Training Notes: September 30, 2014

With the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs hanging in the balance, D.C. United returned to training and set its eyes on Friday’s big Eastern Conference match up versus Sporting Kansas City. With a win or a tie Friday night, United will be the first Eastern Conference team to clinch a playoff berth. Kansas City, who is currently tied for second place in the Eastern Conference with the New England Revolution, is trying to avoid being swept by United for the first time since 2006.

While the team began its usual 5v2 warm up, Bobby Boswell was on the sideline getting mic’ed up by Monumental Network for an inside look at the captain of the Black-and-Red. Once the microphone was in place, it was time for a circuit workout where the team was split in four groups that transitioned from one station to the next. First up, throwing a medicine ball in the air and sprinting down the sideline, then jumping over stationary hurdles and finished with forward bounding jumps in to cones placed on the ground. Once the blood was pumping, it was time to get some touches.

Two groups of passing squares were set out for the guys to ensure a high number of touches in a short amount of time. Passing sequences ranged from a simple give and go, to a diagonal ball across the square and finally one touch passing. After a quick water break, the guys were broken in to three teams, where one team attacked the other on half the field, while the third side waited for the team defending to steal the ball and attack the other goal on a quick counter. So let’s say the green team was playing offense and attacking the red team on half the field , the blue team would be waiting on the other half of the field for the green side to steal the ball and attack them. Once the blue team stole the ball, they would then take it to the other side and attack the red team, and vice-versa.

From there, team sides played 11 vs. 11, full field, before breaking down in to individual shooting drills on Bill Hamid and Joe Willis. With only two more training sessions before taking on Sporting Kansas City at 8 p.m. EST at RFK Stadium Friday night , United's goal is punching its playoff ticket.