Upon arriving late in the 2012 season, Hendry Thomas didn't have much time to get match fit. Even so, he played the full 90 minutes in six of the eight matches he appeared in - through admittedly not at 100 per cent.
He's now enjoying his first full preseason with the Colorado Rapids and is eager to start 2013 at the same level as the rest of the team.
"Very happy with this intense preseason," Thomas told ColoradoRapids.com. "It was a very good week where every player gave their best so that we can reach the season at 100%."
After going through two-a-days last week in Commerce City, the Rapids are in Tucson, Ariz. preparing to play three preseason matches this week.
"Without a doubt, I think that's the important thing, playing friendly matches and trying to get match fit," he said. "That will be important in order to have a good season."
In a short time the Honduran has earned the respect of his teammates. Nicknamed 'El Patron," or, the boss, Thomas likes what he sees from his new colleagues and trialists in camp.
"The players that arrived came in as always, bringing with them their little grain of sand," Thomas said. "We're very happy with them. They are working hard, giving it their all."
With a four and a half weeks until the March 2 season opener at FC Dallas, Thomas says preseason is a time for the team to come together.
"We're all going to try to continue giving it our all so we can keep pulling in one direction to achieve victories with this club," he said.
