Usually, mid-January in Major League Soccer means players report for preseason, undergo physicals and reuniting with teammates. But for several Crew SC players there is no such reunion this time around.
That's because most of the Black & Gold's returning core opted to remain in Columbus for voluntary workouts throughout December and early January. The groundwork laid in the winter months has put Crew SC well ahead of where it was in January 2014 as it prepares for the 2015 MLS season
"It was anywhere from I think 10 to 16 to 18 guys, so it shows their dedication," Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter said of the workouts. "It shows they want to keep moving, they want to keep making progress. That’s a good sign."
Staying fit in the offseason normally comes down to an individual player's level of accountability, but heading into 2015, it was a team effort for the Black & Gold.
"We had good numbers," captain Michael Parkhurst said. "It’s just a way for all of us to push each other a little bit and make sure we’re working on things, getting fit. It’s nothing too serious, but to get the strength training, to get the fitness in there and to be around the group, it’s always easier than [training] by yourself in a gym."
Added goalkeeper Steve Clark: "First of all, individually, I think we’re all really fit. I’m sharp; I’m ready to go. Obviously having a bunch of guys together is good. We’re certainly way ahead of where we were last year at this point, so it’s a great way to get things going. Offseason is a lot of individual [work] until the season starts, so I think a lot of guys are ready to go."
A 10-year veteran playing in the United States and Europe, Parkhurst suggests the bond among Crew SC's players is unique, compared to his experience at past clubs.
"For me, it’s unique," Parkhurst explained. "Being over in Europe, I obviously came back to the States anytime I had a couple weeks off. And with the Revs, we never had an offseason program like this, it was kind of all individual. It was nice to get together with a good group of guys to push each other a little bit with running and with lifting, because it’s not the fun part of the job.
"It’s nice to be able to do it with teammates."
Crew SC departs for its first preseason camp in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. on Saturday.
