Back From Break

Wow, that was quite a long layoff here at Hillcrest Road. In some ways it was hard, but it was a nice break from the daily grind. Now we're back (though New Year's Day will be another slow day), and all eyes are squarely pointed at the 2009 Major League Soccer Season. I'll update you now with some important dates during the upcoming month.

Jan. 9 - combine starts with training session for all players

Jan. 10 - combine first day of games

Jan. 11 - combine second day of games

Jan. 12 - day off for combine participants

Jan. 13 - combine third day of games

Jan. 14 - Day 1 of NSCAA national convention at The Westin in St. Louis, Missouri

Jan. 15 - MLS SuperDraft held at NSCAA convention and broadcast live on ESPN 2 and MLSnet.com

Jan. 16, 17, 18 - NSCAA convention continues in St. Louis.

Read Ives Galarcep's mock draft version 2.0 here. So far, he's had us take two central attacking midfielder types in his first two mock drafts. What position do you think we should go after with our first selection (number 8 overall)? Vote to the right. The poll will be up until just a couple of hours before the SuperDraft.

Wizards players will report for training in the week after the SuperDraft and start their preparations for the 2009 season at that time. Once we get a final date, we will let you know. We'd love to see several of you out at the first training sessions.

Also, U.S. Soccer should be announcing the roster for the January camp today. Word is there will be Wizards representation. We'll let you know once it's public.