LONDON --- Last season the San Jose Earthquakes credited their preseason training camp at Spurs Lodge as the reason for their eventual run to the playoffs.
As the team heads back to sunnier climes, the players and staff are happy with the progress that has been made during their second stay.
Coach Frank Yallop is pleased with the progress his side made this week, and was particularly impressed with the team’s attitude and performances despite a demanding schedule.
“The camp has been great and we have had some encouraging results” he told MLSsoccer.com, adding “but it is more about the individuals and the group.”
He acknowledged the importance of the trip for team bonding and Yallop was particularly impressed by the attitude of the youngsters.
“I have seen some maturity in our younger players” he said.
[inline_node:329413]Despite mixed results on this trip, there is still time during the preseason for the players to get it right. Last season’s leading scorer Chris Wondolowski was one of the players that benefitted the most from the Quakes’ previous spell in London and this time he has been playing in a new midfield role.
The prolific striker believes that the excursion has been a great opportunity to experiment with new ideas that the team can now perfect during the remaining preseason.
“We have had some good results and tried new things” he said. “But we still have a long way to go before the season starts.”
Despite his disappointment at being a spectator for the majority of the trip through injury, defender Jason Hernandez is happy that the team have been made to feel so welcome and believes the trip has been an invaluable experience on and off the pitch.
“The experience has been great” he said. “Tottenham have treated us very well and we have bonded as a team.”
Despite his lack of involvement, there is one thing in particular that Hernandez will miss.
“The poker evenings!” he said. “I don’t play much, but it is great to watch the guys battle against each other.”
Check out the Feb. 24 edition of the ExtraTime Radio podcast, featuring D.C. United's Charlie Davies, Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando and league executive Nelson Rodrigueztalking about the new playoff structure.
