NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.–The last time Toronto FC looked tired on the field, it was because they were. On Saturday they faced San Jose a day after completing both a full practice and an intense conditioning session.

 

Yesterday the team prepared for tonight's game against New York with a single session that lasted 80 brisk minutes, and head coach John Carver confirmed that with the regular season approaching, the emphasis in practice switches from fitness to fine tuning.

 

"From now until we start against Columbus, the sessions will be reduced," Carver said after yesterday's practice.

 

"It's more low-key now. I spent 20 minutes working defensively and less than that working offensively because I've seen some things I wanted to work on. From what I've seen today, it's getting better and better."

 

That doesn't mean the team's done with two-a-days.

 

Carver has already pencilled the team in for a pair of post-practice weight-training sessions next week, and says the pattern will last through the season.

 

When he first started watching TFC game films from last season Carver noticed MLS players were physically strong, and the TFC players got injured a lot.

 

He thinks continued intensive work with new strength coach Paul Winsper will address both those issues.

 

"The program that we've got the players on is about injury prevention as well," he said. "The only way you can do that is by continuing the strength work you've done pre-season."

 

Goalkeeper Greg Sutton says he already feels the difference.

 

Last season, Sutton said, the squad's conditioning drills consisted of set after set of wind sprints.

 

But yesterday the team opened practice with 20 minutes of agility drills, and Sutton says much of the club's other conditioning work is now more position-specific. Instead of simply running, position players now use soccer balls in their running drills, while goalkeepers follow a regimen that emphasizes core stability and lateral movement.

 

"We've got the fitness part done," Sutton said. "We're able to wear down our opponents and I feel like I'm ahead on that aspect. I feel like we're prepared, that's for sure."

 

VELEZ SIGNS: John Carver confirmed yesterday that Puerto Rican defender Marco Velez has signed with the club. Velez, a member of Puerto Rico's national team, has spent the last three seasons with the USL's Puerto Rico Islanders, where he earned a reputation as a tough defender with some offensive flair.

 

In 2005 he scored twice in 22 games, while also ranking 10th in the league in fouls committed. The 27-year-old led the Islanders in minutes played last season.

 

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Reference:

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Soccer/article/347639

 

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