After two light days, Day 3 put the guys right into the heart of preseason and those dreaded two-a-days.
As the temperature in Florida is slowly starting to rise, so is the intensity of these sessions. With 35 people vying for just 28 positions, every touch counts for those trying to secure a spot in Black-and-Red.
The shape of the center of the field seems entirely up for grabs. Offseason transactions created an opportunity for the technical staff to re-evaluate how United’s midfield will take form in 2016. Newcomers Patrick Nyarko and Lamar Neagle, both known for their speed along the touchline from their time in Chicago and Seattle, respectively, spent time on the wings during training today. Nyarko showed flashes of his pinpoint accuracy on corners and attacking-third crosses as the team went to goal on a few of the drills.
Forwards Chris Rolfe and Fabián EspÃndola spent some time up top together and displayed some of the attacking chemistry we saw throughout the 2015 season, which resulted in a career year for Rolfe (team-leading 10 goals) and another solid season from Fabi (team-leading 7 assists).
With Rolfe and Fabi are looking to rekindle some magic, there are some other veteran players looking to turn heads as well. Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kevan George, who spent four years with Columbus Crew SC, has looked impressive in the middle of the field, sitting in front of the back four.
As the first two-a-day ended, the competition is really beginning to heat up, and the first exhibition match of 2016 (Friday, January 29) is quickly approaching.
