After breaking the ice with their 2016 preseason debut on Monday, the Chicago Fire got after it Tuesday, getting their first double session under their belts at The PrivateBank Fire Pitch. Under the orchestration of head coach Veljko Paunovic, the team executed tactical training drills focused on long-and-short passing combinations, the optimization of space, and quickly building out of the back, among other things. Newly appointed strength and conditioning coach Jordan Webb also led the group through a number of core-building exercises across the two sessions.
Following a single session Wednesday, members of the team will cap the day by attending the Valspar Jersey Launch Celebration with club supporters and staff at Centerpoint (3310 N Elston Ave., Chicago). From there, the club can look forward to another double dip of training Thursday, followed by an 11 a.m. training session and scrimmage Friday at The PrivateBank Fire Pitch that is open to the public.
Squad
After completing their preseason medical exams on Monday, midfielder Razvan Cocis and forward Kennedy Igboananike officially joined the on-field festivities, taking part in their first training sessions of the season.
VIEW: Training Camp Roster
Tuesday also saw a familiar face as U-18 Academy player Mauricio Pineda joined the first team for training. A key cog in the U-18 side that captured the 2014-15 U.S. Soccer Development Academy national championship in July 2015, the recent UNC commit was recently selected by U.S. U-20 head coach Tab Ramos for a training camp in Miami earlier this month.
Down Time
The team took full advantage of the amenities available at The PrivateBank Fire Pitch, utilizing Heineken Pub97 for team meals, taking the time to eat both breakfast and lunch together. In between Tuesday's sessions, a number of players -- including Joey Calistri, Alex Morrell and Collin Fernandez -- also fired up FIFA 16 on a pair of wide-screen televisions in Pub97 to pass the time.
'Grizzled' third-year veteran Harry Shipp offered his perspective on the arrangements, new for 2016. “It’s been nice getting to spend some time together off the field," he said. "There’s obviously been a lot of turnover so you’re just trying to ask people basic questions to get to know everyone. As the week goes on we’ll get more and more comfortable. The meals have been good, we have a giant rectangular setup so you can look at everyone across the table as you’re eating.”
West Coastin'
Missing from the opening days of training camp in Chicago are goalkeeper Sean Johnson, midfielder Matt Polster and rookie defender Brandon Vincent, who are currently in Carson, Calif. participating in the annual U.S. Men's National Team January Camp.
In between the group's preparations for next week's match vs. Iceland, lifelong Liverpool fan Matt Polster found the opportunity Tuesday to meet his childhood idol, LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard. (Not to be missed in Polster's Instagram post is Gerrard's personal reply in the comments: "Pleasure to meet ya fella. All the best for the season.")
Make a Note...
As of Tuesday, just 40 days remain before the Fire welcome New York City FC to Bridgeview on March 6 to kick off the 2016 MLS campaign!
