Preseason is a time for new beginnings - the chance to start afresh with a belief that anything can happen.
Max Unger Saints Jersey . That was certainly true for Toronto FC as they opened up their training camp in Bradenton last week. The troubles and uncertainties that surrounded the club in recent years have been replaced by a new hope and optimism after an incredible offseason transformation that has included the signings of three new Designated Players, Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley and Gilberto. I was in Florida for Torontos first training session. The energy and enthusiasm was on a completely different level compared to other years. Perhaps the biggest difference is that the squad has already been assembled and most of the key pieces are already in place. A far cry from a year ago, when Nelsen was heading into his first coaching job with a preseason squad filled with trialists. "Its a wee bit different, Ive got to admit," Ryan Nelsen told me after training in Bradenton. Its nice to have a proper squad together all pulling in the right direction. As you can see by today, the work ethic is there, the character is there and everybody is extremely excited." The difference compared to 12 months earlier is evident in all areas, but especially in personnel. Over half of the squad currently in Florida were not with the team for preseason in 2013. However, Nelsen and the players are talking up the fact that the core of the team that finished the season is still in place. "We havent changed that much, weve probably changed the same as most teams, but weve done it in big names so it makes it even more dramatic. But thats what we had to do with this club. Thats why what we did last year had method in our madness. Weve got some big names and we will have to gel them in, but its a progression and we have to keep moving the club forward." The theme Nelsens rookie season as head coach was "short-term pain for long-term gain," and things have now changed quickly. With multi-million dollar signings amongst a re-shaped squad, expectations are high. But after dealing with a tumultuous first year with the club, Nelsen laughed off the suggestion that there is pressure on him to find a winning formula quickly. "Theres absolutely no pressure," he said. "Whenever you put yourself in a situation where youve brought in good players, everybody else thinks there is expectation but for us we just try and improve every day. In everything we do, we try to become perfect. Whatever people think from outside we dont really care." "I knew the league last year but we didnt have the right pieces to be successful. Now I think we are moving in the right direction, but Im still learning as well. Ill always keep learning. When I stop learning I may as well give up," he said. Theres a new face heavily involved in Torontos training sessions this preseason. Englishman Adrian Lamb has joined the club as Fitness Coach. He has previously worked with Newcastle United, Preston North End and Aston Villa, and he was at Blackburn Rovers during Ryan Nelsens time as a player at Ewood Park. Nelsen told me Lambs preparation and attention to detail is immaculate, and that was easy to see during my time in Bradenton. He has very clear ideas of what he wants from the players and was impressive in the way he communicated to them. Lamb will bring a very professional approach to the teams conditioning this season and will be a key addition to Nelsens staff. In 2013, Toronto FC won just six matches and missed the playoffs by 20 points, but Nelsen and his staff have now been handed the tools they need to turn the ship around. The foundation for success will be laid over the next six weeks, as Nelsen and Co. make sure their team is ready to hit the ground running when the season opens in Seattle on March 15th live on TSN.
Josh Hill Jersey . Liriano pitched in and out of trouble in his duel with Josh Beckett, and Ike Davis homered to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 Friday night.
Keenan Lewis Jersey . On a 96-degree day, Los Angeles 2-3-4 hitters -- Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton -- combined to go 7 for 13 with six runs batted in and two scored in the Angels 10-7 win over Texas on Sunday.VALENCIA, Spain -- Sergio Canales scored an early goal to give Valencia a 1-0 home win against Granada in the sixth round of the Spanish league on Saturday. Canales, on loan from Real Madrid, struck a low shot from 25 yards (meters) that skidded into the far corner in the fourth minute. The win lifted Valencia to 13 points, one ahead of Real Betis, which hosts Levante on Sunday. Malaga can draw level with Valencia atop the standings with a win in the late match Saturday against Getafe. Also Sunday, Barcelona visits Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid travels to Espanyol. In other Saturday results, Hernan Lopez late header earned Villarreal a 2-2 draw against Zaragoza, Osasuna had a 2-2 draw at home against Mallorca, and Racing Santander drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano. Despite taking an early lead against Granada, Valencia struggled to convert possession into goals after Canales opener. Roberto Soldado, looking to add to his six goals so far this season, had a flicked header saved by Granada goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez in the 13th minute and Canales shot wide with an effort from the edge of the box soon after. Valencia fullback Jeremy Mathieu raced forward and shot wide with another early chance and the pressure continued after the break with Pablo Piatti stubbing a weak shot wide from close rangge.
Vonn Bell Saints Jersey. Alexandre Geijo made an opportunity for himself, cutting across the defence and unleashing a low shot from the edge of the box in the 63rd, but the ball veered wide. Granada improved as the second half wore on and could have punished Valencias inefficiency when Inigo Lopez hit the bar. Valencia had a golden opportunity to increase the margin in stoppage time, but Fernandez saved at point0-blank range from Jonas after Soldados square pass. Earlier Saturday, Zaragoza twice took the lead at the Madrigal Stadium, with Luis Garcia scoring in the 34th minute and Pablo Barrera re-establishing the advantage just before halftime. Giuseppe Rossi chipped a penalty to level the scores for the first time in the 41st minute and Perez found space at a corner to ensure a share of the points for Villarreal in the 84th, four minutes after Maurizio Lanzaro was sent off for Zaragoza. Elsewhere, Tomer Hemed scored two penalties as Mallorca rallied to a 2-2 draw at Osasuna in Miguel Angel Nadals first match as caretaker coach following the resignation of Danish legend Michael Laudrup on Tuesday. Raul Garcia got both goals for Osasuna. In Santander, Raul Tamudo gave Rayo Vallecano the lead against Racing in the 20th minute, but the home side equalized through Adrian in the 59th.
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