Houston Dynamo players reported for the first day of preseason with smiles on their faces ready to attack a new year.

“It’s fun,” forward Will Bruin said. “That’s a good way to put it: it’s going to be fun to get back out there and play. Kind of get rejuvenated, have fresh faces, fresh legs, a new style of play, so it’s exciting for sure.”

That excitement can surely be found in each of the other 19 MLS camps starting up this January, but Bruin—entering his sixth preseason with the Dynamo—entered Monday’s session with an extra sense of anticipation.

“This is the most excited I’ve been in a preseason,” he said. “I think we have great ability in this group and it’s going to be competition for every spot, and that makes it fun in preseason. When whoever Owen puts out for that starting XI on day one, it’s going to fun.”

Veteran midfielder Ricardo Clark, coming off a new deal signed in December, has been itching to get back to work after falling short of the playoffs for the second straight season.

“I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of sitting around in the offseason, but there’s a lot of things that you don’t do here,” Clark said. “It’s a lot of anticipation, it’s a lot of things you look forward to doing better than last year and applying it to the field and applying it to your game.”

Coyle noticed the energy in the group well before the team hit the field at Houston Sports Park, as players began reporting into town and did individual work in the days leading up to camp.

“As many of the players as you saw on the grass [today], there were a number of players that reported over a week ago doing different stuff,” Coyle said. “Which is great for me. It tells me their attitude is spot on. A great group, they’re hardworking, honest and conscientious.”

Clark is starting his 13th year of professional soccer, but the passion hasn’t dwindled over those years. The 32-year-old still has a youthful approach to the start of the new season.

“All these years are starting to blend together, but at the end of the day I’m still excited to come in here, and still driven, so that’s a good sign.”