Monday, August 25, 2008

Back on the Training Field

For the first time since taking the job a week ago, Bruce Arena had nearly his full team out on the field for training this morning as Becks, fresh off his appearance in Beijing and a morning arrival in Los Angeles, Eddie and Landon were all in uniform and participating in training.

Those three joined up with Ante, Pete and Troy (wearing grey) to win a 6v6 tournament that was held to close out the tactical side of the session. In the final round, the teams played five minute games with the first team to score twice declared the winner. In a winner take all final against the team of Klein, Munoz, Vanney, Franklin, Randolph and Buddle (wearing red), LD and Eddie scored to give their team the title and more importantly, bragging rights for the day.

However, despite their tournament win, those guys still had to run as much as the rest of the team to close the session, before Bruce got the group together for a quick chat.

Here is a series of photos that we took during today's session.

Bruce prepares to start one of the games during the 6v6 tournament.


The teams prepare for the final...

Greg Vanney get away from Pete...

Eddie Lewis, in his first practice with the club, goes at Chris Klein... (read more from Eddie here)

Josh Tudela leads his team in their section of the run...

While Greg Vanney and Mike Munoz lead the way for the defeated finalists...

Here are the champions...

So good that they get two photos...

Following the run, Bruce talked with his team as they stretched...

Eddie listens on now that training session number one is officially in the books.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great Update, love the pictures.

charlesj27 said...

Guys - thanks for the valuable updates on the team (even if it's simplistic/routine things like training regimen, drills, running, scrimmages). To us, true soccer fans - all of these things are important and essential in helping us to understand the players' mindset, form, stamina, and qualitites. Please continue to update us with all of these great pics + audio + video. What a trooper Eddie is. The man has a gash on his upper brow, possible head-aches and what not - but, he still manages to make it to training and participate. That's character. And, let's not forget David - straight from the airport itself. Are these qualitites that can be taught and integrated to the youngsters in our team? I mean, I know Bruce and Dave are good managers... but, there has to be the willingness and inclination in people to be pure winners - to succeed. I hope the mistakes and lapses are being seriously addressed and corrected. It's good to see Brandon, Sean, and Troy all participating and running again. I hope Brandon is able to heal correctly. I wish we could see Joey out on the field with the guys also. Is Alvaro okay? Was he at training today? What about Alan? I didn't see him either. Wait?... Is that Clint Mathis wearing the #33 yellow jersey running with the rest of the team? Isn't he already traded to Real Salt Lake? Is he here just for a visit again? So can someone please update us regarding Eduardo - as to why he has not seen any playing time??? He's not injured... He seems to be running okay... he's very knowledgeable about his duties - so what's the story???

Anonymous said...

Charles,

Clint is now with RSL. He was traded a couple of weeks ago.

Anonymous said...

Charles,

Clint Mathis was traded to RSL a couple of weeks ago.

Ben7 said...

Great to see McDonald healthy again, will he be ready to play soon.

same goes for Lewis, has he been given #6 ?

Who's that guy with the yellow shirt and the #33 ?

Mathis had this number while with the G's, but he's at RSL now.

charlesj27 said...

Jorge, thanks for the update - I was pretty sure that I did indeed read on both the RSL news page and on our LAG news page that Clint Mathis was traded to Real Salt Lake in return for us getting 4th Round "CONDITIONAL" Picks. Unless, RSL thought it needed to change its original plans for Clint - since they've got a hold of Will Johnson (Striker from Canada). May be Clint Mathis told Jason Kreis that if at all possible to let him go to be back with LAG now that Bruce and Dave are running the show???
Ben7 - Yes, it's great to see Brandon out there on the field running again. YES, Eddie Lewis has been assigned the #6. And, yes - when Clint joined LAG much earlier this year, his jersey number designation was #33. If one takes a look at the pic - the profile really does look like Clint. Again - he could just be here getting back into shape and getting more training from his former USMNT coach.

Justin said...

Hmm who is #33, it must be someone just visiting cause we have not heard about anyone being in for tryouts besides the kids. Great stuff keep up the good work but can we get someone to answer some of our Q's?

Anonymous said...

You are welcome Charles. As for Mathis, I think he's played in a couple of games as a sub for RSL to help him get back in form.