MLS Columbus Crew SC

Crew Prepares to Start 2009 Preseason Training Camp

Published on January 23, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS, Ohio - The defending-champion Columbus Crew will begin defense of its 2008 MLS Cup title next week as it opens its first training camp under new head coach Robert Warzycha.

The team reports back to Columbus this weekend, with opening physicals scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25. Testing follows on Monday and Tuesday, before the first training session of the 2009 preseason on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the SuperKick/TeamZone facility in Lewis Center (409 Orangepointe Drive).

After spending a week training in Columbus, the team will then continue preparations for defense of its MLS Cup Championship in Bradenton, Fla. from Feb. 5-19. The squad then returns to Columbus from Feb. 20-24 before heading to England for a week-long series of training and matches. The club's training in England will be based at Everton's training facilities in Liverpool and matches against the Everton and Liverpool reserves are scheduled. Warzycha played for Everton from 1991-94.

The Black & Gold then returns to central Ohio for a brief stay before departing for Austin, Texas, and the final leg of its preseason from March 10-15, culminating in an exhibition match against Austin Aztex FC of the USL First Division on March 14.

PRESEASON MATCH SCHEDULE

Tues., 2/10 vs. D.C., Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Thurs., 2/12 vs. Puerto Rico, Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Sat., 2/14 vs. U.S. Under-20 squad, Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Wed., 2/18 vs. TBD, Bradenton, 10 a.m.

Sun., March 1 vs, Everton, TBD

Thurs., March 5 vs. Liverpool, TBD

Thurs., March 12 vs. Laredo Heat, Austin, TBD

Sat., March 14 vs. Austin Aztek FC, Austin, TBD

FOUR CREW PLAYERS UP FOR SELECTION TO 18-MAN ROSTER FOR U.S. MNT'S MATCH VS. SWEDEN

Four Crew players - midfielder Brian Carroll, Eddie Gaven and Robbie Rogers and goalkeeper William Hesmer - are among the pool of players available for selection by head coach Bob Bradley to the 18-man roster for the U.S.A.'s match vs. Sweden this Saturday, Jan. 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET. The USA and Sweden have met six times previously, splitting the series down the middle with three wins and three losses a piece. The teams most recently crossed paths a little more than a year ago in the same venue, with goals by Eddie Robinson and Landon Donovan pacing the U.S. to a 2-0 victory on Jan. 20, 2008. Saturday's match will air live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision, and can also be followed online on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.

HEJDUK TO APPEAR AT CLADDAGH IRISH PUB ON SATURDAY, JAN. 24 FOR USA VS. SWEDEN MATCH

Crew captain and U.S. MNT stalwart Frankie Hejduk will be at Claddagh Irish Pub (585 S. Front St.) for a USA vs. Sweden viewing party this Saturday, Jan. 24. Hejduk will be signing autographs and engaging in a meet-and-greet starting around 7:30 p.m. and he'll then be sticking around to watch the USA take on Sweden in an international friendly.

CSA DEFENDER CHAD BARSON PART OF SUCCESSFUL U.S. U-18 SQUAD AT AUSTRALIAN YOUTH OLYMPIC FESTIVAL

Crew Soccer Academy Under-18 stalwart Chad Barson, of Lewis Center, was a member of the U.S. U-18 National Team that recently claimed the Australian Youth Olympic Festival championship in Sydney, Australia. Before traveling to Australia, the U-18s held a 72-player camp at The Home Depot Center under Mike Matkovich, who was appointed head coach of the team just days before camp opened. From that camp, 18 players were selected for the Australia tournament. Barson helped lead the CSA U-18 squad to a third place finish in the inaugural Academy Finals in Carson, Calif., last season and was named to the Great Lakes Conference Starting XI squad. Barson and the CSA U-18 squad currently own a 2-1-2 record in 2009 U.S. Soccer Development Academy play.

CREW PLAYERS TO APPEAR AT KIDZAPALOOZA AT VETERANS MEMORIAL THIS SATURDAY, JAN. 24

Select Crew players will be on hand to sign autographs at Kidzapalooza 2009, a one-day event full of kid friendly activities, on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Franklin County Veterans Memorial from 2-3 p.m. Kidzapalooza will feature inflatable rides, Babyland, Toddlerland, Buckeye online school for success Safetyland, Columbus Police and Fire Department, and kids can have fun exercising with American Heart Association while learning fun ways to stay healthy! Other acts include Ronald McDonald, Luke the Juggler, The Laughter and Magic of Merlin, Woody and the Wake-up Call "Are you Smarter Than Your Kid?", The Morning Zoo Talent Show and much more.

CREW TRAINING SCHEDULE (Media availability at the conclusion of training)

Mon., 1/26 Testing (closed)

Tue., 1/27 Testing (closed)

Wed., 1/28 Training at SuperKick, 8:45 a.m.

Thur., 1/29 Training at SuperKick, 8:45 a.m.

Fri., 1/30 Training at SuperKick, 8:45 a.m.

Sat., 1/31 OFF

Sun., 2/1 OFF

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