The intensity is gradually ratcheting up as MLS preseason training continues at a variety of locations around the world. Catch all the other news and updates from MLS training camps below for Saturday, February 15. And for the entire February preseason schedule, click here.
FREI VS. HAHNEMANN
The battle for the Seattle Sounders’ top spot in goal is officially on. Check out head coach Sigi Schmid’s recent comments on what made him bring former Toronto FC man Stefan Frei to Seattle this offseason as Michael Gspurning left town, and what he brings to the challenge against incumbent Marcus Hahnemann.
LEWIS LEADS 'CAPS: Vancouver Whitecaps draft Andre Lewis was one of the talks of the MLS SuperDraft after fans learned he had actually already signed a deal with the NASL's New York Cosmos. The young Jamaican made a few more headlines on Sunday for a different reason: He scored the game-winner off an assist from Omar Salgado in Vancouver's win over the University of Victoria.
BARROUCH IS BACK: Orr Barouch is finally back on board with the Chicago Fire after a year-and-a-half on loan with Israeli Premier League side Bnei Yehuda. The 22-year-old forward is still dealing with the effects of a broken foot – he missed the team’s first two weeks of preseason training – but he said this weekend he should be ready for the team’s season opener on March 8.
VEGAS, BABY: The Colorado Rapids are back in Las Vegas in the ProSoccer Challenge for the second straight year (taking on Chivas USA Sunday night at 10:30 pm ET, live stream here) and turning a few heads in the local media. After finishing as the runner-up in the Rookie of the Year race last year, forward Deshorn Brown is posed for another big season in Denver. Says Colorado interim head coach Pablo Mastroeni: “He’s a physical specimen. He’s a monster.”
CASSAR SAYS: Kudos to new Real Salt Lake head coach Jeff Cassar for opening himself to the local fans over the weekend at the club’s 2014 Open House. The new boss fielded questions about the team’s iconic 4-4-2 diamond formation, integrating younger players into an aging lineup and what he thinks of Toronto FC’s offseason shopping spree.
