By TRAVIS CLARK
The MLS regular season is just weeks away, and clubs across the country are in deep preparation for the 2010 season.
Arizona and Florida are the two mains destinations for February training camps as clubs look to escape the cold weather closer to home. D.C. United, Toronto FC and Columbus will spend time training in Bradenton, FL over the next few weeks, while Kansas City, Chicago and Real Salt Lake are setting up shop in Arizona.
The Philadelphia Union are currently training in Browns Summit, NC, and will play a scrimmage against the University of North Carolina this coming Saturday. Peter Nowak's squad will be without new acquisition Michael Orozco from Wednesday as he departs for national team camp at the Home Depot Center.
Chicago's new coach, Carlos de los Cobos, is getting a close look at his new club in Phoenix, AZ. A busy schedule will also take the club to Guadalajara, Mexico, Jackson, MS and New Orleans, LA. Their first preseason friendly is scheduled for February 15 with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Down in Bradenton, the Columbus Crew already have one friendly in the books. The Crew took care of business against the U.S. U-17 team over the weekend, winning 8-0. Bright Dike and Dilly Duka, the Crew's two first round draft picks, each tallied a goal in the rout.
Houston also kicked off their preseason schedule with a 6-0 win against Houston Baptist University on Saturday. The Dynamo get to stay close to home for most of February, save for a few days in Florida for the Disney Soccer Soccer Classic.
Defending champions Real Salt Lake are one of the last club's to get started — players aren't required to report until February 10 for physicals and fitness tests. They'll soon take off for two weeks in Arizona before heading to South Carolina in March.
What do you think of the preseason? Can't wait for the season to start? What is your team doing?
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