It was an 11 am Mountain Time (noon CT) session today again for FC Dallas. The temps continue to hold at 50 degrees although with the clouds and wind back, along with some threatening rain, today was back to fairly uncomfortable.

This was the first session after yesterday's RSL scrimmage, the one where the first half didn't go so well and the team struggled a bit with possession and build out. So it wasn't a surprise then that today's session was about building form the back versus a high press... Except that it was apparently a complete coincidence. FCD Head Coach Luchi Gonzalez says it's just what they had planned to work on today (See interview below).

After some warm-ups and stretching, the drills were a normal progression of small groups, to a two-thirds field, to full field work up of build in possession ideas. Then training finished with some small space work that emphasized recognition of space and finally some finishing of crosses. The last bit was a good-hearted completion with lots of smack talk and teasing. All in good fun.

Notes, News, and Observations

Matt Hedges was back in training after his knock yesterday, so that's good news. Apparently, nothing to worry about. The coaches did hold him out of contact so don't be shocked if they don't use him Saturday, just as a precaution with the season a week away. Plus that would give Bressan another run out with the first team which isn't a bad idea either.





Speaking of Bressan , he's got pretty good feet for a taller defender (6'0"). It was noticeable in the small space drill.





Callum Montgomery has officially signed, that release came out during today's session. Montgomery is trying to be a vocal leader when he's in a young team or mostly reserve group. That's good to see.





With FCD down a center back in training, Bryan Reynolds moved inside and played in a pairing with Montgomery. Reynolds showing some versatility, he played some CB in his last youth national team camp. Adding an extra position into his game will benefit both him and the club long term.





Thomas Roberts really stands out and excels in the small space drill. His in-close ball work is exceptional. Particularly as he's gotten taller - 5'11" officially, but he might be approaching 6' - it's remarkable to see someone of his height be this skilled on the ball.





Moises Hernandez took a hard whack today, but he was able to jog it off and keep playing.





Ryan Hollingshead is becoming a veteran type leader of this team. Setting the tone in training and being vocal on and off the field. Coach Gonzalez seems to be looking at Hollingshead in this role too, often calling on him to make team choices or calls. Huddling the team up, giving instructions, etc.





Watching Dominic Badji's body language over the course of this week has been interesting. He is vastly more comfortable and at home this season to my eye. No longer the "new guy" I think, he's now "the guy" leading the line. That may translate well for him on the field.





All three keepers - Jesse Gonzalez, Jimmy Maurer, and Kyle Zobeck - were incorporated into the final small space drill as field players (using feet). I've talked a couple times about the importance of the keeper in Coach Gonzalez's system. Being able to play with the ball at their feet. Touch and passing matter. Maurer has the best feet of the three and although Gonzalez is improving he's clearly not comfortable.

Catching Up with Luchi Gonzalez

FC Dallas Director of Soccer Operations Marco Ferruzzi and Paxton Pomykal in Tucson. (2-21-19) (Buzz Carrick / 3rd Degree)

Coincidence. Yeah, we had it in the plan. We wanted to work on build play.

Now we tweaked it, based on a few things we felt could have been better in the game. But in terms of the theme - working on a build, a goal kick against a high press with zonal man marking - that's something we felt we needed to work on in case we faced it and have different options.

We haven't done a lot of vertical options. More short. So we added that today.

I know you're not quite done, but I'm leaving so... How do you think camp is going? Did you get accomplished what you wanted to get accomplished?

Yeah, it's been great. Getting to know the boys better. Being away from our families - we miss them - but it allows us to bond and engage with each other as a staff, with the players within themselves.

Tonight we're going to have a dinner away from the hotel. We're going to change up the diet a little bit. They've earned that. We want them to wear their own normal clothes and just have a social moment of some chemistry tonight. Enjoy each other away from the field.

Then tomorrow we start to hone in, focus again, and prepare with pre-training before the last two games. We're really excited to be tested again.

Maybe it's too early to think back already, but what have you learned from this week it being your first camp?

A lot. That we have a group that's curious to learn.

We've put in a lot video, almost overwhelmed them, but intentionally to give them a lot of information that's going to provide a foundation that we can just tweak and touch upon as the season goes on.

Seeing our young come in and compete has been great. Assessing the pieces that are new, that have just joined the club. And testing them and seeing how they can complete and contribute.

And seeing the guys that have been in the club, veteran guys who have been in the club also take their next step. Guys that were new last year, guys that were new two years ago, seeing them really grow in their confidence and grown in their leadership.

A lot of positives. But critical. We're critical of ourselves as a staff. We're critical with the players but we're honest. We tried to create a culture of 'get your guard down.' Let's not be defensive. I'm here to listen to you guys, you listen to us, that's how we can get somewhere.

Just trying to create that kind of culture. Taking feedback, not just taking it but using it. Seeing the players respond.

Yesterday had its ups and downs, disappointed with... yet we had a strong reaction and response.

It teaches you that this game is a living thing. Every day is a different challenge. But it's been exciting and we just can't wait for the next training tomorrow and the next opportunity Saturday for games.

I know New England [the season opener] is obviously the top, top priority, but I believe it's about the steps. We focus on the steps. That's been the process.

Tomorrow

FC Dallas trains again at 11 am Mountain Time.

And I have a quick coverage update...

Just left training. Quick coverage update. (Sorry for wind noise, can't be helped.)



I'll have a training report from today's session later this afternoon or evening. pic.twitter.com/tsfm1xUtgN — 3rd Degree (@3rdDegreeNet) February 21, 2019