Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.bluessoccerclub.com
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
FULLERTON, Calif. – The Blues continued their offseason workouts at Fullerton College this past Tuesday and Thursday, with participants fighting for contracts as Head Coach Charlie Naimo and Associate Head Coach Shayon Jalayer made several tough decisions. In a week that saw the USL PRO club announce it will call Fullerton’s Titan Stadium home for the entire 2012 campaign, the dream of playing inside the first-class venue ended for some while others were given their big opportunity to seize the moment.
“We brought in a few new guys again and had to eliminate some we didn’t feel have a chance to make the team,” Naimo explained. “Cutting players is something we’ll have to do more and more as it gets later in the year. Until we have a core of signed players who embody what we’re looking for, it’s hard for any individuals to really stand out.
“At the same time we can definitely see the value certain guys bring, and no one here has completely disappointed. That’s really encouraging. Once we narrow it down to only players we think have a chance to earn a spot, we suspect the level will increase further and we’ll have an easier time seeing who can really help us.”
Meanwhile, the approach to the training sessions remains unchanged from recent weeks.
“We’re still putting everyone in game situations to give them a chance to show whether they can play the way we envision our team,” Naimo said. “That includes being able to solve difficult situations with limited touches and being active off the ball. Something that has been really encouraging is the competitive spirit and work ethic of these guys. If we can combine that with the quality of play we’re looking for, we’ll be in good shape.”
While the Blues Head Coach stressed that participation in the workouts is currently via invite only, Naimo and Jalayer do place high hopes on the club’s open combine, likely to be held in January of next year. Stay tuned to www.labluesprosoccer.com for combine details as well as weekly updates on the process that will determine who can make Titan Stadium their Field of Dreams in 2012!