TUESDAY TRAINING

Another scorcher in Chicago this morning, with temperatures in the high 80’s. The team got on the field just before 10 a.m., and spent the first 25 minutes warming up with a focus on stretching and agility work. They went into 5 v. 2 for 15 minutes, with the emphasis on ball movement, quick footwork and closing down angles (no comments on who spent the most time in the middle). At that point, DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan stepped out to do regeneration work while the group headed into 6 v. 6 to big goals, focusing on quick counters, closing down space and taking shots. There were shots aplenty, including one from Bobby Convey that may have dented the U.S. Soccer van parked across the street. No worries, Bobby - we’ve got insurance. For the last exercise, the team broke up between defenders and the attackers. The defenders worked on their spacing and movement out of the back. At the other end, the attackers worked on passing balls through channels to set up crosses as well as combinations through the middle. Off the field in just over 90 minutes, then a bunch of guys hit the cold pool while others talked to the press gaggle. A pretty productive session …

BRAZILIAN(S) FOR DINNER

We mentioned earlier that Clint Dempsey was heading out to Fogo de Chão, but he wasn't alone as was joined by EJ, Heath Pearce, Benny Feilhaber, Michael Bradley and Chris Seitz...oh, and we can't forget our videographer Alejandro. Not everyone gets the chance to eat with the MNT, so we figured we'd try go give you some insight into what it's like when six of them hit up a restaurant (give the guy some time to edit and we'll have it up sometime this week). If you're not familiar with Fogo de Chão, it's a Brazilian steakhouse, so it's fair to say there were quite a few servers who had something to say about the matchup on Sunday. We heard 3-0 or 2-0, both in Brazil's favor - at least until Eddie said, "You might just lose your tip." Eddie, who was joking (mostly), got in their heads as the rest of the night was all "It will be a good game" and "We think you will be a tough opponent." They even showed how much they appreciated us dropping by with free deserts for the table with "Good Luck" in chocolate sauce spelled out on rim of the plates...or, wait!, maybe they were just fattening the players up before the match. Ah, those tricky Brazilians!

DINNER ON YOUR OWN

As the guys head out for dinner on the town, a few observations of the goings on:
Heath Pearce and Benny Feilhaber spent the afternoon at the movies seeing "Superbad." Special mention to Heath's tremendously turquoise San Jose Sharks t-shirt that depicted what is undoubtedly one of the finest logos in all of sports.

Clint Dempsey searched the training room for his runners that he wanted to wear out to dinner at Fogo de Chão. The MNT Blog sought to help out, but even after emptying all the shoe bags, the mystery runners remained unaccounted for. Clint decided to call the one person who would know: Jesse, our equipment guy. Jesse was just boarding the plane to come to Chicago after a weekend of DMB at The Gorge in Washington (state that is), but of course he still knew the answer to Clint’s query. “Oh yeah!” said Clint, as he hung up the phone, “Now I remember.” Their whereabouts: on the feet of one of Clint’s friends. Turns out he gave them away after the Sweden match. “I totally forgot about that,” said Clint, who walked next door to the training room to try his luck elsewhere. “EJ, man, I need some shoes. What size are you?”

SABOTAGE!

After practice, the team settled down to a well-received lunch. Halfway through the meal, Landon Donovan arrived from O'Hare and greeted the guys who took a rare time out from their food to welcome their teammate. Seeing the opportunity to make the most of LD's entrance, our ever diligent videographer Alejandro was quick with his camera. You can check for it in Tuesday's all_access video...well, that is if assistant coach Peter Nowak's attempt to sabotage the effort didn't work. Peter seized Alejandro by both arms and shook him, while questioning, "Why can't you stay still!?" and then laughing manically. Alejandro's simple response: "Because you're shaking me!" Fair enough. Undeterred and still cackling, Peter persisted and, though Alejandro did his best to persevere, everyone at the staff table agreed that Peter was the clear victor.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Observations from the first day of training in Chicago:
• It's hot here. Yes, it's summertime, but the weather in Chicago has been mild for the last week. Which leads to the next point...
• The English-based players look like they haven't seen the sun since July. Hope they applied sunscreen liberally.
• Bobby Convey is starting to look pretty thick. He's definitely been hitting the weight room.
• Great to see Josh Wolff in camp again. First time since the World Cup, and a lot has changed for the former Fire and Wizards striker. We did a podcast with Josh after training today, so check back on ussoccer.com tomorrow for the posting. (yes, we gave our audio guy the day off. It is Labor Day, after all...)
• Chris Seitz is a big boy. Having seen his great mobility during the U-20 World Cup, didn't realize he would have the size to match it.
• Peter Nowak still has it. Even in the simple possession games, you can see the vision and skill. Moves around pretty well too, for a ... coach. Landon Donovan arrived as the team sat down for lunch, and Oguchi Onyewu pulled up mid-afternoon. DaMarcus Beasley is en route from O'Hare as we write...

WELCOME TO THE WINDY CITY

Welcome back, U.S. Soccer fans. Quick turnaround from the Sweden trip, and now the group has begun to assemble in Chicago in advance of the huge to-do against Brazil on Sept. 9 at Soldier Field. We've got tons of coverage planned this week to get you ready for the No. 1 ranked team's first-ever visit to the Windy City. Speaking of which, as you know we bloggers at ussoccer.com like to educate as well as entertain, so here's the first bit of trivia for the trip. Despite popular belief, Chicago is not called "The Windy City" because of the wind (although anyone who visits here will understand the confusion), but rather thanks to a few well-traveled blowhards who touted this city's qualities back in the 19th Century. We've added a link for those still curious...

Arrivals into Chicago have been taking place all day, with the rest of the group and the first training schedule slated for tomorrow. Check ussoccer.com during the day Monday for the official roster release. In the meantime, enjoy the barbeques and have a happy Labor Day.

DANNY SZETELA (RACING SANTANDER)

The News: Danny Szetela signed a two-year contract with Racing Santander in Spain's La Liga.

Of Note: Szetela, now with the Columbus Crew, becomes the third member of the U.S. Under-20 World Cup team to transfer to a European club, joining Freddy Adu (Benfica) and Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96). Szetela holds a Polish passport.

Up Next: At the moment, Szetela traveled to Spain for a physical with his new club. The midfielder's contract with MLS expires on Dec. 31.

DAMARCUS BEASLEY (RANGERS)

The News: Beasley earned an assist in helping the Rangers to a 4-0 victory against Gretna on Saturday.

Of Note: Beasley, who started and played 83 minutes, earned the assist by sending in a corner kick that was headed home by Andy Webster in the 63rd minute for Rangers’ second goal.

Up Next: DaMarcus will be looking to get on the starting squad when the U.S. face Brazil this Sunday, Sept. 9 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

CARLOS BOCANEGRA (FULHAM)

The News: Carlos Bocanegra captains Fulham to a 3-3 draw against Tottenham

Of Note: Handed the captain's armband after the loss of Brian McBride to injury, Bocanegra is elevated to the rarified air of those who serve as captain for both club and country.

Up Next: Bocanegra will head back to his old stomping grounds in Chicago for the USA's upcoming duel with Brazil on Sept. 9 at Soldier Field.

CLINT DEMPSEY (FULHAM)

The News: Fulham earned a 3-3 draw with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur today at Craven Cottage. Dempsey was in and around the scoresheet all day, notching Fulham’s first goal on a header, and assisting for teammates Alexei Smertin and Diomansy Kamara.

Of Note: Dempsey started and played 90 minutes for the third successive time on Saturday, and looked dangerous deputizing up front for injured Brian McBride. After a slow start, Fulham picked it up just before halftime through Dempsey’s powerful header from a Simon Davies corner. The Cottagers were behind by two goals just after the interval and the game looked lost until a late flurry of action. In the 78th minute, Dempsey laid the ball into the onrushing path of Smertin, whose deflected effort from twenty yards left Paul Robinson helpless in the Tottenham goal. The scoring wasn’t over yet, and in the 90th minute, Fulham’s consistent pressure paid off. From a long throw by Chris Baird, Dempsey got a head to the ball in the box, flicking it up for Kamara whose outrageous bicycle kick earned a share of the points for Fulham.

Up Next: Dempsey is set to be in the squad to face Brazil on Sept. 9 in Chicago. After the international break, Fulham travel to Wigan on the 15th of September