Atlanta United trained as a team Monday for the first time since March 10.
That previous session came at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in preparation for the Champions League game against Club America.
Then came the suspension of activities because of COVID-19, including team training sessions, that has included the postponement of 11 of the team’s league games through Monday. Atlanta United is the first professional sports team in the city to resume activities.
The MLS suspension was lifted Thursday as long as teams followed certain protocols, including players, trainers and coaches taking two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests 24 hours apart, 72 hours before the start of training, and undergo one baseline antibody (serology) test.
Atlanta United was one of three teams, along with New England and Sporting KC, to train as a team Monday.
“It felt good to get out there and play a little 11 v 11 with the guys,” centerback Miles Robinson said. “It was exciting to see everyone. I haven’t seen everyone in months.”
The team spent a large amount of Monday’s time working on conditioning and passing drills, in addition to scrimmaging. It was similar to the work done by the team during its preseason workouts.
Before Monday’s session, teams were permitted in early May to conduct individual workouts as long as the safety protocols were met. The league then approved small-group training sessions May 30 of no more than six players on a field. Each of those types of sessions were voluntary. Monday’s was not. Atlanta United was among the first teams to conduct each of the three sessions.
“I feel safe, and the whole team is excited,” Robinson said.
The team sessions were approved by the league ostensibly so that franchises can prepare for the proposed 26-team tournament in Orlando that reportedly is scheduled to start July 9. The league has yet to green light the event, but commissioner Don Garber said last week that the league has been working on it for several weeks.
Different MLS players have said they would need at least three weeks of team training to get back to full fitness in to put a quality product on the field for the tournament. Robinson said he thinks the team will be ready.
“The ideal thing would be two months or as long as possible, but I think the advantage is for every team,” Fernando Meza said. “Whoever is at their best and focused will gain the advantage. Personally, I’m positive and trying to transmit that to my teammates.”
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