Costa Rica: Day 1
It was a blessing that D.C. United even got out of Dallas after an ice storm blanketed the area on Sunday night. Hundreds of flights were canceled – but not the team’s plane to Costa Rica – and a few hours later, the team was greeted by tropical 72-degree temperatures in San Jose and throngs of folks excited to see Jairo Arrieta.
The Costa Rican international played for local powerhouse Saprissa for six seasons before moving to Major League Soccer, and from his first step off the plan people were calling him by name and asking to shake his hand. From people at baggage claim to the security checkout to the throngs of media they all wanted one thing: Jairo. It was a rock star return to his home country.
Although it was dark upon arrival after a short bus ride to the hotel, it was easy to see the gorgeous outlines of the mountains in the background, and the two pools with cabanas around the lobby weren’t a bad touch either.
But this isn’t preseason; it’s business, evidenced by the film sessions before leaving Dallas and by the amount of attention the team has already garnered upon arriving in the country. The team will train for the next two days before Thursday’s showdown with Alajuelense. For the most up-to-date information and pictures check out D.C. United’s Instagram and follow the team along for the ride.
