Location: Bradenton, FL
After two days of testing and training in Washington, D.C. (see the photo gallery), the Black-and-Red have safely landed in Florida to begin the team’s first preseason camp of the 2015 Major League Season. After a flight to Tampa, the team grabbed some lunch, hopped on a bus and made its way to Bradenton, which will serve as home base for the next two weeks.
After a quick check-in at the hotel, the team will grab its equipment, load in vans and head to IMG Academy for it first training session of the trip. A sunny afternoon awaits the Black-and-Red with current temperatures in the mid-60’s with a slight breeze, picture perfect for soccer.
Team notes:
- Perry Kitchen and Steven Birnbaum were named to the U.S. Men’s National Team 23-player roster that will face Chile and Panama. The group was scheduled to travel to Santiago on Saturday morning in advance of the USA’s opening match of 2015 against Chile on Wednesday, Jan. 28, in Rancagua (6 p.m., FOX Sports 1).
- The team announced Friday that Eddie Johnson will miss the first three weeks of preseason due to medical reasons.
- D.C. United Academy forward Eryk Williamson – who will be a guest player while the team is in Floriday – as well as Andrew Driver and goalkeeper Diego Restrepo have joined the group down in Florida. See the full preseason roster.
Quote of the day
Team operations coordinator Rory Molleda: “So what did you get from Quiznos?”
Andrew Dykstra: “A sandwich.” (Slight smile and walks away, satisfied with his response.)
