Back home after an adventurous roadtrip
Sep 19, 2011, 4:44 PM | Updated: 5:56 pm
I know I missed a week. The travel to Costa Rica was an adventure.
We had a group leave Sea-Tac at 6 a.m., another at 7 a.m. and the final group at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. All the groups flew into Dallas and we trained there that afternoon. We tried to have as many players as possible leave on the latest flight. The following day we trained in the morning in 95 degree heat in Dallas and flew to San Jose, Costa Rica that afternoon. We got in at 8 p.m. and then went straight from the airport to the stadium to look at the field and for the players to do their CONCACAF passport check. Then off to the hotel for a 10 p.m. dinner.
Game day was the day before Costa Rican Independence Day. At 6 p.m. all the radio stations and the people sing the national anthem. So on our way to the stadium the bus driver was singing with full gusto the national anthem of Costa Rica. I thought Leo was going to join in.
We had a good result and then the next morning had to depart again in groups. The first group flew through Atlanta and got into Seattle at 6 p.m. The other group flew through Dallas and got in at 8 p.m. The pleasures of international travel.
We trained Friday and turned our focus onto D.C. United. The team responded very well and we won 3-0 in convincing fashion. I know I went off on the refereeing not protecting players. But as a coach I need to protect my players when I feel it is not happening on the field. I am sure you understand.
This week we play Herediano at home and want another win to further assure our advancing to the quarter-final round. Then it is off to three countries in eight days.
First, Canada and our Cascadia Cup game at Vancouver on Saturday. Then we go to Guatemala for a Tuesday game and then off to Boston for a Saturday game with New England.
After all that we can think about the Open Cup final at home on Oct. 4.
Through all this your support is a tremendous crutch for our team and one that we really appreciate. Keep it and we will keep it up. We are in this together.
Take care
Sigi