I might not have been at practice yesterday, but I have a few updates from Wednesday's training session thanks to the email report of a faithful reader who attended the session. Here we go...

John tearing it up --

Apparently, it hasn't taken trialist Collins John long to get acclimated to the Fire. According to our intrepid reader, the former-Fulham striker was very impressive in just his second day of training with the team. Here is the full report on John:

"Collins John looked like a beast today. You can tell he has a good touch even though his timing was bit off. But he is explosive, looks like an [American] football player compared to the rest of the guys. It is hard to see him not making the team, he could be plain dominant in MLS."

John performing well is fantastic news for the Fire. He clearly has a great deal of talent and if he works hard (which it sounds like he did yesterday) on a consistent basis then the rest of the league better watch out.

De los Cobos's regiment

Over the past few months, we've repeatedly heard about the Fire's newfound commitment to playing an attractive, pass-heavy style of soccer. If yesterday's practice was anything to go by, new head coach Carlos de los Cobos seems to be sticking to that philosophy. De los Cobos put the Fire through numerous drills to help establish a quick passing attack, including scrimmages in which players were only allowed two (then eventually one) touches.

Also, the reader said that as a whole, the team's attitude was "more upbeat" yesterday. I don't want to make too much of that -- after all it was only the second day of training, enthusiasm should be expected -- but it certainly isn't a bad thing for some positive energy to be flowing amongst the players and staff.

Thanks again to the reader (you know who you are...) for sending in the updates.