Here is an update from training camp. I wanted to especially focus on how the roster looks to be sitting with the impending contract/budget compliance date coming up for the league on Monday. I will also post something later on that analyzes how I think the roster will look come March 28th.
GENERAL
The team is looking good. It appears that at this point the focus has been on the same diamond 4-4-2 formation that we saw last season. The returning players appear to be very comfortable in these roles. There is more of a focus on wing-backs with Beltran, Joy and Wingert filling in out wide. Speaking of Beltran - one observation is that he is vastly improved. Look for him to be a contributor this season.
ROOKIES
Cox - I heard some comparisons to Tony Beltran from a season ago. A quick player that can play left-back or left-wing. Has a good soccer knowledge, and a high confidence level. Seems to be adjusting well to the pro level, although there is definitely still a learning curve. He's more of an attacking player than Beltran, but look for him to make the roster.
Alexandre - No updates on him, but since he is already signed by the league, he's a lock to make the roster.
TRIALISTS
Escalada - As reported earlier, his fitness is improving. The team reportedly likes his finishing ability (despite the missed PK). Look for him to move on in the game of Real Salt Lake Survivor and stick with the team through the Charleston Tournament.
St. Preux - Again a marginal, developmental player. I'm guessing it's a long-shot that he'll make the team, especially if the team is high on Escalada. If he makes the Charleston roster it will be a minor surprise.
Salazar - Appears to be an average player, but he is a left-sided guy. As of now, Will is likely the starter at this position, and the team would ideally like to see him playing on the right. The team would also like to add a true wide player to go along with Will's tremendous enjoy and Javi's technical ability. If Salazar makes the team, it's likely just to add depth and it may be a temporary move which brings us to...
El Khalifi - As reported yesterday, the team is still active in negotiations with him. I assumed that there was a big rush to get him in for the last few weeks of pre-season. I'm sure they'd like to do this, but also don't write-off the possibility of him joining at a later stage (either prior to the April 15th window close or even during the summer window). I think the bringing in of a left-sided midfielder in Salazar is an indication that the team is looking for an insurance policy at this position.
Clark - No update on this player (as keepers tend to be off in their own little world during practice), but I think we'll know all we need to know by next Wednesday. I would be surprised to see the team take 4 keepers to Charleston.
INJURIES
Morales- has a minor injury, and is being held out largely for precautionary measures. Unknown at this point if he will play in the exhibition tomorrow.
Nunez - recovering from surgery.
Borchers/Russell - Both appear to be back at around 90%, and are participating fully in practice.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Training Camp Updates
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Camp Update From Javier Morales
Javier Morales was kind enough to pass along his perspective on training camp. Please note, we received this prior to the USF match, but are late in getting it up because of translation. Here are Javi's thoughts:
Impressions about training camp: The truth is that the preseason is very difficult, but luckily the work we are doing is very good and we are training well; above all we know that what we are doing now is very important for the rest of the season.
Impressions about the preseason games: I have not yet participated in any of the games, but my teammates have played well and we are about to begin to play more competitive games, and we hope to do well.
What do you do away from the field: Not much because the majority of the time we are training, but in the little time that remains one passes on the internet or in our rooms, because while we’re away it is the only moment we have to speak with family.
On the weather: Luckily it is a little more temperate here now than in Salt Lake and we can enjoy it a little more.
Anything interesting that is happening: Not right now ha ha!
Impressions on players/trialists: They are young players with a lot of desire to stick with the team, but the team is already strong so there are few possibilities for them, but one respects their desire to join the team.
How unified is the team?: We are very unified and this helps us get to know each other even better as we spend so much time together.
Injuries: There are many in camp especially when the training sessions are demanding like ours, but luckily none of these injuries have been serious. Let’s hope it continues this way!
Comparisons between this year and last: I think the biggest difference is that last year we were a group of people who only recently got to know each other, but now we know each other well and we have a little more experience. If God wills this year will be even better than the last!
Literally anything else: A greeting to all of the fans of Real – we hope you support us this year as well as you did last year!
Thanks again to Javi for helping us all to Keep it Real!
(and many thanks to Bill for the translation)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Few Small Camp Tidbits
I was hoping to get some camp info today, but unfortunately my contact there has fallen ill. There are a few things that he did pass along:
- Viveros was again delayed because of visa issues.
- Apparantly Viveros and Olave are close. I know that they played together for two seasons, but I hadn't really thought about this. If Olave's girlfriend and child are still not here, this could be really welcome for Olave.
- Escalada and Jorginho are very friendly, and are extremely excited about the opportunity with RSL and with MLS.
FINALLY- Check back often. On Sunday we'll have insight coming directly from the match.
