Preseason In Florida: Day 1

Preseason Day 1

Toronto FC kicked off their preseason today at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The team has made the academy their home for the next two weeks as they prepare for the 2014 MLS season. These upcoming weeks are about setting a foundation, a foundation that will help the team succeed throughout the season. This training camp is more about fitness and team shape so that the player’s skills can still shine, even at the end of a match. 


Toronto's day kicked off bright and early as the team ran some major fitness tests led by the new fitness coach Adrian Lamb. Lamb joined Toronto FC this off-season after spending some time with Preston North End in England. The squad then followed up with a few positional drills with the ball, where the focus was still fitness, but also to be sharp with the ball when fatigued. At the end of practice you could tell that players left everything they had on the field. Jeremy Hall spoke with TorontoFC.ca about the grind of two-a-days and the new foundation at Toronto FC.


Today also marked the return of Dwayne De Rosario. DeRo chatted with Lee Godfrey about returning to the team, and the pride he feels when he wears the TFC uniform.


Bradley Orr joined the squad on the field for the first time, Toronto FC acquired Orr on loan from Blackburn Rovers. He spent time talking to the media as well.


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Ryan Nelsen then addresses the media at the end of training today and n Florida:


Tim Bezbatchenko talks about the depth of Toronto FCs roster.


Joe Bendik talks about the new additions to the squad.