Were just three days into the preseason and things are already picking up. The team spent the first couple of days doing drills and playing small sided games(6 vs. 6), but today they stepped it up a notch in preparation for their first preseason game against UCF this Sunday. The team is still missing Chris Rolfe, John Thorrington and Jon Busch, all of whom are still training with the U.S. Men's National Team. They will be absent at least until the USA vs. Mexico World Cup qualifier on February 11th. Then we'll find out if they are going to stay with the national team for a longer period of time. Two highly regarded players that have made their way to training camp are McBride and Blanco. With their presence they bring experience, great competition and leadership to what some may consider a young team.Today the team played 11 vs. 11, but instead of playing a full 90 minutes, they cut the two halves down to 25 minutes each. I'm assuming the coaches are still taking things somewhat lightly(if you can believe that), however, I did hear that they have already let a couple of players go.
As far as Jata is concerned, I've gotten word that he's playing like a man on a mission. Today's game ended in a 0-0 tie, but Jata played attacking mid and got off a few good shots in the first full field game he's played since the MLS combine. In just three days the team will take on the University of Central Florida and I'm hoping to make it there to see Jata show the coaches what they never expected to see out of a 4th round draft pick. Check back in on Monday for more updates....
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