Union defender looks to start of MLS season

While the Union prepare for their inaugural MLS season and the players get to know one another, defender Danny Califf is emerging as one of the team's leaders. That's true even though the concept of a single leader isn't favored by team manager Peter Nowak.

The 29-year-old Califf is a member of the U.S national team pool, and he was hoping to get called up to the team's training camp as it prepares for a Feb. 24 friendly against El Salvador in Tampa, Fla.

The call never came, although 23-year-old Union defender Michael Orozco has been invited to the camp.

"I am very happy for Michael, and it's a good opportunity for him," Califf said in a phone interview from the Union's training camp in Browns Summit, N.C., near Greensboro.

Califf was hoping that U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley would also extend him an invitation.

"I am disappointed," Califf said. "I have quit really worrying about what Bob is thinking because I never seem to get it right."

Despite his disappointment, Califf is intent on doing anything he can to help the Union prepare for their season opener March 25 in Seattle.

"My No. 1 priority is that I want to do the best I can for Philadelphia," Califf said. "At the end of the day, I can be satisfied if I do all I can to help the Union."

Califf has played in the MLS previously with Los Angeles and San Jose. This is his first time back in the league since he started 20 games in 2005 for San Jose. He then went overseas, playing for Aalborg BK and then FC Midtjylland of the Danish Superliga.

Califf is not afraid to offer advice to the younger players, who have been more than willing listeners.

"Danny Califf is one of the guys making sure we are doing things the right way," said 18-year-old forward Danny Mwanga, the first overall selection in the recent MLS SuperDraft. "During breaks, he is telling you what you did right and what you did wrong."

The concept of having a single leader is not one endorsed by Nowak.

"I don't believe in leaders. I believe in the whole team," Nowak said.

Nowak does acknowledge that Califf has leadership ability, but he is looking for several players to offer that.

"Danny is an experienced guy who will make our team better and everybody around better," Nowak said. "Practice will define who the leaders will be, but we will not try to point out one leader because I don't believe in that."

So far, Califf said that this portion of training camp, which began Feb. 2, has consisted pretty much of conditioning work. This is the juncture of preseason where perseverance is needed.

"We've done a lot of training without the ball, and that is always a bit of a bummer because what we do is with the ball," Califf said. "It's about getting through it and putting miles on your legs and building a base for the future and grasping the mental part."