While it’s still uncertain which team United will face on Sunday, either the fourth seeded New York Red Bulls or fifth seeded Sporting Kansas City, the energy in practice was unquestionably high. The only notables missing from practice were Luis Silva, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, and Sean Franklin.
After agility and passing drills, the Black-and-Red had a high-intensity scrimmage. The game, which was half field 6v6, saw scoring start quick as Fabian Espindola struck a beautiful left-footed cross into the box that Eddie Johnson finished off with a header just three minutes into the scrimmage. Chris Rolfe, who is still recovering from injury, looked good in the scrimmage having three shots and adding an assist. The scrimmage ended with a goal from Lewis Neal that just beat the outstretched arms of Joe Willis.
Practice officially ended after that, but most players stayed outside and worked with coaches or just hung out with the rest of the team on the unusually warm afternoon.
The Black-and-Red will take the field on Sunday to kick off the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs, and will return home on November 8. Buy tickets
