After Houston Dynamo's 3-1 win at Colorado Saturday, the club will get a welcomed break.
It's a tradition for Houston to go to team investor-operator Phil Anschutz's ranch near Denver on the team's first trip to the Mile High City.
The team will get 48 hours to relax and a chance to bond as well.
"It will be a good chance to get the guys together as a group," said goalkeeper Pat Onstad. "Since the team was solidified, we really haven't had a chance to get together as a group. It's always enjoyable up there. Mr. Anschutz treats us really well and it's a fantastic place to go. Guys seem to enjoy themselves when they're up there."
The Orange will be at the retreat Monday and Tuesday before heading back to the practice field Wednesday. While at the retreat, the team will not be with head coach Dominic Kinnear.
"I'm not going," Kinnear said. "It's just for the guys. It's a chance for them to enjoy it without any coaches around. It's a wonderful thing that Mr. Anschutz does for us each year inviting the guys to go. We have to take advantage of it. It's hard to pass up."
The players anticipate the trip each year as a chance to have fun and take a load off.
"I'm looking forward to it," said midfielder Dwayne De Rosario. "It's going to be fun. Last year we went, and it was fun. It's a good time to go up there and relax with the guys and get your mind off the game. Have fun a little bit. No balls, no soccer."
Houston will not play again until they go to Toronto on May 16, so this is a great chance for the team to get away from the game. But, the reward it brings might be another championship for Dynamo.
"I think most importantly, Dom recognizes when he's there, guys are a little reserved," Onstad said. "I think it's an opportunity for guys to relax and let themselves go and not think about soccer for 48 hours. At the same time, we can get together and bond. It's always done a lot. I think teams - at least, the Houston and San Jose teams that I have been a part of - that have gone up there always have successful seasons."
Jeremy Rakes is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
