We all assembled for preseason this year feeling like we
just missed our main goal (MLS Cup) by a whisker last year. There was a sense
of excitement and anticipation, obviously because we learned in the offseason
about the coaching change and everyone was curious to meet the new staff and
get things started.
Setting off for preseason
in four different cities, Phoenix, Guadalajara, Jackson and Houston our time on
the road was definitely a learning process especially with a new staff coming
in. We learned a couple of different formations and also the coaches instilled
their philosophy in us and also tried to find the perfect fit for each player.
There is always a sad feeling during pre season because a
team can potentially lose some players and there were a few guys from last
year’s team we lost this preseason (good luck to them). We also had a couple of
additions to the team this season.
Throughout our time prepping for the MLS campaign, all
the guys got to know each other -- the staff got to know the players and the
players got to know the staff but the one thing that was on all our minds was
kicking off 2010 against the New York Red Bulls in their new stadium.
Behind all the excitement in playing in at
a new stadium, we were hungry to get our season off to a good start with
an away victory. We went in there and with a great atmosphere in the background
we set out to control the game, battling through the entire match we
unfortunately ended up losing by a lone goal. We came away disappointed because
we felt we were the better team on the day. We convinced ourselves we did a lot
of good things and looked forward to building off the performance the next week
against the Colorado Rapids.
We had a good week of training and headed to Denver
feeling confident we could get a result. We got off to a somewhat slow start
and trailed at the half but we came out stronger in the second half and leveled
the score. It was back-and-forth action throughout the rest of the came and it
eventually ended in 2-2 tie. Though we go into every game wanting to win, we
were somewhat content with the point for the fact that Colorado is very good at
home and a very difficult place to play.
We are excited to come back home and play in front of our
fans at Toyota Park. The last time we played here for the Conference
Championship the fans created an amazing atmosphere that spurred on our
performance. We know the supporters are going to come out in numbers and we are
looking forward to playing well and hopefully rewarding them with a victory to
kick off the great season at home that we’re all expecting.
For us to win the game on Saturday, we need to execute
what we’ve learned in training. We need to be extremely disciplined for every
minute of the game. We need to respect the opponent and stay absolutely
concentrated and of course play our game.
Most importantly we need
YOU, the fans, to get us there!
See You Saturday!
