March 1, 2010 FIRST DAY Riley happy with Independence workouts
By Charles Cuttone Executive Editor
Coach Paul Riley and the Independence opened their first training camp on Monday. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
It seems real now. Philadelphia independence coach Paul Riley conducted his first day of preseason camp on Monday, putting 21 players through their paces at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown.
“It was nice to get all the players, dressed the same, on the field,” said Riley of the first day’s practice, which consisted of paperwork, medical tests and on-field work. The team will continue two-a-day workouts until the season starts in April. The team will get their first chance to show off against an opponent in less than a week, when they head up the turnpike to face Rutgers at 5:30.
“It was nice to finally get on the field and start plotting,” said Riley. “Six weeks to opening day and start plotting what kind of lineups we’re going to have.”
The opening of camp actually left Riley with somewhat of a depleted roster, since ten of the team’s players are with their national teams.
“Even though we’ve got ten away, at the Cyprus Cup and the Algarve Cup, there was a lot of talent there,” said Riley.
Riley already likes what he sees.
“They showed some talent today,” he said. “ I am actually happy with some of the young kids we brought in. Jen Buczkowski was probably the best player on the field today. I though she was excellent. She’s smooth on the ball, she’s clever. Holds the position really well. I can see her, Seger and Lori Lindsey being one great midfield.
“Val Henderson was excellent,” Riley continued. “Malorie Rutledge looked good today. Carrie Patterson, who we got from Atlanta, she’s another very, very good player.
Sarah Senty was solid. Nikki Krystic and Allison Falk from the under-23 national team did very well too.”
While pointing out that the players still don’t know each their very well, the entire training camp will be a learning process for all involved.
“I’ve got five-six weeks of preseason to get to know them. If I can get to know what makes them click and what makes them tick, then we’ll all be better for it.”
This week also will give Riley an indication of what kind of depth he has on the team, since he is minus almost an entire starting lineup because of national team duty.
“They’ve got a chance to show this week before we bring the big guns in on Monday,” he said of the players who are currently in camp. “If they can’t cut it in this group, then they’re not going to be able to cut it when we bring the ten internationals back.”
Riley exuded a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, something he says is permeating the entire organization.
“First day, I’m very excited,” he said. ” I think (owner) Dave (Halstead) and (General Manager) Terry (Foley) were even more excited because they’ve been here since day one. To see it come to fruition was fantastic for those guys.”
Riley is looking forward to continuing training and to the start of the team’s inaugural season, which opens at John A. Farrell Stadium at West Chester University against the Atlanta Beat on April 11.
“I can’t wait for tomorrow,” said Riley “The night can’t go fast enough. I think it’s that kind of enthusiasm - the whole group is excited.”
Starting an expansion team presents a whole lot of challenges, from putting players togrther to selling tickets and sponsorships, but Riley says it goes even beyond that for the first group of players and coaches.
“It’s an expansion team. Everything we do will set the tone for every Philly team that will come after it,” he said. “Whether it be the song that we have in the locker room, or a chat that we have before the game, whether it be something that we do as a group. Whatever it is it’s going to be something every team, hopefully 10 -15 years from now, will do. We’re going to set the culture of the team, hopefully for a long time.”
