There’s a sense of ease to forward Patrick Mullins as he works through drills on United's training field. He’s calm and collected as he smoothly dribbles around cones and makes crisp passes.
That sense of total ease is not a reflection of nonchalance, though, as Mullins is strictly business and fully focused on bouncing back from a season hampered by injuries. That process began earlier this week when training camp opened and the forward arrived ready to reset.
“I think from a health standpoint I definitely was more concentrated on making sure all the parts, and the whole of my body, are working at their optimal capability,” Mullins said. “That was a big element of my offseason training.”
Despite being limited to just 20 appearances, Mullins tied Luciano Acosta for the team’s Golden Boot Award with five goals in 2017, which was an encouraging sign of his scoring abilities when he is at full capacity.
In addition to following the offseason recommendations of the coaching staff for fully recovering and preparing for 2018, Mullins received the unique opportunity to train with Premier League side Swansea City A.F.C. last December. While in Wales, he made the most of being in such a different environment.
“I learned some things about myself,” Mullins said. “You always learn when you’re in a new environment and around different players, especially at a Premier League quality. On the field, I think it made me a little bit sharper and a little more tuned in, also to see things like desire and what it takes to be at that level.”
Mullins also received offseason training advice from United’s new Head of Sports Science and Fitness, Jonny Northeast, who joins the Black-and-Red from Swansea. Northeast made sure to connect with Mullins and the rest of the club over the offseason in regard to maintaining performance levels.
“Working with our new performance coach, Jonny Northeast, was beneficial” Mullins said. “I want to make sure I'm ready to meet the expectations of our team this season.”
And those expectations are high. Mullins' first year with the Black-and-Red in 2016 was a standout year that featured career-best totals in goals (8) and his first professional hat trick. He became a key piece in United’s attack, and was disappointed when injuries prevented him from having the chance to build on the big year.
With that in mind, Mullins arrived to D.C. ready to work. The eight-month MLS regular season can be physically and mentally grueling, and with the fresh start of a new season, Mullins is refreshed and refocused on just getting things done.
“I'm staying quiet and working hard,” Mullins said. “I think that’s a big thing for us going forward to make sure we gel and take care of our daily tasks and make sure we’re ready when the season starts.”
One of the main challenges of the season will be the Black-and-Red's extensive road schedule before the club moves into their new home at Audi Field on July 14. While a long road trip can help a team build stronger bonds, it will also challenge United's fitness and will force the squad to find a way to earn consistent results on the road.
While the 2018 campaign will be somewhat out-of-the-norm with its stretch of away matches followed by an extended homestand, Mullins is confident in the group and the coaching staff’s plan for the road ahead.
“The coaching staff is definitely making sure that we’re ready in how they designed our preseason,” Mullins said. “I think they’re going to be on top of that to make sure that we’re ready for the challenges that you see on the road when it comes to the travel, the type of games, and the playing styles.”
Regardless of 2018's scheduling challenges, Mullins is aiming high, and is confident he and the team can bounce back from last year. As the Black-and-Red gear up for a fresh start to a new season, Mullins believes it all starts with a positive mindset and setting a high standard.
“It’s my goal to have a good year individually, and as a team to make sure that we play to our full potential. I think that is the most important thing for me going in at this point in preseason.”
