orlando City game, how do you think it went?
CK: I thought we came out and pressured them well. We pinned them in for the first 15 minutes and got a goal, but then I thought we sat back - it could have been heavy legs. But I thought it was a good overall showing. The second half was a little more open which was nice, and we gave up an unfortunate goal, but I thought they looked dangerous as well.
DCU: The first week is over which is usually fitness based, what do you look forward to in the second week?
CK: I am definitely happy to be through the first part of the preseason and all the fitness. I’m hoping the second week will be a more focused on touches on the ball and getting some extra minutes in the games. Overall we just need to keep gelling as a team.
DCU: How are you feeling personally?
CK: I’m feeling pretty sore, I’m not going to lie, but that’s always to be expected in the first week of preseason.
DCU: Big plans for the day off?
CK: Not too much. Just hang by the pool, take it easy and rest the legs.
