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Coach John Herdman and Toronto FC continue training camp in California – Winnipeg Free Press

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Toronto FC have opened the second leg of their training camp, this time in California with three friendlies next week.

The team flew to Santa Barbara, Calif., on Thursday for preseason friendlies against MLS champion Columbus Crew on Saturday, Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and Los Angeles FC on Feb. 17.

With the trip in mind, coach John Herdman said he will hold out some players ahead of Saturday's morning game against Columbus.

Toronto FC head coach John Herdman hugs during the national anthem before the first half of an MLS soccer game against Orlando City, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Toronto. Toronto FC have opened the second leg of their training camp, this time in California, with three friendly matches next week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Toronto FC head coach John Herdman hugs during the national anthem before the first half of an MLS soccer game against Orlando City, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Toronto. Toronto FC have opened the second leg of their training camp, this time in California, with three friendly matches next week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

“Nothing too serious,” he said.

Veteran forward Adama Diomand, who saw 166 minutes of league play last season due to injury, is not yet ready to play. Rookie Tyrese Spicer, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, is recovering from a broken finger.

Herdman is expected to both see some action in the next two games, while Spicer is expected to make his debut against Real Salt Lake.

“We had a tough season last season with injuries, and we want to make sure we get to the starting line with guys healthy, (and) ready to go,” Herdman said. “It will gradually go through the Salt Lake and LAFC games.”

Herdman said Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, even if healthy, could be held back given their travel and time spent on artificial turf last week in Toronto.

“I think (Saturday) I can prioritize the minutes as much as I can to evaluate the players and for the guys I know, when they're fully recovered and ready to go.” »

Saturday's contest will feature two 60-minute games as Columbus plays its first preseason game.

Opened camp in Toronto on January 13, and left for West Palm Beach, Florida, three days later. The traveling contingent returned to Toronto on Feb. 2 after losing 2-1 and 1-0 in the preseason 60. -Minute games with Nashville SC.

Gerdman said he will use the three games in California to work on “tactical consistency” after spending the Florida portion of camp mostly on fitness.

He is awaiting additions to the roster with unspecified young challengers already in camp.

According to Herdman, bringing in new faces depends on the club finding the “right people” and doing the necessary roster work to make room for them.

“I can say I expect some signings in the next couple of weeks,” he said. “I think I'll play a little bit before the LAFC game (Feb. 17). It was the front office's mission to make sure I could get at least a game or two under any new signing's belt.

“So I know the club is working hard and talking to some key players and some are closer than others. But what I'm learning is you can get close and the next minute it's gone.”