Training with the US National Team
Aloha. It’s been good to be back into US National Team camp. Getting to know some of the new guys and then seeing some old friends is always enjoyable. It’s funny because when you play against some of the guys, you really don’t like them on the field. But then you get to know them, you find out that they are great guys.
What I enjoy best is hearing some of the differences in approach that various MLS coaches have. Every team has a different approach to the preseason and every team has their own dynamic. Some teams run to get into shape while others play their way into shape. Some teams have plenty of two-a-day practices while others have very little. After comparing notes, I’m definitely not going to complain about the way we handle things with the Dynamo.
One thing that I am really enjoying is the weather here in Los Angeles. It has been fantastic compared to what we’ve had in Houston this month. The sun has been shining and the temperatures have been in the 60s and 70s. I guess I’m lucky because the guys have said that January was rainy and cold in LA.
Hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day and a Happy Chinese New Year!
Keep the faith, play hard…and all the best in prep for next week’s game vs El Salvador.
Aloha yourself Brian! 🙂
They say if you do what you love you’ll never work a day of your life.. Sounds like it’s true! Do you ever think about how lucky you are to do what you love for a living? Anything that has the word play in the job description would be okay in my book! haha but seriously, I think you guys work harder than most people think. I mean you really have to watch what you eat and excercise vigorously. Traveling all over the world sounds amazing to me but I’m sure to some people it might get tiring.
Either way, hope you guys are all working super hard to make us proud when you wear the US National jersey & play as a representation as the BEST soccer players in America!
I am just so excited to have the opportunity to watch you professionals play. U.S. Soccer is the best it’s ever been, and I am so proud of all of you!
I would love to see athletes really get involved in inspiring kids to get out play hard again. BTW, great job against El Salvador!
I hope this message reaches Brian and lets him know that many of his fans feel his pain regarding his omission from the National team squad. You worked so hard and deserved to be on the plane to S.A., but as you know sometimes it is out of our hands. You are a “class act” and your “aloha spirit” is clear in all that you do. I am a surfer and former avid soccer player and I have lost both these activities to illness. Last year I was surfing four hours a day and teaching Yoga(healthy 34 year old), and this year I can barely get out of bed on most days and I’m off to the Mayo Clinic to try and get a diagnosis next week. I was at the game against Italy in 2006 and I was supposed to be in S.A. for this year’s cup, but I was also “cut”, by this “mystery illness”. In perspective, you still have your health and you have already lived the dream as a professional soccer player, so don’t let Coach Bob’s decision get you too down. I’ve learned first hand, “S*it Happens”, the last wave you rode, closed out on you just when looked to be holding up…keep your head up and know you many fans that support you. Good luck to you this year and let this setback drive you to further success. Peace,
Matthaios