Since the team kicked off training Wednesday morning, the guys have experienced both a morning and afternoon session. Friday was the first day since the team landed that the work load was cut back to just one session – but that doesn’t mean it was a light one.
Head Coach Mike Petke upped the intensity during Friday’s session, as the team went through a series of tactical drills centered on defending, footwork, and driving to the net.
Players paired up in an alternating attack-defend exercise for most of the session. Jamison Olave was assigned the task of defending Thierry Henry, and vice versa, while Tim Cahill was paired up with Heath Pearce. The goalkeepers rotated between Luis Robles and newcomer Santiago Castano, while Ryan Meara participated in isolated drills throughout the day. Whatever the case, the players were happy to steer away from some of the necessary fitness routines that filled the early stages of training camp, and instead start focusing more on possession and putting shots on frame.
A few more photos from training have been added to the ever-growing album over on our Facebook page. If you haven’t checked it out already, definitely make a point to do so. You’ll see a few pictures of Juninho in his Red Bulls kit, Fabian Espindola sporting a fresh haircut, along with Cahill and Henry back in action on the training pitch.
Over the next day or so we’ll also catch up with defender Heath Pearce to hear what he has to say about his first preseason camp with the Red Bulls, along with Brandon Barklage, who’ll talk about playing for Petke and his hopes for the season.
And of course, if you’re looking to keep tabs on the workouts and want to check out a few pics from training (before we add them to our Facebook album), we’ll continue to provide updates from the facilities in Bradenton, FL throughout the day on our Twitter feed.
