by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
The United States men's national trained on artificial turf for a second consecutive day on Sunday morning as they wrapped up their week-long training camp in Miami, Florida.
With only 14 players in camp, it has been a challenge for U.S. head coach Bob Bradley to find the right balance between helping players get back in fitness and resting ones who have played in a plethora of games.
"We know some guys have played a lot this past year and others who have not been on the field as much so there is a push to get them fitter," said Bradley. "We've had to do a mix of different things but I think it has been a good few days."
One of the players that has been pushing to get fitter is midfielder Freddy Adu, who made only nine appearances for AS Monaco this season.
"It's been difficult," said Adu of his year in France. "Obviously as an athlete you want to play all the time, but I take a lot of pride in how hard I'm training."
Adu is not the only player with question marks surrounding his fitness. Right back Frankie Hejduk will be evaluated by the national team medical staff when he arrives to South Florida as he has been held out of Columbus Crew's last two games with a groin injury. Hejduk's availibility for the June 3 qualifier in Saprissa Stadium appears doubtful.
If Hejduk cannot go on Wednesday, the U.S. will rely on either Toronto FC right back Marvell Wynne or West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector to fill in on the backline in Costa Rica, where the U.S. is 0-5-1 all-time in qualifying.
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What do you think of the United States' time in South Florida? Think practicing in the hot weather and on artificial turf will help the team get their first victory in Costa Rica? Will Adu or Hejduk play against Los Ticos?
Share your thoughts below.