MetroStars head coach Bob Bradley is pleased with his team's progress through their two-week training camp in Ecuador, he said in a live teleconference call Monday afternoon. The team will return to the New York metropolitan area on Thursday before departing for their final international training camp on March 13 in Trinidad & Tobago.
"We've done a very good job of using this time in Ecuador to move ourselves along, especially on the physical side," said Bradley. "There has been a lot of fitness work, the weather is hot and humid, and I think the players have responded well. It's not always easy to incorporate that kind of work with still regular training and playing matches. We look forward to our game against Barcelona (Tuesday) night and then heading home, feeling like we have a good solid two weeks of work behind us."
Bradley discussed the numerous players that have been on trial with the MetroStars in Ecuador, though he opted not to go into specifics on the club's plans for who will likely remain with the club beyond the Ecuador jaunt. In addition to the numerous Latin America-based players getting a workout with the club is former Chicago Fire starting goalkeeper Henry Ring, released by FC Dallas on Feb. 21.
Having coached Ring during his time in Chicago, Bradley invited the Tennessee native to join the club in South America.
"I wanted to see where he was at this time," said Bradley about Ring. "I feel like he has handled himself pretty well. He's a good worker, so certainly in that regard he fits in well with the other goalkeepers that [assistant coach] Des [McAleenan] has here. We're just trying to use it as one more measure for where we are."
Another goalkeeper that Bradley has been keeping a close eye on is Jonny Walker, his regular starter in the 2004 season. After an offseason shoulder operation, the U.S. national team 'keeper is nearing full fitness, though Bradley said he is still unsure exactly when he could step back between the posts for the Red-and-Black.
"Jonny has worked very hard here," said Bradley. "He has done a lot of strengthening with [head athletic trainer] Stu Schwerner. Des has put him through a lot of sessions in terms of footwork. He has started the process of now handling some balls and that sort of thing. I think we're making good progress. I don't know [if he'll be ready for the season opener]. It will depend on what we see in the next few weeks. I think he has passed the test thus far very well, but it's the final test in terms of actually playing that will give you an answer as to when he's ready to get back on the field."
Also impressing Bradley in Ecuador have been the club's young signings, as well as more experienced members of the team such as Amado Guevara.
"I'm very pleased with (the young) guys," said Bradley. "The work load has been very high and these guys have all handled it really well. They continue to push themselves and compete hard in training everyday. The young guys have shown a good ability to work very hard like you need to in preseason. That has been very positive."
Of the Honduras international, Bradley said: "I felt like in the first part of things in Florida, Amado was still sort of settling in and getting back into it. Throughout this period he has worked very hard. It's so amazing to see how fast his fitness comes and how quickly he gets himself into playing shape."
Former France international and World Cup champion Youri Djorkaeff, who turns 37 on Wednesday, has already made his presence known within the team, stepping up to be a leader for the squad both on and off the field. Young MetroStars players are getting to know their superstar teammate and his experience is already paying dividends in Bradley's eyes.
"First off, he's a great guy," said Bradley. "You can tell the reason he has gained so much respect from teammates in the different places he has played. He carries himself well; he's a professional. He understands when you're in a situation like this in preseason it's not just what takes place on the field, but it's getting know players off the field, having time for the younger guys, all these things. I think he has made a tremendous first impression in all those ways. Technically, he is so good. His handling of the ball, his seeing of situations around him, those are qualities that have carried him through his career."
With less than a month to go before the start of the MLS season on April 2, Bradley is upbeat about where his team is currently, though he knows they still have a lot of work to do before opening the season at home against Real Salt Lake.
"We'll be excited to have a home opener," said Bradley. "I know people are already talking about Clint Mathis coming back to Giants Stadium. I still feel we have a ways to go, but I certainly feel like we've made a lot of progress in this camp."
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
