It was a brisk morning in Arizona as Minnesota United started its second two-a-day practice of the 2017 preseason.
Another day in the desert means another day of MNUFC teammates getting to know each other on and off the pitch.
Forward and first overall draft pick in the MLS SuperDraft just two short weeks ago, Abu Danladi has been taking time and hitting the pitch hard as he acclimates to his new teammates and the club begins to mesh and pick up on each other's playing style and personality.
“It’s preseason and we need to get ready as a team, so that’s why we are all trying to push each other,” said Danladi. “It’s pretty good bonding because everyone is pretty friendly with each other, so when we’re playing and someone makes a mistake, we give each other positive energy – even in the locker room, everyone is dancing and playing music."
Notable omissions: Francisco Calvo, Johan Venegas, Rasmus Schüller and Vadim Demidov have not yet reported to camp. Demidov is set to report to camp tomorrow with the others expected to join the squad next week.
After leaving Arizona, the club will travel to Portland and Orlando to finish out the 2017 preseason.
Come see the culmination of the preseason trip at Minnesota United’s home opener March 12, against Atlanta United FC. You can purchase a ticket to this first ever MLS match as part of the MNUFC pom hat + ticket deal here. Season tickets and your place in the Itasca Society are available now at MNUFC.COM and single match tickets are available Feb. 9.
