Thorns Training Report - June 11, 2014

The Thorns held their first training open to the media this morning at Providence Park.

The session, lasting about 2 hours, opened with the typical warm-up activities, then moving on to passing lines in a small square, which they worked on for at least the first 15-20 minutes or so, before splitting up into two groups and working playing high pressure keep-away games.

The Thorns then moved onto a 70 yard 11v11 scrimmage for much of training on the far side of the field in what appeared to be starting and reserves squads, but it was played on the far side of the field and I didn't have a clear view of who was on either side.  The goal of the scrimmage appeared to be working out under high pressure.

The Thorns closed out the training session with the attacking players working on building up the attack from midfield, passing the ball between each other and a row of dummies, then taking a shot on goal, while the rest of the team worked with strength and conditioning staff on the far-side of the field.

New Faces

The Thorns have had several amateur players training with the team since preseason, and four of them were identified today: goalkeeper Cris Lewis, defenders Michelle Cruz and Carlie Davis, and forward Hanna Terry.  The latter two have appeared on the Thorns roster all season, but have yet to make the 18, though Riley indicated they will be in the 18 this weekend against Washington.

Injuries and Absences

Kat Tarr was not at training as she recovers from last week's meniscus surgery.

Tobin Heath, Allie Long, Alex Morgan, and Rachel Van Hollebeke are training with the USWNT prior to their pair of friendlies against France.

Christine Sinclair has left the team prior to joining Canada prior to their meeting with Germany next Wednesday.  Canada will open camp on Friday.

Nadine Angerer was in training today and will join Germany tomorrow.

Head Coach Paul Riley

Forward Jessica McDonald