This weather is atrocious

We got snowed out yesterday so we just had workouts sent to us to do on our own.  It basically was a long treadmill and light lift work out but it got a nice sweat going so that was good.  Did some shopping out at this huge mall in Easton, its lk half outdoor, half indoor.  It's real sweet.  Bought a beanie, grey cardigan, and a pullover hoodie thing.  Satisfied with my purchases.  We went bowling again too last night haa it's so fun.  Another night of battles with a ton of spares and strikes.  We dined at Mongolian BBQ too last night, so good.

Today we didnt train till 7 at night so we slept in a bit, then got some subway with Josh and Justin.  I had a tasty flatbread BMT.  So good.  Came back to hotel after that and laid down a bit, watched BYU game.  Jimmer Fredette is the real deal.  Kid's got in the gym range!  We then trained at Ohio States indoor facility.  Place is legit man, what a program they got there.  Technical work, some posession, scrimmage, and crossing and finishing and that was all she wrote.  I felt sharp, enjoyed it very much.  Found out I am not traveling to Salt Lake for the CCL game.  Only 20 travel, but it's all good.  Just gonna continue to work hard, and play well consistently so.  Just do all I can in my control and hopefully it'll pay off.  Usually does.  We got practice tomorw morning so gonna hit the hay soon! Thanks for checkin in.  Much love people, I mean it.

EG #16

Shoutout to Coach Brett Hall at Chicago Sockers.  He may never read this ha but he is one hell of a dude.  Pleasure to have met him and get to know him well.

Truckin along...

Welp last time I was here we were getting ready for our game.  A 0-0 tie was how it ended and I thought overall not a bad result for not having much time to prep for it.  The team fought real hard, weather conditions were a nightmare.  But all things considering, not a bad scoreline.  I didn't play but we trained before and my bro was able to watch a bit so that was cool.  The return leg at Rio Tinto Stadium is next Tuesday so, it should be a good match.  They haven't lost at home much, think its like zero times in last thirty so it'll be awesome if and when we win. 

We trained today at Obetz, and it went pretty well.  Warmed up, played possession, and then some 8 v 8 to goals.  I enjoyed it very much.  The fellas and I went to Chipotle afterwards, always consistently amazing.  Leads me to now where I am chillen at the hotel watchin some tv, relaxingggg.  Think we may get dinner and see a movie tonight so should be lovely.  Last night we went bowling.  Lemme tell ya, epic battles.  It was Cole and I vs Justin and Josh.  We went 4-1 and there was some competitive games goin. Think almost all of em came down to the final frame.  It was so fun, I think Andy and Rich are gonna get involved too so we are gonna go again soon to get a little three way going.  Very confident in Cole and I :). That's all I got for now really, very much enjoying things so far.  Thankful to be here and am really loving the group of guys we have on this team.  Hopefully things keeep looking up.   Thanks for checking in.  Appreciate the love.


EG #16


Shoutout to Cole Rainwater, keep working hard my man and listening to Coach Greg and your dad.  Gonna do big things!

Gameday

We have had two training sessions since arriving back in Columbus.  One at our training facility Sunday, and then yesterday at the Stadium.  Pretty neat in the stadium, the field was wet, so the ball was being knocked around pretty good.  I was enjoying it, coulda stayed out there for hours just hittin balls.  Tonight's match should be a good one, Real Salt Lake obviously will be good but so will we.  Got faith in the team.  Excited to see how it unfolds.  Snowed a good amount last night, pretty crazy.  Should make the surface that much more fast.

Cole, Josh, Justin, and myself have been hangin out mostly past few days.  We are all in the hotel together so, we have been having some nice dinners and passing the time with a plethora of activities.  Hitting target to purchase slash walk around ha, some card games, and we visited some apartments that we are potentially going to live in.  So far, we like what we see.  My family is flying in today for the game, so that will be nice to see them.  My brother is excited to see me and meet some of the guys.  And of course my parents are just crazy excited to see me again.  They are always full of support.  I will probably grab some lunch with them and then gotta head to Stadium around 6.  That is basically it for now, gotta get in the shower.  I will be back with a result and some more updates tomorrow or Thursday.  Much love to everyone.  Thanks for checkin in!

EG #16

Shoutout to my current Columbus Crew teammates, as we play tonight! Let's go fellas!

Back to hotel life...

I am now in Columbus, having drove here today.  Took me about 5.5. hours.  It wasn't that bad, I had a serious jam session going on in the car with my ipod.  Cruiseddddd!  Stopped in Fort Wayne about half way to get gas and of course Taco Bell snagged me so I had to get some food there.  But yea had a nice visit home for sure.  Yesterday I packed during the day and hung with momma.  Then we all went out to eat, my whole fam for dinner to UNO's. About 12 of us total.  It was great to spend time with everyone before I left and see em.  I then went up to Chicago to hang with some buds before leaving.  It was a good time.

We have training tomorrow at 10:30 in preparation for our concacaf champions league match against Real Salt Lake on Tuesday on FSC!  The winner is the first american team to ever make the final 4 of the competition.   Should be a good one.  Freezing out here man, big difference from Arizona.  That's for sure!  Gonna be interesting out there tomorw! ahhhhhhhh  Josh is once again my roomate out here.  Hes a good guy man, have spent a good amount of time with him.  All of us young guys call him Daddy,  with him being older and stuff.  We get 14 days paid in this hotel, so hopefully in the near future here we can figure out our apartment situation.  I am living with Cold and Justin, as I mentioned before, just gotta figure out final plans.  Should be fun!  Hope everyone is well! and if anyone wants to hear other things talked about in my blog, commentttt!  I will answer questions or whatever too!  Much love!  Be back tomorrow or Monday!

EG #16

Back home for a few days..

Got in late last night, from Pheonix.  The team flew me home last night so I can get my things and car and move out to Columbus Saturday, before we are back at training in Columbus.  Our champions league game is on Tues night at Crew Stadium! Huge Game! Should be nuts! Lookin forward to it very much.  We finished up our first part of preseason yesterday with a 4-2 loss to Houston Dynamo.  It was a very physical game from the start and I got in for the last 20 min.  I was much more comfortable yesterday and coulda gone on for another 90! But I was happy to get some minutes and play well for the most part.  Our preseason continues in Atlanta after our champions league ties with Real Salt lake, believe we leave around March 4th.

Got home real late like I said last night, and stayed up and talked with my family.  Felt very good to be home and see them, including my brother Greg.  Today I have just been packing, spending time with momma and did a light work out.  Tonight I am going out to dinner with my whole family to UNO's.  Should be a good time and then i am off to Chicago to spend some time with my buddies before moving out to Columbus tomorrow.'

Once in Columbus, I got 14 days paid hotel from the Crew to find an apartment.  It looks like I will be living with Cole Grossman and Justin Meram.  We got quite close over the last three weeks so it should be a blast.  Andy and Rich are going to be our neighbors so it'll work out pretty sweet.  I am looking forward to it all, be nice to see the facilities in Columbus, the stadium, etc....Glad to be apart of the Crew!  Lots of hard work ahead!  Much love to everyone again! I will be back soon, probably on Sunday after training!

EG #16

What a last few days...

First, wanted to apologize for my absence and lack of blogging.  Like I said, crazy but great last few days.  The Columbus Crew officially offered me a contract on Tuesday Feb 13th, in which I signed yesterday.  Didn't think Valentines Day would turn out so good! ha But yes it's awesome man, I am super pumped.  It has been a long time coming, with my experience last year with Kansas City, back to school and graduation...and then a LOT of hard work and training.  Between the weightroom, running, and lots of training this fall..it all paid off.  BIG TIME.  Been dreaming of being a pro soccer player since I was very young, looking forward to the challenges and experiences ahead.  Gonna continue to work my butt off, can't get complacent whatsoever.

Gotta thank many people, including my family.  Mom and Dad been more than there for me every step of the way.  It is ridiculous, I love you two very much.  Never could explain how much.  My brother Greg, who could be a pro too, seriously...we been training and battling together since we were 6 on the orange cobras.  You're the man.  My coaches over the years, including my Dad, back in the day...Coach Rainwater at LC, what memories we have from the four years...jealous you got your ring! but well deserved! and lastly the staff at Loyola.  Coach Brendan Eitz, Tim Mcbride, and Gino Sciortino...you guys all have done much for my career and once again, unforgettable memories up at Loyola...Records!  My teammates, been plenty of em but you all have been a joy to play with too! Nothing better than going to battle with your brothas!  And my boys, you know who you are, wouldnt trade you guys for the world...like brothers to me!  The list can go on and on but thats all I got for now...

We got one day left of training tomorrow, and then a game against Houston on Thursday.  I will be flying home following the game to get my stuff and see my family before moving to Columbus, driving back Saturday!  I will figure out my number and all that back in Columbus.  Hope to see some Gehrig jerseys out there soon!  Thanks again for checking in, I am unbelievably thankful for all of the support I have received.  It really means so much.  I will be back soon! MUCH LOVE!


EG

Shoutout to EVERYONE who helped me get to where I am today!

Apologize for my absence

Been a wild few days so I apologize for not updating sooner!  We had training yesterday then had our team dinner.  Currently getting ready for our Colorado Rapids Preseason game so this must be quick!  I will be back soon with updates and news!  MUCH LOVE to everyone!

EG

Some pics!

 Andy, Me, and Justin at the Hawks Coyotes game

 

 

 

 

Place was pure Hawk fans and I loved it

Our first hotel in Phoenix

Nice little living room

Sleeping quarters for me and my rooomie

What we are playing for

Second hotel in Glendale

And again from other side

Sunny Saturday..

Weather continues to be perfect, not to rub anything in I swear but it's ridiculous out here.  We had training this morning at 11.  We warmed up with some technical work in groups of four, Cole, Rich, Justin and I.  We then broke into some small 6 v 6 possession, everything under 3 touch.  Felt real good during it and the ball was really moving.  Coaching staff was pleased with our effort.  We then went on to some fitness and finished with some finishing.  Overall a solid training session, that I was pretty pleased with.

We yet again went to Wich Wich for lunch, and I got the Italian this time.  Consistency with that place man, great sandwiches day in and day out.  Went back to Cabelas with Justin Andy and Cole for some moreeee Buckhunter, I of course won again.  Beat Cole by a few bucks ;)  That leads me to now, sitting with my roomate Josh watching Shooter, waiting for some laundry to get done.  We threw in a load because we literally are running on empty.

Andy, Justin, and I gonna try and scalp Blackhawks vs Coyotes tickets tonight so we are heading there soon.  It's awesome to see all the Hawk jerseys out here in Pheonix man!  Love it!  Tomorrow we are back at training with a preseason game vs the Colorado Rapids on Monday!  Enjoying the ride very much so, just doing all I can to make this final roster!  Appreciate the support and love from family and friends.  Means more than you know.  Be back tomorrow!

EG


Shoutout to my U-10 boys, heard we had an OT winner today from Coach Greg!  Thats how we do it!  Keep it up and I am thinking of you guys!

An eventful but light day...

Today we woke up and our team got divided into two groups for some light weight and fitness stuff here at the hotel fitness center.  Some treadmill, weights, and stretching was basically all it consisted of and it wasnt too bad.  It was a way for us to flush out the muscles and stretch a bit.  We were done in no more than an hour and then off the rest of the day.

We went to cracker barrel after and had a nice big breakfast.  Rich, Cole, Alex, Andy, and I.  I had the "Sunrise Sampler" - two eggs, bacon, taters, and some pancakes.  Twas quite good, very much enjoyed it.  We then literally spent an hour in Cabelas walkin around and even played some Buck Hunter, the arcade game.  I battled Cole to like 4 games and smoked him!  Killed 22 bucks to his 12 :).  I was a natural! We then went to the pool, because it was yet again soooo nice out.  Little kids and their families were there, I guess they were playing in a tourney around here so they were all excited the Crew were at the hotel.  Signed some autographs and took some pics ha reminded me when I was little man.  I used to get SO excited.  Still gotta tune up my signature with my brother, it looks pathetic! 

Justin, Josh Williams, and I then went to this barber who heard the Crew were in town and was offering all of us free haircuts.  I guess he used to live in Ohio and lovesss the Crew.  The dude was legit too, I of course just got a trimmy trim but he knew what he was doing.  We ended the night at this Steakhouse, forgot the name, but it was really good.  I got a chicken wrap with a loaded baked potatoe.  It was real good.  Josh W., Justin, and Cole went and it was a good time.  I am nowwww in my bed! Pretty tired with training in the morning 11 AM.  I wanna have a good session so I am going to hit the sack! Much love back home and thanks for checking in! Let's keep it rollin!

EG


Shoutout to my strength and conditioning coach Ryan Carroll back at Loyola for helping me prepare for all of this! Thanks big guy!

Pic of me and the fellas out today

Me, Alex Riggs, Andy Adlard, Justin Meram, and Rich Balchan

Columbus Crew 3 Seattle Sounders 0

Today was a long day but a good day.  The day started with our third preseason game against the Seattle Sounders.  It was a good matchup, as they have been one of the better MLS teams over the year.  We came out strong and played well.  We scored some nice goals and came away with a 3-0 win, pretty convincingly too.  Almost everyone got in, including myself, and it felt good to get the feet wet.  Got some touches on the ball and I was happy to get the first experience of mls action underway.  Everyone looked pretty good too, including my two buddies andy and rich.  Overall, a great game for the Crew.

After the game, we went to Wich Wich for lunch.  Rich and I got their buffalo chicken sub for the second day in a row. SO GOOD.  We walked around a little after and then went back to hang at the hotel.  We laid down a bit when we got back, ordered a movie.  Unstoppable with the king denzel washington about a crazy runaway train.  Rich and I were on the same page and thought it dragged on a bit, andy didnt seem to think so.  Good movie either way I suppose.  We dipped in the hottub after but its not hot enough so that was short lived.  

We just now returned from the Yardhouse yet again, about 6 of us went there for dinner and it was pretty good.  Good group of youngins we got here, always find ourselves crackin up and rippin jokes. It's good times.  We have a regeneration session tomorrow and that's it so.  Sun beat me up today, face is roasted.  Lookin forward to a goodnights sleep.  I will be back tomorrow.  Much love everyone, thanks for checking in.

EG

Shoutout to Mrs Adlard and Mrs Balchan! Im takin care of your boys and glad you enjoy the blog!

New location

We moved hotels yesterday, as our training camp switched to Glendale.  We are in a nice hotel, its more business like I feel like but its real nice.  We are right across the street from the University of Phoenix Stadium where the Arizona Cardinals play.  It looks pretty neat.  We loaded up a uhaul with all our team gear and personal suitcases before our game yesterday and came straight here after the game.

We lost our game 2-1.  Vancouver had the likes of Shea Salinas, Jay Demerit, John Thorrington and a few others.  They seemed like a quality side.  Eddie Gaven scored for us on a penalty kick and we played most of the guys in training camp. I, however, didn't get in.  Just gotta keep battling in training and hopefully that will change.  We train today at 11 and that's it.  We have our third preseason game tomorrow against the Seattle Sounders.  Should be a good game.  Only two weeks away from our first actual game against Real Salt Lake in the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals.

After the game, some of the guys and I went to the yardhouse for some late lunch.  Pretty cool place, located in a huge open mall area, also located across the street.Weathers been great last four days so that's be nice.  Nothing but sun and 70s.  Watched IU lost to Purdue with Rich and Andy which stunk then we chilled for rest of day.  Went to Cracker Barrel late night for some food with Cole Grossman, Justin Meram, and my roomate Josh.  Had a nice little meal.  That was basically it.  Gotta keep grinding.  Appreciate ya checkin in.  Ill be back tomorrow sometime.  Much love.

EG

Back to training...

Had a nice day off yesterday and sadly saw the Packers won, but they are really good.  I knew once my bears let em in the playoffs during week 17 that it could come back to haunt us.  Sure did! oh well.  We trained this morning, started with some technical warmup, then on to possession, some finishing and finished with 11 v 11.  We then had lunch on our own, some of the younger guys and I had sandwiches from the hotel restaurant then sat out by the pool for a few hours.  Threw a football around and laid in the sun.  Weather was gorgeous today too, about high 70s and straight sunnnn! I got pretty pretty burnt, got me a nice tan going.

We had team dinner tonight provided by the hotel.  It was pretty good I had fish, steak, salad, taters, rice, and some veggies.  Topped off with some fruit and whip cream and I actually ordered some ice cream brownie thing with room service and it was super good.  Andy and I indulged.  Good group of young guys here at Columbus between Rich, Andy, Cole Grossman, and Justin Meram.  Been hangin with them a lot and we usually laugh our butts off.  I enjoy bein with them. 

We play our second preseason game tomorrow against the Vancouver Whitecaps.  It'll be interesting to see how it plays out, watching it and whether I will get in or not.  Either way I will be ready.  We are also switching hotels and cities tomorrow as we will be moving camp to Glendale Arizona.  Hope this nice weather continues.  That's it for now I suppose, appreciate the support and wishes.  Means a lot.  I will be back tomorrow with the game result and review of my day ha.  Thanks for checkin in.

EG

happy 78th birthday to my lovely oma today. love you grams

Superbowl sundayy...

We tied our game yesterday, 2-2..KC came out fast but it seemed like we slowly took over the game and control.  Robbie Rogers scored a PK for us and one of our trialist centerbacks got a header off a corner.  I didn't get in, but we ended up playing only 23 of our guys out of the 30 or so that are here.  KC played about 35 guys it seemed, we played three 30 minute halfs so.  Just gotta be ready when I am called, and that's all you can do.  Spoke with some of the KC coaches and training staff after the game, it was good to see them again.  They had some nice things to say so that was cool.  The Crew cut some guys too yesterday, sad to see them go too.  As we train and hang out, we all become close so it's always too bad when you gotta see someone go.  As for me, I am still here so that's a good thing.  Just gotta take it day by day and do what's in your control, and that's what I have been doing.  Keep the positive vibes comin my way please!

After the game, my roomate Josh, Rich, Andy, and I went to this burger joint Josh claimed was amazing.  Whataburger, ha I guess it was pretty good.  Had myself a nice burger and some fries.  We just chilled rest of the day, watched Indiana blow it against Iowa, which Rich, Andy, and I were not too thrilled about.  Superbowl today and it should be a good game man.  Still devastated my bears arent in it :( but oh well!  I would like to pick the packers to win it but as a die hard bears fan I just can't bring myself to do it!  Steelers 27 Packers 24!  We will see what happens, I just wanna see a good game!  That is all for now.  It's sunday morning and I'm gonna grab some food here in a bit and then just veg out with the fellas and watch the game (and commercials!)  We are off today so, got one training session tomorrow and then we play the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday in our next preseason game.  Hope everyone is well, thinkin of you all back home!  Be back later!


EG

Shoutout to my family on this superbowl sunday, ma, pa, greg, opa, oma! enjoy the game and I miss you guys!

preseason game vs KC tomorrow...

Training went pretty well today, we opened with some organized warm-ups with ladders, hurdles, and cones.  We then went into 7 v 7 with passing into end zones to score goals.  Fairly tight space so you had to have good touches and good ball movement.  We finished with 11 v 11 and I got in the second part at central midfield.  Didn't give any balls away, and had some good passing so I felt good about it.  It was good to get the feet wet a bit in a game like situation before tomorrow in case I do get a chance to play.  Plus it will be against KC, who i trained with last preseason so it'll be fun.  We shall see. 

We had team dinner tonight the hotel put on for us.  They had real good tilapia and steak, and I made a nice big salad.  Got some goodies from 7 eleven for dessert with Rich, so that was a nice little treat after dinner.  We just laid low after that for the rest of the night, watched some sweet youtube videos and now I am here.  Feeling pretty tired and lookin forward to a goodnights sleep.  Gettin a nice little tan too it seems in the face lol I was casper white when I get out here.  The weather was nice today so that was good.  Hope tomorrow goes well.  Night everyone.

EG

Shoutout to a great man, Mr. Berrier, who sadly passed away this week.  RIP Love you casey and the rest of the family. Love you pappa B, you are with me out here.

daily doublee....

Sorrry I didnt post yesterday, was a bit tired so I just went to bed.  We had two training sessions yesterday and overall they went well.  In the morning, we started training with some technical drills different variations of passing with a group of about 8.  It was fun, I like getting good clean touches on the ball.  That stuff is where you really keep your touch sharp and keep things clean.  We went on to some 8 v 6 attackers vs defense. I played in front of the back four and was able to break up a lot of incoming passes and made it difficult for the attackers to score.  Thought I did well.  We then finished with some finishing and once again, I thought I was hitting some fluid shots, scored a couple nice goals.  We had a lunch break and then were back at it in the afternoon.  This training was strictly different patterns of crossing and finishing.  I basically was just pinging balls out wide to the crossers and then joined in on some crossing myself.

For the rest of the night I chilled with andy and rich again, I enjoy being with those fellas.  We ordereed some pizza for dinner and some wings, and watched college bball and some nba.  All along with rippin on eachother and cracking jokes.  Good times. 

Overall, it really has been a solid week, I am just trying to do my best, and do what is under my control.  And when i go back and think of all the things I have done, all things considering, I think I have done fairly well.  We got one training session today, and then first preseason game against Kansas City tomorrow.  I am not sure if i will get in, but I do know if I do get a chance, I will be ready.  That is all for now, I will be back this evening I am sure.  Take it easy everyone.

EG

Shoutout to my man Tony Deluca, lots of good memories brotha from our glory days at Loyola, can't wait for the wedding!

40s and windy out..:(

Today it was unusually cold out here in Phoenix as it was low 40s and windy all day basically.  We had our one training session at 11 after breakfast and we originally had planned on doin fitness and then some possession type drill.  We were all literally in pants and jackets with hoods on because it was pretty cold.  Once we got goin I guess it wasn't so bad but it sure was windy and that was annoying.  We started with some warmup with the ball and then on to the fitness, which was an obstacle course the coaches planned out.  It covered the whole field and we had to do it under 3 minutes, a total of six times.  Everyone did really well and the coaches seemed pleased.  The coach then even went on to call the training session and that was it.  I think the combination of us doing well and the weather prompted it.

After training I took a nice hot shower, and got some pizza with my buddy Andy Adlard.  It was pretty good, we got room service because we didnt wanna move ha.  We watched Cast Away that with Rich Balchan, it was on HBO.  What a movie!  I have seen it before but it get's me everytime.  Sad man, couldn't imagine! Tom Hanks is class too!  Andddd that leads me to now, gonna lay low for the rest of the day and grab some dinner soon.  We have two training sessions tomorrow so it will be nice to get some good hard ball work in, both with the team and individually.  Heard the snow has finally stopped back home so I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm!  Miss everyone!  Love you too! I will be back sometime tomorrow evening.  Talk soon.

EG

Shoutout to Billy the Nightrain Langevin for being a true friend man.  Love you buddy!

Day 2 in Arizona...

We had one training this morning and then a light session to work the goalies a bit.  This morning we started with a warmup and then we got divided into three teams.  Two teams played 2 v 2 to goal, then on to 3 v 3 and eventually 4 v 4.  The team sitting out did fitness.  My team was solid with Eddie Gaven, Andy Iro, and Dilly Duka to name a few.  We played first, then fitness, and played again.  The first time we played we defended the big goal and I made some good tackles and blocks.  For fitness I felt very good, we did some diagonal running to half and then strided it out to finish the full length.  I was pleased with how I felt fitness wise.  We then went on to attack to the big goal, which I made some good runs and made some nice passes.  Had a nice shot on goal too that the goalie stopped.  Overall, I was satisfied.  We finished training with some 7 v 7 to goals.  My team ended up winning and we had some nice combinations going. 

We then had team lunch, at the hotel.  I made a nice big sandwich and had some pasta ha. It was good.  This afternoon they had the other trialists and I work with the goalies and we basically just whipped balls in and provided some crosses.  It was crazy windy so it was a challenge gettin the crosses in but that was all we did.  It was a rather light session, didn't do any shooting or finishing so.  And that basically leads me to where I am at now, waiting to go out to dinner with a few of the guys.  Heard there is a HUGE snow storm back home, too bad I gotta miss it ha ;).  I love snow actually though, I feel like if it's gonna be winter in Chicago, let it SNOWWWWWW!!!!  Hope everyone is safe and keeping warm.  We just have one training tomorrow at 11 and that's pretty much it for the day so I will be back sometime tomorrow afternoon.  Keep the positive vibes comin my way! I appreciate the support.


EG

Shoutout to all my former teammates, from Lake Central to Loyola.  Love you guys like brothers.