Video: Independence hold first training session

My Philly.com colleagues Esther Lee and Litty Samuel were out in Downingtown yesterday to shoot a video at the Independence's first training session of the preseason. I had a doctor's appointment or I would have been there too; I plan to get out there soon.

It's worth noting that all of the Independence's big-name players are in Portugal right now for the Algarve Cup, which is the most prestigious annual competition in international women's soccer. The United States beat Sweden, 2-0, in a semifinal match yesterday. Independence players Heather Mitts, Amy Rodriguez and Lori Lindsey all played for the U.S., and Caroline Seger captained Sweden.

There were still plenty of players in Downingtonw, though. Esther and Litty talked to a few of them who have come from elsewhere in the country and got some insight on how they have adjusted to life in Philadelphia.

You can watch the video in the player at right.