Hello Fans,

This is my first dip into the blogging world.  I will do my best to not disappoint!  In the weeks, and months to come I will try to give you a players view as to what all goes on during the week leading up to a game.  As we all know, opening weekend is just around the corner and we the players are just as excited as, you the fans are about getting things started.

It definitely has not been a normal preseason for me.  I have spent a total of about two weeks with the team.  For the past month I have been with the Olympic Team preparing for qualifying games.  Although it would have been nice to be with my teammates longer, the competition and games that I have had while with the Olympic Team have been very good.  As you all probably know by now, we did qualify for the Olympics along with Honduras.  Everyone was happy and relieved at the same time.  You could tell everyone definitely felt the pressure to qualify once the tournament started, especially after the disappointment of missing out on the last Olympics.  All of our opponents during qualification approached playing against us with the same mentality.  It was clear from the kick off in each game that they were going to sit in, defend, and try to counter.  To be honest, a lot of the teams had success with this approach but at the same time we still managed to create numerous chances in all of our games.  As always though, when you are playing a team that bunkers it in, the earlier you can score a goal the better.  That forces them to change their tactics and they have to open up and push the game a bit.  All in all, we set out and accomplished our goal, which was qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing.  

I am currently sitting in the Nashville airport, getting ready to board a flight back to Newark.  I have been away for a month now, and I am definitely looking forward to getting back and sleeping in my own bed.  Not to mention, I have plenty of laundry to do as well!  

Red Bull has the day off today, but will get back to training tomorrow.  I look forward to getting back with the team and seeing all of the guys.  It will be interesting to see how the team has come together since the last time I was with them in LA for preseason. 

As always if you have any questions or ideas for the blog feel free to let us know.  Hope you guys enjoy, and look forward to seeing you guys out at Giants Stadium this year to root us on!!!

-Hunter 

Have questions, comments, or any other feedback for Hunter? email them to hunter@americansoccerreader.com.