Training Report - Pressure is on

Real Salt Lake returned to training today at America First field in Sandy after a 4 day break. Following a set of very poor results and comments from Mike Petke, Craig Waibel and even players on the team there was a new pressure and pace to the session.

Full of quick passing and hard running drills the session had the feeling of a pre-season training camp. The team worked through fitness drills, some passing, and small sided games before working into 7v7 matches. Jordan Allen was back in full training after a long absence due to injury and participated fully in the session. While the U20s have returned from the Youth National team they were given the option to take a rest day as they have been gone so long. Justen Glad and Danny Acosta, however, returned to training. Joao Plata was also absent on a planned day off due to a personal conflict. Demar Phillips and Chris Schuler trained to the side of the main group working fitness drills and touch passing.

After training Petke spoke to his first time seeing Justen Glad in training and was excited to see him get back with the team.

“He’s been in every meeting that we’ve had when he was here. He’s been at all the practices. It’s important for Justen to keep going cause he’s in an important spot and we can’t have any dips now.”

On his return to training, Justen spoke of his excitement to be back with the team.

“I’m stoked. Obviously we’re kind of having a rough run right now and if I can come back and help elevate the team that would be awesome.”

He also spoke of the impact that he Lennon, Saucedo, and Acosta could have having returned.

“We like to win. We’ll do anything to help our team win. Whatever that means — if that’s in training, pushing people, or making big plays in games and all that. Whatever it is we’re gonna put our bodies on the line and do whatever needs to be done.”