Training

Preseason training is in the past, school is in session and the fall season is now in full swing. 

When you think about what you want to accomplish over the coming months, there's a lot that's out of your control — things that are dependent on your coach, the opponent, etc. — but you can give yourself the best possible chance of success by maintaining a routine that keeps you prepared, elevates your performance and ultimately reduces your risk of injury. 

Summer vacation is over. If you've been avoiding the heat by staying inside and relaxing on the couch in front of the TV with a selection of your favorite processed foods, the idea of whipping yourself into shape for the fall can certainly feel daunting.  

But whatever your soccer goals, fitness ambitions or workout plans are, your best intentions can be sabotaged by failing to recognize the importance of nutrition, hydration and recovery in your daily training regimen.

Xavi’s managerial reign at Barcelona began with a 1-0 victory over Espanyol on Saturday, and it’s clear he’s already injected some much-needed life into the club.

On the pitch, there was a debut for 17-year-old winger Ilias Akhomach while 17-year-old Gavi and 19-year-old Nico González also made the starting XI — even Riqui Puig made an appearance! 

The best and worst time of year is approaching. The month of August is a time of heat waves, two practices a day, beep tests and a strange obsession with ice baths. Whether it is your first college preseason or your last, there is nothing that can truly prepare you for a month's worth of only seeing your teammates and taking power naps whenever you get the chance. Pushing your body to its limits and playing the game you love is bittersweet, even though you will probably dislike your life when you finish the beep test and go straight into small sided games.