For Chicago Fire players, even training camp is different

On Day One, Harry Shipp noticed a difference in Chicago Fire training under first-year coach Veljko Paunovic.

"We came in … and I think we had every minute of the session planned out on a whiteboard and kind of a PowerPoint before, so that's something already that's a little bit of a change from last year," Shipp said after Monday's first day of preseason training.

"As players it helps when you're kind of getting your mind set on training, what you're going to be doing as the day goes on."

While Shipp, 24, begins his third season with the team, only goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been in Chicago longer. Johnson is at U.S. national team camp for a few weeks, giving Shipp seniority for now.

"It's crazy. I feel like an old vet," Shipp said with a chuckle. "It's my third year, but I feel like I'm kind of starting over as a rookie, too. Starting from scratch. New coaching staff. New everything, pretty much."

With seniority comes responsibility, and Shipp accepts the leadership role.

"I'm trying to, definitely," he said. "I'm just helping people out. We have a lot of rookies and young guys in, and helping them get comfortable because that was something for me, the difference coming into a whole new organization is comfort level."

Shipp can't wait to see how things plays out in the preseason, which continues next week in the warm weather of Tampa.

"It's a fresh start that I needed personally, and everyone who's sticking around needed for sure," he said.

The reviews are in:

Harry Shipp wasn't the only one who enjoyed the first day.

"Very good," said recently signed MLS veteran Michael Harrington. "Pauno (Veljko Paunovic) is sharp. He's got a plan. Very personable guy. We're going to have fun and we're going to be organized and everything I've seen so far has been first class. Today was a good session."

"So far so good," added midfielder David Accam. "(Paunovic) is like a different kind of person to me, the way he coaches. He's excited to be here. It feels good to have someone who is excited to be here and it shows he's committed to the job."

Drive time:

While playing for the Fire Academy, Drew Conner got accustomed to driving to Toyota Park from Northwest suburban Cary. Now he's staying in Chicago and trained Monday at the PrivateBank Fire Pitch on the Northwest Side.

Conner signed in the off-season as a homegrown player after four years as a college starter at Wisconsin.

"Luckily, I don't have to make that hour-and-a-half drive anymore," he said after his first pro training session. "It was a pain for sure, but it was worth it."

The commute might be easier to adjust to than the speed of play.

"Everything's cool so far. I think everyone likes the vibe," he said. "But, yeah, it's definitely a lot quicker. I'm still adjusting to the speed. I'll get used to it."

Injury report:

Foot surgery ended defender Eric Gehrig's 2015 season early. It also will delay his 2016 preseason.

"It's good," Gehrig said of the foot. "Four months out of surgery, I feel like I'm turning the corner at the right time.

"I'd say a few weeks away from full health, but I've been working hard at therapy and strength training and various bike workouts. Fitness-wise, I feel pretty good."

Gehrig also spent a lot of time swimming after surgery trying to stay fit, "which I don't ever want to do again," he said with a laugh.

Gehrig said he hopes to fully join training sessions when the team goes to Portland in mid-February.

Join the club:

The Fire announced the signing of MLS veteran midfielder Nick LaBrocca, bringing the club roster to 20 players. LaBrocca last played at Colorado.

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