HANOVER, N.J. – After nearly two weeks of sunshine in Orlando, the New York Red Bulls have returned to their frigid training facility in New Jersey for another week of training ahead of the team’s second trip down to Florida.

TICKETS: Red Bulls Home Opener vs. Toronto FC, Sunday March 6

With first kick just 26 days away, head coach Jesse Marsch met with the media on Tuesday afternoon to address some of the top stories out of Red Bulls camp.

Focus on Fitness

The Red Bulls high-press style of play requires an incredible amount of physical fitness from all 11 players on the field, but that level of fitness is hardly attained over night. Back in New Jersey, Marsch and his staff have made it a point to hone in on the team’s conditioning to ensure that they can keep up with the rigors of a season that will see the team compete on three fronts (MLS, CCL & USOC).

“There are a few little things that we’re trying to continue to encourage soccer-wise, but it’s a big fitness element that we put into the schedule here. They’ve been working hard, doing a little bit of running; the kind of running that we do helps them increase their overall tank in terms of their fitness. So far, the first two days have been very valuable and we’ll use the next three the right way. Then when we go down to Orlando, we’ll be pretty much near game fitness and ready to push.”

Williams, Plewa in camp

Two New York Red Bulls II players have joined camp as Devon “Speedy” Williams and Konrad Plewa were seen training with the first team on Tuesday afternoon. Marsch talked about the thinking behind this move after training.

“We’re trying to get some of the guys with the USL team that are getting ready for preseason camp on February 17 in the camp and get them going. Obviously most of the guys with the first team are more fit and sharper, but it’s good to get them going so that when they start their camp, they’ll be ready.”

High Expectations For Ouimette

With Matt Miazga gone and Damien Perrinelle on the mend, the defensive core for New York has seen quite a shakeup. But the vacancies in the center of the defense are simply an opportunity for other hopefuls within the squad. And after starting seven matches last season, Canadian international Karl Ouimette looked primed to make his mark in 2016.

“I think it’s a big year for Karl. After being around here last year and working to establish himself within the group, I think now’s the year for him to prove that he understands what it takes and that he can be a big contributor. We’re expecting that from him. It’s good to have him back from Canada camp and he’s looked sharp in the days that we’ve had him here. Expectations for Karl have grown and I think he’ll be ready to meet that.”

Injury Update

Several Red Bulls are on the mend this during preseason, as Ronald Zubar, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anatole Abang, and Alex Muyl trained separately from the first team. However, Marsch offered some encouraging news regarding their recovery on Tuesday afternoon.

“All four of those guys are close in terms of their overall timeline. I would probably expect to see Abang in training hopefully while we’re in New Jersey, maybe even Zubar. And I don’t think Shaun is too far behind. It’s daily for all of them at this point.”

Cochran, Sanchez Out

The Red Bulls continue look at several different trialists, but that number has been cut down in recent days. Defender A.J. Cochran and forward Manolo Sanchez did not return to the club after taking part in the team’s first training stint in Orlando.