Welp, long day it surely was...flight left Chicago at 8:30 got in about 11:30. The director of soccer operations for the Crew, real nice guy named Tucker, picked me and we headed to the Embassy Suites, which is where we are staying. Real nice hotel, living room, little kitchen, and a bed room, two flatscreens. We got there and the team was having lunch so I strolled in, met the staff, and introduced myself to the guys. Little nerves at first but I soon found out everyone was real cool. We got our gear for training shortly after and we left for the fields around 3:15. Training started at 4 with some 5 v 2, then on to some finishing, and then we played a little 10 v 10. Boy it felt good to be outside again and on GRASS. So sick of all the turf and the cold, so it was refreshing. Between the travel and not being used to the big field, it took a few runs to catch my breath but I played pretty well. Played defensive mid, and I thought I showed very well for my first day. The Jabulani ball is something man, thing moves all over the place. When we were shooting, I hit some bombs too. I can understand why goalies hate that ball so much. After training, we had dinner on our own, me and a few of the guys went to Olive Garden and feasted. So full right now and for sure tired. I gotta get to bed. We got two sessions tomorrow, training in morning, and it sounds like lifting in the afternoon so, rest is vital right now. I am very happy though to be with the Crew right now and am enjoying it. I hope it continues. Miss my family and friends but I will see them soon enough. Hope everyone is well, I'm hittin the sack. Night!
EG
Shoutout to my mom and dad, LOVE you guys. I'll be back tomorrow!
Eric Gehrig
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
One day away..
Welp, I am flying out in the morning. 8:30 flight to Pheonix, Arizona and I printed off my boarding pass, probably the highest boarding number I have ever had. A02, seems the Crew purchased business select, which is sweet, because I will prob be sitting right in the front since I am the second passenger on the flight. Lot different from the usual C group and finding the last middle seat on the flight ha but it's all good. Pretty much finished my packing I think. Got some socks, some boxers, the toiletries, pair of jeans, couple shirts, bathing suit, one long sleeve, soccer shoes, shinguards, and that should about do it. They provide all the training gear so I should be good to go. Finished my book today too, so I will be starting my next one, Michael Ballacks autobiography. Really lookin forward to it as I'm a diehard german and he has been the general of the national team for years now. Ma and Pa picked up some steaks for dinner tonight so that'll be yummy. I will probably find a good movie hopefully after and that'll be it for tonight. Looking forward to a nice sleep tonight, as tomorrow I will have a long day. I get in around noon and I am training in the afternoon so there's no time to shake off the jetlag. But I will be fine. I'm ready! Can't wait! I actually am close with a few of their players they drafted, Rich Balchan and Andy Adlard. Two very good players who starred at Indiana University. It will be nice to see and play with some people I know. That's about it for now, I will be back tomorrow night and I will fill y'all in on how my day went and I hope it goes well! Thanks again for keepin up with me, appreciate it tremendously. Much love.
EG
Shoutout to Alex Boler, who I have gotten to know quite well over the years and I consider him one of my best friends, even though he gets on my nerves sometimes ;) love you buddy
EG
Shoutout to Alex Boler, who I have gotten to know quite well over the years and I consider him one of my best friends, even though he gets on my nerves sometimes ;) love you buddy
Friday, January 28, 2011
Headin to the desert..
Received a call from the Columbus Crew tonight and it looks like I will be flying out to Arizona for preseason Monday morning. Training will begin Monday afternoon so it's time to get after it. I was relieved to get the call because now I actually know when I am leavin and can focus now on the most important part: the soccer. And it's not that I havent been focused on the soccer, just anxious I guess to find out when I will be going. So I'm pumped and can't wait to get started! Let's go!
Didn't train today, I did however run 4 miles on the treadmill and then on to 10 minutes of jump rope. Lifted some shoulders and that was it. Fitness is feeling good and overall body feels good, and now I have a few days to fully rest and be 100% heading to preseason. Went to Cracker Barrel with the family tonight for dinner, and we usually NEVER go there, but I went there not too long ago before my combine in Omaha...lemme tell ya...their Grilled chicken tender loins with mashed taters, gravy, green beans, and corn is AMAZING. For real though, anyone out there interested in a filling, somewhat healthy meal...boom! After dinner I got some DQ and then watched my brothers Under 16's team he coaches at a nearby arena I grew up playing at. Reminds me when I was little man, boy have the years passed. It's pretty crazy. I am a very fortunate young man that's for sure, had a great upbringing with a great family, and have met some amazing people over the years. Lots of unforgettable memories over the years, and thanks to everyone who made them possible. Truly does mean a lot to me.
That's about it for tonight, bed soon for me. I will probably be back tomorrow, once again, appreciate y'all checkin in. Go on Columbus Crew!
EG
p.s. Shout out to all my great coaches over the years, from the beginning where my Dad literally had me shooting balls off paint cans, to Coach Rainwater where we shoulda been crowned state champs, and to the Loyola coaching staff where we won the school's first conference titles and won rings baby! Much love!
Didn't train today, I did however run 4 miles on the treadmill and then on to 10 minutes of jump rope. Lifted some shoulders and that was it. Fitness is feeling good and overall body feels good, and now I have a few days to fully rest and be 100% heading to preseason. Went to Cracker Barrel with the family tonight for dinner, and we usually NEVER go there, but I went there not too long ago before my combine in Omaha...lemme tell ya...their Grilled chicken tender loins with mashed taters, gravy, green beans, and corn is AMAZING. For real though, anyone out there interested in a filling, somewhat healthy meal...boom! After dinner I got some DQ and then watched my brothers Under 16's team he coaches at a nearby arena I grew up playing at. Reminds me when I was little man, boy have the years passed. It's pretty crazy. I am a very fortunate young man that's for sure, had a great upbringing with a great family, and have met some amazing people over the years. Lots of unforgettable memories over the years, and thanks to everyone who made them possible. Truly does mean a lot to me.
That's about it for tonight, bed soon for me. I will probably be back tomorrow, once again, appreciate y'all checkin in. Go on Columbus Crew!
EG
p.s. Shout out to all my great coaches over the years, from the beginning where my Dad literally had me shooting balls off paint cans, to Coach Rainwater where we shoulda been crowned state champs, and to the Loyola coaching staff where we won the school's first conference titles and won rings baby! Much love!
The waiting game...
So I got in contact with the Columbus Crew last night and the director of soccer operations is figuring out my flight information and when exactly I will be heading to Arizona to join the team. Once he gets that all figured out I will know what day that will be and hopefully I will know by today. Course I will let y'all know. As for yesterday, didn't do much at all really, watched a few movies, shoveled my driveway, lifted, and then had dinner with the family. Tried to relax a bit and just enjoy the whole process I am going through, even though at times it can be a little nerve-wracking. But I am glad I am in the scenario I am in and I look forward to preseason with the Crew, hopefully make a big impression on the staff and team when I get there.
It's about 9:30 AM on Friday and I think I will go make some breakfast. I will be back hopefully sooner than later with more updates. Shoutout to two of my best buddys, casey and geoffrey bowman, who I have trained with countless hours and they have also helped me get to where I am today...thanks brothas :)
be back soon.
EG
It's about 9:30 AM on Friday and I think I will go make some breakfast. I will be back hopefully sooner than later with more updates. Shoutout to two of my best buddys, casey and geoffrey bowman, who I have trained with countless hours and they have also helped me get to where I am today...thanks brothas :)
be back soon.
EG
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
On to Columbus...
A very interesting day it was to say the least. Woke up about 7:15 AM and hopped in the shower to get clean and wake myself up. Had my normal breakfast out there of a pb and j, granola bar, banana, and some OJ. We left the hotel around 8 for the Sporting KC facility to get our gear, tape, etc. We started training around 9 at the KC Chiefs indoor facility a Arrowhead. We did more scrimmaging and 11 v 11. I played holding mid once again, and for the most part played well. Back spasms started to linger near the end, so that was annoying. Before ya knew it though, training had ended and now we would find out who was going to preseason. I felt pretty good about me going, as they had hinted earlier I would be going and I thought I had a good showing.
Well.....the assistant coach approached me and I found out some interesting news. The Columbus Crew had claimed me as a discovery player, which to be honest I am still not fully informed on what it exactly is but they too saw me at a combine earlier this year and were interested in bringing me in.
I got this offline regarding a "discovery player" -
"Finally, the MLS also has what is called a discovery period, which means clubs will submit claims on players outside the league (foreigners and USL/NASL) who they are hoping to sign. Essentially, it gives them exclusive MLS rights to negotiate with that particular player, but if there are multiple claims on a player, the club with the poorer record this past season is awarded the rights. Teams are permitted to make as many as 10 claims, and discovery claims are usually kept confidential until a signing is imminent to avoid any potential hurdles."
http://blog.oregonlive.com/timbers/2010/08/building_an_mls_roster_part_1.html
So take that for what you want ha but, it does show that Columbus thought highly of me when they saw me initially in Omaha so, that's good. I am excited for the new challenge and opportunity, no hard feelings in KC whatsoever. I understand that at the end of the day, professional sports is a business and I really enjoyed my time in KC, both now and last year. Players, coaching staff, and administration were all first-class. Nothing in Columbus is guaranteed, as they weren't in Kansas City, so I will be giving it my all for sure once I get into camp. I am supposed to receive a call tomorrow regarding specific details but I will be joining the Columbus Crew in Phoenix, Arizona for preseason early next week. I will update that information as soon as I speak with the Crew of course. As for now, I am currently sitting in the KC airport, awaiting my flight back home to Chicago. Will be nice to see the family again and relax a little. I will be back tomorrow hopefully with some updates. Once again, thanks for checkin in Shoutout to any of my little U10 boys checking in that I coached this fall with my brother. Love you guys!
EG
Well.....the assistant coach approached me and I found out some interesting news. The Columbus Crew had claimed me as a discovery player, which to be honest I am still not fully informed on what it exactly is but they too saw me at a combine earlier this year and were interested in bringing me in.
I got this offline regarding a "discovery player" -
"Finally, the MLS also has what is called a discovery period, which means clubs will submit claims on players outside the league (foreigners and USL/NASL) who they are hoping to sign. Essentially, it gives them exclusive MLS rights to negotiate with that particular player, but if there are multiple claims on a player, the club with the poorer record this past season is awarded the rights. Teams are permitted to make as many as 10 claims, and discovery claims are usually kept confidential until a signing is imminent to avoid any potential hurdles."
http://blog.oregonlive.com/timbers/2010/08/building_an_mls_roster_part_1.html
So take that for what you want ha but, it does show that Columbus thought highly of me when they saw me initially in Omaha so, that's good. I am excited for the new challenge and opportunity, no hard feelings in KC whatsoever. I understand that at the end of the day, professional sports is a business and I really enjoyed my time in KC, both now and last year. Players, coaching staff, and administration were all first-class. Nothing in Columbus is guaranteed, as they weren't in Kansas City, so I will be giving it my all for sure once I get into camp. I am supposed to receive a call tomorrow regarding specific details but I will be joining the Columbus Crew in Phoenix, Arizona for preseason early next week. I will update that information as soon as I speak with the Crew of course. As for now, I am currently sitting in the KC airport, awaiting my flight back home to Chicago. Will be nice to see the family again and relax a little. I will be back tomorrow hopefully with some updates. Once again, thanks for checkin in Shoutout to any of my little U10 boys checking in that I coached this fall with my brother. Love you guys!
EG
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 2
We had training today at noon, so I woke up around 9 and had myself a banana, a pb & j, and a granola bar. A shower followed that and then we were off to the training facility to get our gear and what not. Thought I played better today and overall am pleased with the way things went. We just scrimmaged again playing 11 V 11. I once again was at the holding mid spot, and connected almost all of my passes, including some switches of the field and some driven balls. Got in on some 50-50's too in the air and competed well. Had one shot from about 20 yds out hit the post and then 5 min later I ended up scoring a nice volley from about 30 yards out. Ball popped out, took a touch and let it rip and thankfully it went far post side netting. Felt good, that's for sure. I am happy with the way today went so, we will see. Tomorrow is our last session for this little invite combine, so hopefully I can close out with a bang and keep it goin.
After training a few of the guys and I went to Panera located in the Plaza. The exact Panera I went to when I played out here for Loyola, brings back memories thats for sure of being with the guys and coaches. We are actually stayin at the hotel next to where we stayed with Loyola too so. Anyway, back to Panera, I ordered the Chipotle Chicken sandwich, always a good choice. I also got the cream of chicken and wild rice, WOW, so good. Very satisfied with the meal and once again those that know me best, know how much I enjoy a good meal. SO for now I am back at the hotel, pretty tired...I'm thinking I will take a hot shower, read a little bit of my book, Steven Gerrard's autobiography which I highly recommend to any soccer nuts. Tonight, think we are gonna do Noodle's and Co. for din din and just relax. Good game on ESPN too with Ohio State and Purdue so I'll prob watch that. That is all for now, hope things keep rollin and I appreciate all the well wishes..Shoutout to my brother Greg, who help get me here for the last 23 years and was/is a hell of a soccer player himself. I will be back tomorrow hopefully with some more good news. Thanks for takin the time to check-in.
EG
After training a few of the guys and I went to Panera located in the Plaza. The exact Panera I went to when I played out here for Loyola, brings back memories thats for sure of being with the guys and coaches. We are actually stayin at the hotel next to where we stayed with Loyola too so. Anyway, back to Panera, I ordered the Chipotle Chicken sandwich, always a good choice. I also got the cream of chicken and wild rice, WOW, so good. Very satisfied with the meal and once again those that know me best, know how much I enjoy a good meal. SO for now I am back at the hotel, pretty tired...I'm thinking I will take a hot shower, read a little bit of my book, Steven Gerrard's autobiography which I highly recommend to any soccer nuts. Tonight, think we are gonna do Noodle's and Co. for din din and just relax. Good game on ESPN too with Ohio State and Purdue so I'll prob watch that. That is all for now, hope things keep rollin and I appreciate all the well wishes..Shoutout to my brother Greg, who help get me here for the last 23 years and was/is a hell of a soccer player himself. I will be back tomorrow hopefully with some more good news. Thanks for takin the time to check-in.
EG
Monday, January 24, 2011
Back to KC
What's up friends, glad to be back in KC and hopefully headed to preseason again with Sporting KC. First, playing in an invite combine for a few days and then if I play well enough they will bring me back in, so thats the goal. Had our first training session today and things went pretty well. It was good to see the coaching staff again and it felt like they were happy to see me back so that felt good. Feels like they want me to succeed and do well so that was nice. Played pretty well overall, took awhile for everyone to get settled in but once that happened I felt more comfortable. Played some holding-mid, my personal favorite, and got some good touches early. Played some nice balls, won some fun air battles, and got stuck in with some crunchin tackles. Love me some of them. The dirty work I really enjoy. Hopefully the coaches saw some good things. I am eager to get back at it tomorrow, that's for sure. It's about 5 PM now and we go again tomorrow at noon. Can't wait.
Looks like I will be blogging all along the way, and hopefully it'll be awhile. Those of you who know me best, know how much this opportunity means to me and how bad I want it. I appreciate all of the support and wishes, makes it easier to get through the process and provides me with company. Friends and family I love all of you. Been working very hard over the last few months and I want nothing more than to succeed. So let's make it happen. Shout out to my roomates, A12, Billy, Styguy, and Tommy. Brones, you as well out in PA. And of course my loving family and friends, this is for you too. Off to grab some dinner and pick up some conditioner, because this freaken hotel doesn't have any lol :(. Be back tomorrow with some updates.
EG
Looks like I will be blogging all along the way, and hopefully it'll be awhile. Those of you who know me best, know how much this opportunity means to me and how bad I want it. I appreciate all of the support and wishes, makes it easier to get through the process and provides me with company. Friends and family I love all of you. Been working very hard over the last few months and I want nothing more than to succeed. So let's make it happen. Shout out to my roomates, A12, Billy, Styguy, and Tommy. Brones, you as well out in PA. And of course my loving family and friends, this is for you too. Off to grab some dinner and pick up some conditioner, because this freaken hotel doesn't have any lol :(. Be back tomorrow with some updates.
EG
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