Christopher said: But what caught my ear, was when I was taking a photo somewhere else and suddenly, I heard “take me home, to the place where I belong, Vancouver, we’re the Whitecaps, take me home”. At first, I looked around, wondering where it was coming from. It was none other than Eric Hassli.

And the legend of Eric continues to grow...

I'd really like to thank all you guys who are able to attend training sessions and provide the rest of us with such great photos, news and insights.

THANK YOU!

Very nice pictures. Keep up the great work... I've always wanted to go see a practice but can't because of work.. At least I can see what goes on

The_Real_Deal said: Is there training on Wednesday Christopher?

Last I heard they were training all week, and flying out on Friday after training.

I may come out on Friday if it's not pissing down

Lefty said: What time? thanks

normally 10am

Drizzle I can tolerate, that horizontal stuff that stings, not so much

Anyone going tomorrow? I just shifted jobs and have the morning off.

I'm hoping to swing by either tomorrow or Thursday.

I've uploaded more photos from today's training session (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vosie/sets/72157629580298257/)

As for what went on today, it was even colder than yesterday -- on the drive home, it began to snow! They spent most of today’s practice working on some half field stuff. They divided each half into two miniatures fields, with I think six on six. Then they’d have some sprints, before going back to practicing. Omar Salgado seemed to have a pretty good day, going up against Jay DeMerit a couple of times and winning a few of them, though it was through no fault of DeMerit. His positioning was sound, just, Salgado seemed to have a bit a spring to his step. At one point I noticed that Joe Cannon took Ben Fisk aside, and gave him some positional advice. And later on, I saw Jake DeClute giving Floyd Franks some one-on-one training. Today seemed to be largely about positional play. They even got in a few practiced corners. And to cap it all off, they seemed to have some scoring drills where players weren’t allowed to leave until they scored. Understandably, today was a bit rough on Cannon and Knighton.

Spoiler alert :P

I'm planning on heading up Friday and maybe Thursday, depending on a few things.

That's a great photo of Etienne btw.

The_Real_Deal said: I knew you'd go, that was more certain than Liverpool beating Everton!

Liverpool didn't beat Everton, ?Saint? Gerard did, or so I've been told.

You never gave me odds.> GoF said:

Spoiler alert :P

I'm planning on heading up Friday and maybe Thursday, depending on a few things.

That's a great photo of Etienne btw.

Thanks, I quite liked it too, though there are others on my flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/vosie/sets/72157629580298257/

The_Real_Deal said: Ooops, sorry if I ruined it for any Evertonians ...lol

STFU!!

toffeeman said:

The_Real_Deal said: Ooops, sorry if I ruined it for any Evertonians ...lol

STFU!!

=))

I'm in for Thursday. Switching jobs has led me to 3 days off.

Another day of training, and a new haircut for Gershon. It's going to take some getting used to, but I think I like it.

More on my flickr as always: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vosie/sets/72157629580298257/

When I saw the first picture, wasn't into it. Now that I've seen it from the side, it's not that bad.

Christopher said: but Eric Hassli swore emphatically, then tried to do one, but he never did manage to roll over his head, just kind of sat upside down, balanced on his hands and head.

Why can't there be a video of this? why oh why?

barca99 said: This team does seem to be quite close, especially some of the videos from AZ and Fla, and even some of the banter on twitter (minus one misplaced comment). Winning does that. Hopefully it continues WHEN the team sees some adversity.

Thanks for these though, very insightful!

Rennie permanently took care of that.

GoF said: Had hoped to make it to training today, but my back is still fucked.

I love the closeknit feel of this team.

Will be interesting to see how the team cope with more matches in the same timezone this season.

Pretty sure that last season they didn't fly out so late for games. I like that they're staying here longer.

There are definitely some jokers on this team. Eric is definitely one. Matt Watson told me he was one, as is Brad Knighton. Joe Cannon and Michael Nanchoff seem like the type as well. Yesterday I saw Alain Rochat getting into a bit of a water bottle fight with Hassli. I wasn't going to post it to my flickr as it's out of focus, but here's the only image I got of the water fight.

Yesterday, I was able to talk with one of the returning players, who shall remain nameless. Basically, he is having far more fun this year than last; he seems to have far more respect for the current coaching staff, finds practice more fun, more interesting. They aren’t doing the same thing over and over again. They’re practicing corners, deadballs, and tactical stuff. Guys like Camilo are being told yes, you can use your left foot. Eric, yes you can head the ball. Some of its simple stuff, motivational, but others are philosophical. A happy player is a productive player. When someone has an off day, getting beat in some drill, there’s usually one member of the coaching staff or a fellow player giving them advice. It’s a very close knit group. Everyone’s working for each other. When one player is praised for something they did well, they deflect the compliment, mentioning the contribution of their teammates. Now, I didn’t go to training last year, so I have nothing to compare it to, but all the same, I’ve been very impressed by the current coaching staff and the roster.

Christopher said: Another day of training, and a new haircut for Gershon. It's going to take some getting used to, but I think I like it.

More on my flickr as always: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vosie/sets/72157629580298257/

He looks .... FAST

Some I grabbed yesterday http://www.flickr.com/photos/63761480@N07/sets/72157629241756232/

I've uploaded the images from today's practice to my flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vosie/).

We had four keepers at today’s practice, as both Brian Sylvestre, who’s been training for at least a few days, and Joe Cannon were back. Cannon took part in regular training, doing everything that Brad Knighton did.

There was an 11 v 11, which I can’t talk about until after the game, though it was pretty short today.

Paul Ritchie showed off some of his skills after the 11 v 11. He’s still got it. From what I’ve seen, I reckon Rovde, Ritchell, and Rennie could all play if they ever had to. The actual players broke up into several groups, working on some individual skills, tailored to whatever they need to work on. There was also a lot of work on controlled crosses, and how to deal with an opposing player on your bum.

John and Atiba were both there, training with the team, though not in the 11 v 11. Still, they seemed to do most of the drills. Again, Harris is further along, probably will be on the bench against Philadelphia if I had to guess, while John’s hard to say, maybe a couple of weeks. Etienne Barbara was also there, working with an exercise ball, and some kind of tension band with a little ball in the centre, I’m not sure what that’s one’s called. Mostly, he’s been doing that or running around the edge of the pitch so far.

Vanbryguy12 said: Atiba's afro is coming along nicely

Still be awhile before we can order the Fellaini wigs. :)

Are they at Burnaby Lake 10 am tomorrow?