Chances are if you're reading this, it might still be a level two snow emergency outside. It looks like we got out of C-bus just in time.
Two weeks ago we departed before most people our age go to sleep. Buschy's age? Now that's a different story. Anyway, declaring it an "early bird" flight would be an understatement. We gathered dreary-eyed in the Port Columbus terminal prepared for yet another preseason in Bradenton, Florida. Amidst crossword puzzles, computers touting music or DVDs, and sacked lunches required by our new fitness aficionado, Steve-o, we got the show on the road.
Enter: fitness
For the next six days, we had intense fitness training with Steve-o and Jim Liston. These double-day sessions reared such fearsome names as "Beep Test" and "Christmas Tree," with an obstacle course or prolonged doggies added here and there.
Being in such a nice facility with a new team atmosphere, everyone was itching to play. We all put our anxiety on hold and I was very impressed with not only the overall fitness of the team, but the determination to finish drills faster or push teammates to do better. Although most of the team dreads the running, it was a great foundation for what looks to be a special year.
Enter: soccer.
With only a handful of training sessions under our belts and recuperating legs carrying us all, our first showing vs. D.C. was just that: lack of sharpness and heavy legs. We quickly agreed to put that game behind us.
As they always do, trainings became sharper as teammates became either acquainted or reunited with one another. After the D.C. loss, we had a better performance against Chicago, but unfortunately failed to get a win with the game resulting in a 0-0 tie.
A couple of sessions off, mixed with pool workouts and better training, saw us ready to compete in the annual Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Match vs. Real Salt Lake in Tampa. Right off the bat the intensity was high and regardless of who was on the field, it never dropped. A 90-minute effort resulted in a 2-1 victory and a happy ride back to Bradenton, except for the erratic driving of the lead "equipment" van.
To wrap up the first part of preseason, we ended on a high note with yet another victory against Kansas City. Once again, the effort and focus to get a "W" was incredible. Many positives were achieved in this first leg of preseason, but I was most impressed with the cohesiveness we obtained in our short stint in Bradenton. It speaks volumes for what will come.
Everyone always asks me how I deal with so much free time. Honestly, between morning and afternoon sessions, team meals and treatment, most free time is spent resting. Ned (Grabavoy) swears and most will concur that (Chris) Leitchy suffers from narcolepsy, so he sleeps more than most. Yes, even more than Chad (Marshall). However, if you were walking around our housing community you would often see Chad following in the footsteps of Jason Garey and his fishing tour. While it was said Chad struck out, Jason dominated every pond in the facility. That is, if he could fit it in between photo shoots.
There were plenty of sporting events on TV that guys would gather to watch. A big group got together to watch the Super Bowl, which turned into a Rex Grossman Roast. Between rejoicing while watching Duke basketball fall out of the top 25 and keeping up with everyone's favorite TV show (American Idol Jed [Zayner], really?), I could be found in one of four places. Hot tub, ping-pong table (Rusty Pierce is the reigning champ. Not for long), bed or my second home, Starbucks.
Frankie (Hejduk), Duncan (Oughton) and I would frequent the Starbucks for a fix of doppio espressos and to knock out a USA Today crossword. I aspire to get on Frankie's level. The guy is an espresso beast. Jacob Thomas would occasionally join us and order a "tall-double-no-whip-soy-two-pump-vanilla-latte." If you have ever seen Jacob, you might be surprised by this drink choice. And who knows what Joe Ngwenya does on his free time? Your guess is as good as anyone's.
Oh, and I almost forgot. We also had the privilege of spending Valentine's Day together. After our loved ones received their flowers or chocolate or other thoughtful gifts, we were left alone. I truly had a special evening: a date with Danny Szetela (who, by the way, needs to find a nickname and is looking for suggestions) and Eddie Gaven at a local sushi restaurant. I don't know if it was because it took them three hours to bring us our food or because when we got it Szetela ate it all, but at the end I was still starving. Guess you can't put a price on company, right?
Well folks, we're embarking on phase two of our preseason venture in Phoenix, with games against Dallas and an international match vs. Juarez of Mexico. We're hoping rookie Brad Evans will be of use in his hometown. Until next time, stay warm.
Never forgetting his shaker-bottle,
D.O.
