Training in Provo, 6-2-05

[hansel]

Watched training today here in Provo. The team didn't do a whole lot, just went over some game-day routines that we couldn't hear. Ralston and Wolff came and practiced free-kicks for a while, that may be some evidence of who's starting on Saturday. BTW, their kicks were all over the place to tell you truth.

There was a decent crowd that came out to get autographs afterwards, and I was standing near one of their vans. Steve Cherundolo came out to hop in the van, and I think everyone assumed he was a ball boy or something, because no one really bothered him. He was locked out, so he just leaned on the van, one foot away from me. So I said, "Hey Steve, what's up?" He said, "Hey, man," and we talked for a little bit. He said he's really liking Germany now, and is planning on staying for as long as he can. I didn't know that it had been seven years already that he'd been there. I told him that I think he's locking up his position at right back for the World Cup, and he said, "Yeah, well, I'm having fun, so let's hope so." I got to talk to him for a while. Overall, he was a really modest, humble guy. He came across as really friendly. And he was short, but he looked taller than 5'6".

[SamsArmySam]

Thanks for taking the time to post.

[SccrDon]

Did JOB train?

[PhasiBon]

I was there too and watching you talk to him, hansel, I suppose I know who you are. Guy wearing a NIKE hat, huh? I was surprised to see nobody even bothered to ask for an authograph from Cherundolo, so I used the moment to take a picture with him too.

Overall, players were open and accessible. Donavan was the last one to leave due to the demand of authograph takers.

Few bits about practice. Keller said he's starting on Saturday (surprise!). Free kick practice didn't go too well and Bruce was rather upset. He also screamed a few times because players had a hard time concentrating. Who knows what that means.

I took some pictures and I'll post them later on tonight when I get back home.

[forza inter]

awesome you guys!!

thanks alot for the information its really appreciated. i hope the rest of training goes smoother than today, and hopefully you guys will get to take some more pictures, etc.

i cant wait till the us game in august in CT, that field is 15 from my house i wonder if i will get as lucky as you all!!


forza inter

[hansel]

Sweet! I've got corroboration. Thanks Phasibon. Yeah, I was wearing my Nike USA Soccer hat. Which guy were you? I took a couple of pictures for a few different guys, maybe you were one of them.

JOB trained, I saw him coming off with ice on his calf. Pracautionary, I'm sure, as he had calf tightness last week. I didn't see Frankie Hejduk there at all, at training or coming out. I'm wondering if he's sick or something.

[PhasiBon]

hansel-
I was the one wearing England's jacket. BYU soccer head coach even told me I'm wearing a wrong jacket today. I'm not American, so it doesn't apply.

[losgatosfan]

Thanks for the reports, and congrats on being able to get up close with some of the players. I wonder if the guys who play in Europe get pissed that Donovan gets all the attention in the US, or if they would just as soon have it that way (stay out of the limelight so they can walk around and live a normal life....)

Any further insight on who might start Saturday based on the today's practice?

[sabretarheel]

I wasn't at training or anything, but from the clips of the scrimmage between the MNT and Real Salt Lake, Beasely looked anything but injured. He either plays through pain exceptionally well, is nearly healed, or both. I don't know if he'll start Saturday, and if he does I'd doubt he goes 90, but wow, he showed no signs of being tenative, and showed a remarkable amount of skill with the ball at his feet. PSV has done him well...

[appoo]

JOB trained, I saw him coming off with ice on his calf. Pracautionary, I'm sure, as he had calf tightness last week. I didn't see Frankie Hejduk there at all, at training or coming out. I'm wondering if he's sick or something.

he was there

http://picsrv.ussoccer.com/?fif=/ussf/img_6_4445.jpg&obj=iip,1.0&wid=280&hei=222&bgc=254,254,254&rgn=0,0,0,0&cvt=jpeg

[2-0 Baby]

Was GAM training? (any bets on when this turns into a thread about which one we'd like to ************?)

[appoo]

Was GAM training? (any bets on when this turns into a thread about which one we'd like to ************?)

you put that light sabre away

[BlackLotus]

i have to tell you guys something - those of you who have been going to USMNT practice and posting your experiences on this site, are giving the most exciting, informative, and useful posts on this entire USA section! you guys rock.

[PhasiBon]

I have to add a thought to what I already wrote, since few of you are interested.

They were mainly practicing shots and set pieces after some warm up. I remember hearing Bruce saying that Costa Rica has big guys on the offense so they'll have to be particularly careful with crosses and free kicks (defence practiced that quiet a bit with offense grabbing the ball quick and counter attacking on high speed). They'll surely need concentration there.

Despite the lack of focus at times, team seem to be in a good mood. I heard a lot of laughter and they were all cheering whenever somebody made a good shot. I don't know if that will translate into finishes on the field, but they looked confident.

McBride probably impressed me the most on a personal level. When you start talking to him, he would look to you straight in the eyes (which is seldom with athletes of this level) and even shook my hand first when I wished him luck.

[amesfirequakes]

he was there

http://picsrv.ussoccer.com/?fif=/ussf/img_6_4445.jpg&obj=iip,1.0&wid=280&hei=222&bgc=254,254,254&rgn=0,0,0,0&cvt=jpeg

not JOB, but someone from RSL. U.S. was in grey. i thought the same thing when i first saw it. however, a first hand account that he was practicing is good enough for me. can't wait for him to get back in the lineup.

amy

[forza inter]

you put that light sabre away


i DEFINATELY just almost choked to death when i saw that. damn that was funny



forza inter

[Daren Spencer]

That's how he steals your soul.

Is that how he got yours?

[hansel]

GAM was training. I didn't see him taking many free kicks, but he was kicking the ball around with the other guys (which is about the extent of what they did the whole time anyway), and he came off and took a few pics and signed some autographs.

Ditto on McBride. I'm sure some of you have interacted with him before, but I was just really impressed by the way he carries himself. He was taking pictures with kids, talking with adults, he really makes you feel like he appreciates the fact that you're a fan. Basically all of the players acted this way to tell you the truth, but McBride maybe even more so. He's all class. He'd probably make a pretty decent coach, at least on the P.R. side of things. (maybe pretty soon here) :) But I guess he's got some seasons left at the club level.

I didn't see a single player turn down a picture or autograph request. I was impressed.

[PhasiBon]

I didn't see a single player turn down a picture or autograph request. I was impressed.
Question is, where did Arena go? He didn't go out through that gate did he? Perhaps he went the other way around to practice some of his golf skills.

[hansel]

hehe, no I actually got to talk to Bruce real quick. He and Mooch were about the last ones out of the gate. I just said, "Hey Bruce great job. Good luck on Saturday." He made that sort of smile face that he always has and said, "thank you, and thanks for your support." Bruce really is a little weird i think.