CARSON, Calif. - Barely four days into 2006, United States national team manager Bruce Arena welcomed nearly 30 players into camp, most of whom had spent a good portion of the previous two months off any soccer field.
Three weeks into the USA's training camp, Arena said the team - constituted almost entirely of those who ply their trade in Major League Soccer - is still feeling effects of such lengthy vacations.
"You always need to be patient, realizing the amount of time off these players have had. The expectations can't be too great," Arena said. "We realize it's going to take some time to settle in."
Sunday, the U.S. will play its third competitive match in a span of eight days when Norway visits The Home Depot Center. Last Sunday, the U.S. tied Canada 0-0 in San Diego; the next day, the U.S. beat Swedish side Hammarby 2-1 in a 90-minute match at The Home Depot Center.
At this point, results are seemingly not important. Arena said getting players an ample amount of quality time on the field is a priority.
"The thing we wanted to accomplish with these games on Sunday and Monday (was) to give a number of players 90 minutes for the first time in a long time. Out of both games, we had 15 players who played a full 90 minutes and two others that played 90 minutes over two days and that's a real plus right now," Arena said.
As is the case with the players in camp, Arena played several tested and proven World Cup veterans for 90 minutes, including two-time World Cup veteran Eddie Pope (Real Salt Lake) and three-time MLS Cup winner Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy). Also, New England Revolution keeper Matt Reis played in his first official U.S. match while Galaxy defenders Ugo Ihemelu and Todd Dunivant saw action against Hammarby.
FC Dallas striker Eddie Johnson played just 21 minutes against Canada before succumbing to a leg injury that was later diagnosed as a bruised right calf. Arena said Johnson is doubtful for Sunday's match against Norway; Johnson has not practiced all week.
The matches are coming at a good time for the players. Even though their fitness level is improving with each training session, only matches can provide players a full test.
"You can run around all you want with a fitness coach but you have to play games. Getting 90 minutes in is valuable. Hopefully that pays some dividends these next couple of games," Arena said.
Against Canada, the U.S. fired blanks for 90 minutes. Even with a three-pronged attack of Josh Wolff, Brian Ching and Taylor Twellman - Major League Soccer's reigning MVP - the U.S. could not get on the scoreboard. Second-half substitutes Chris Rolfe, Johnson and Freddy Adu did not fare any better.
Against Hammarby, though, the offense showed signs of life. Rolfe and Pat Noonan each scored a goal. Intense training sessions this week have the team in a good position for the United States' second official match of 2006.
"I think our performance should be better this week than it was last week," Arena said. "They're another week in camp, they should be getting over the hump in terms of the physical demands and they should be getting sharper on the ball. Hopefully the performance on Sunday will be better."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
