The full-back has been with the American national team since January 2
If preseason training officially began for most Impact players this Monday in Florida, that isn’t the case for left-back Daniel Lovitz. The American defender received a call-up from the US national team, joining them in early January for the start of their first camp in 2019.
It’s Lovitz’s first ever call-up by his national team, following a very good season with the Bleu-blanc-noir, during which he started almost every regular season game.
“The first few days were a bit nervy for me, but in the best way: new coach, new team, new system,” explained Lovitz. “All in all, it has just been an overwhelming flow of positive emotions. It’s been awesome settling in. The standard is high in everything we do and I’ve loved the competitive nature of how we work.”
Lovitz won’t be the only new face at camp. Head coach Gregg Berhalter is also conducting his first camp in the new position, after spending the past six seasons at the helm of the Columbus Crew SC, in MLS. It marks a new era for the USMNT, who failed to qualify for last year’s World Cup for the first time since 1986. For his first camp, he’s selected an all MLS squad.
“Working with Gregg has been a pleasure,” said Lovitz. “He’s ambitious, creative, and very clear about what we’re doing. His vision for the future of the national team is something I bought into immediately and have thoroughly enjoyed playing a role in thus far.”
The team is getting ready for two friendlies coming up, against Panama on January 27 and Costa Rica on February 2. Whether or not we’ll get to see Lovitz in action has yet to be decided, but Berhalter recently named the final squad for the two friendlies, and the Impact defender is on the list.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen,” said Lovitz. “That’s not my focus. I knew going in that I would have two weeks of training to make an impression. We have important sessions ahead of us that will dictate most of that and what the plan is going into those matches. I’m just trying to show more each day and grow within my role and within the team.”
Lovitz will join the the Impact’s training camp after his international duties, but shouldn’t have any catching up to do. He’s been at camp since the beginning of January and may even have playing time under his belt by the time he makes his way to the Bleu-blanc-noir’s camp.
“This camp has been an incredible motivator for the year to come. I strive each year to take my game to the next level and this experience has jumpstarted that process for me going into the new year. I’m trying to find new ways to improve as a player and be a better teammate and leader.”
“I want to focus on winning everything this year. I’m looking forward to the start of that journey soon.”
