Daily Training Report
Preseason reset: Day 10
Game Recap:
Following a much needed off day Sunday, the Black-and-Red were back on the field Monday morning in preparation for the second 2015 preseason game on Tuesday at 4 p.m. against Jönköpings Södra IF. At this point in the year, sharpness can often decline quickly with a day off and wetter than usual conditions – a reminder that there’s a ways to go before even the midway point of the preseason. On the brighter side, the incorporation of Nick DeLeon, Chris Rolfe and Markus Halsti in full training pointed toward their anticipated preseason debuts. Rolfe and Jairo Arrieta both had good looks on goal in a full-sided scrimmage, but neither could beat the keeper. Better luck Tuesday.
On Field Highlights:
Hartman suits up:
With D.C. United goalkeeping coach Zach Thornton missing training due to an outstanding obligation, a familiar face in legendary MLS goalkeeper Kevin Hartman suited up with the Black-and-Red to train the goalkeepers today. Now working at IMG Academy, Hartman fit right in and didn’t miss a beat as he put his subjects for the day through drills and joked about old memories with former Kansas City Wizards teammates Davy Arnaud and Rauwshan McKenzie.
Estrada’s Banger:
With Chris Korb, Sean Franklin, Taylor Kemp and Andrew Driver swinging crosses into the box, the forwards and midfielders had a field day at the end of practice. Among a number of great finishes, David Estrada’s took the cake. His right footed volley out of mid-air blasted the back of the net, drawing hoots, hollers and plenty of praise from the group.
Metzger continues to look sharp:
Rookie Dan Metzger continues to look sharp on the field for United. His touch was sharp, he had good movement off the ball and played some well driven long balls to switch the field. Look for him to make an impact in upcoming preseason games.
Off Field Highlight: Today's Off Field Highlight comes from dcunited.com's Molly Bruh
Today, D.C. United defender Kofi Opare pulled up a seat next to me to chat about a serious life choice facing many 20-30 somethings living in the DC-area-- Arlington or DC?
For most of his teammates, the answer is a no-brainer; Arlington takes the cake.
For a six-year DC resident such as myself, I think everyone should give the city a chance for at least a year. That was the answer I gave him.
The University of Michigan product wants a lively neighborhood, having spent the past few years in Ann Arbor and LA, but he has enjoyed the vibes in both Arlington and DC.
I thought we'd open this question up to the public. Where would you recommend Kofi lives?
Q&A with Ben Olsen:
DCU: What are you looking for in the second preseason game for this group?
BO: I’m looking forward to seeing a few guys who were out last game, mainly Nick DeLeon, Chris Rolfe and Markus Halsti. We need to get them incorporated and get them minutes. The goal with each game is to get better from a fitness and rhythm standpoint. We will look at the new guys and make sure we are getting a little sharper in everything we do each time we go out there. That’s the goal each time as we get ready for Costa Rica.
DCU: How do you think the guys have held up so far this preseason? How would you assess the group?
BO: I think we have pushed them pretty hard, and I think they have responded in the right way. They prepared themselves in the off season, and that’s helped us as we have had to push their fitness and quicken things up in preparations for how early a meaningful CONCACAF game comes for us this season.
DCU: In the last couple days what’s training going to be like? Do you focus on fitness or more on game preparations at this stage?
BO: It’s all of the above. It’s fitness. It’s fine tuning our identity and how we are going to play. It’s evaluating the guys that are new. It’s incorporating some of the new guys who have been signed. There’s so much to accomplish in such a short amount of time, and you can’t accomplish it all, but you can take those first few steps and prepare as best you can for these early games in CONCACAF. But it’s all a process. It’s about increasing the fitness and rhythms as we head in to the season.
NOTES: See the updated Preseason Roster
Trialists Mamadou “Footy” Danso and Richard McCallumn are no longer with the team.
Goalkeeper Travis Worra is now on trial.
