In the first full training session of the preseason, the San Jose Earthquakes barely broke out in a sweat. What they did break out in was smiles and laughter, as new head coach Mikael Stahre kept the proceedings light and loose.
“It’s important to have fun, to put the smile on the player’s face,” said Stahre, “but we will work hard during this preseason, for sure.”
With the MLS season opener less than six weeks away, March 3 against Minnesota United at Avaya Stadium, the time available to get the team ready is short, and for the rookie head coach, a sense of urgency was evident as he mulled over his plan to have his squad prepared physically and tactically, one that will have to come together on short order.