Greetings from Chula Vista!
After arriving on Monday evening following the opening of 2018 Preseason presented by adidas at Starfire Sports in Tukwila, the Sounders held their first training session of the week on Tuesday morning.
The Grounds
This week's camp is held at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, which is a 155-acre sports complex that includes six grass fields. Formerly known as the Olympic Trainer Center, the city of Chula Vista took over operations in January 2017. The facility remains a hub for world-class athletes, though, with on-campus housing, dining and top-notch athletic facilities.
Sunny Delight
A stark contrast from Monday's bleak PNW weather on Monday, the Sounders trained for about 75 minutes in 65-degree sunshine. Sunscreen and water jugs aplenty, this week's forecast looks favorable for the Rave Green with zero precipitation and some light wind expected in the area.
Run, Players, Run
The focus of Tuesday's session was fitness, with players partaking in a series of running and agility drills. It was the first full-team session of 2018, as Monday's group was split between a regeneration session in the gym and the playing fields.
Fountain of Youth
Over 30 players are with the team in camp this week, including a half-dozen players from the Academy. Head Coach Brian Schmetzer brought down a similar group to preseason last year, emphasizing the importance for top teenage talent to learn, train and spend time with the First Team.
Quote of the Day
"It's gorgeous. I know Seattle is wet and rainy; we are happy to be down here. The facility is great... We are really, really happy to get out of the weather and be able to have some decent training sessions." - Brian Schmetzer
Photo of the Day
It's safe to say Román Torres is thriving in the California sunshine.
