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RHIAN'S SOCCER JOURNALS:

PREPARING FOR THE USA IN ROCHESTER 17th July 2009

Today, Friday 17th July, was the first day of our training camp as we prepare to take on the United States again in two days time on Sunday 19th July. It is hard to describe how good it is to see everyone back together, and even though we acutely miss a few of the old crew who are not here this time there is a smattering of newcomers.

This morning we had a wonderful reunion as many of the squad did not arrive until very late last night. Breakfast was the first time for us all to re - acquaint and see everyone.

And of course, it didn't take long for everyone to settle into being back together, while still enjoying the new young faces- there is even a new Quebecoise!

This morning's session started with a bit of testing, nothing too hard just some jumping tests. We then did a bit of fast footwork with Mario our trainer, before working on some positional training and then it was into a full scrimmage.

The first scrimmage of a camp is rarely an exhibition of great soccer. It is usually more of a chance to run and work work out stiffness, travel fatigue, jet lag or any other kinks players may have. This morning's game was not much different.

In the afternoon we got some time to rest, although I didn't give poor Marie-Eve much time as I forced her to look through all my photos from Europe. I hereby give her a public apology :)

Our second training session was at 4:00pm We again did fast footwork and some positional work before playing another scrimmage. This training session was much sharper than the one this morning. Of course, this is usually how it works. It was just good to be out on the field with the ladies again. They make every day an adventure and it is a pleasure to play with this team.

Needless to say, I am tired, just as I always am when I am in camp