14:34: I am expecting the gaffer to give quite a few of the lads a little bit longer on the field tonight. He hinted that he may give the starting eleven 60, 70 minutes when we spoke to him yesterday. I would imagine that the starting eleven will be different in Orlando on Saturday night.
14:03: For those of you staying up back home in the UK, then we will be bringing you live minute-by-minute updates of the encounter from 19:15, as well as a full match report. There will also be a photo gallery online following the conclusion of the clash.
13:56: Just to outline the itinerary for the lads today; they will have a rest now for a few hours before their prematch food and drink at around 16:30, They will then get ready for the coach journey to the Crew Stadium at 18:00 in anticipation of a 19:30 kick-off.
13:02: Lunch has been served and cod, lasagna, chicken wrapped in bacon, pasta and a huge salad bar is available for the lads to choose from. I am going for the lasagna and fresh prawns from the salad bar; they look good!
12:45: The players were split into two groups for the gym session, where they worked on weights and the running machines. It was nothing too heavy for them given the fact that they have already had a session this morning, and they are in competetive action later this evening.
11:20: Just been informed that the gym session is off, but the lads aren't getting away with it that easy. They are now going to the gym in the hotel, which is a lot smaller. I'm sure the staff will still find a way of getting them all in a sweat however.
10:58: The thunder and lightning has arrived now. You can see it and hear it from the hotel room overlooking the City. It will be interesting tonight if the weather remains the same.
10:52: Photographer Phil Greig has just uploaded 30 photos to our official facebook page, so make sure you check them out. Some awesome pictures on there of the lads in action.
10:29: A gym session is next up for the team in one hours time. The players will make the short walk across to the gym, but they may need their brollies as the heavens have opened and the rain is lashing down!!
10:28: Just been informed by the Columbus Crew guys that tonight's game is being screened live. Here is the link so that you can watch the game.
http://bit.ly/PEbaWL
09:52: Andy Wilkinson was speaking of his hopes of featuring against his best friend Chris Birchall, who completed a move to the Crew just 24 hours before the game between the two sides was announced earlier in the summer. The pair have been close since the age of six, and only last month was Andy the best man at Chris' wedding back home in the UK.
09:43: The Sentinel's Martin Spinks has made the trip over and he was around too, whilst the Columbus Crew guys spoke to Andy Wilkinson, Peter Crouch and Tony Pulis ahead of the game.
09:42: Following the training session last night, a few of the lads, including the gaffer, were subject to interviews from the congregated local and national press. We grabbed the thoughts of Tony Pulis - an interview which you can see on Stoke City Player.
09:38: The guys are all back inside the hotel complex now, with breakfast currently being served! Eggs, tomatoes, beans, porridge, breads and fruits are all available this morning.
09:24: Understandably, there were one or two moans and groans, but credit to them all because, despite the intense heat, they came through the drill before taking part in a more comfortable shape session.
09:15: The lads were put through their paces in an eye opening running session, in which their fatigue and endurance was tested to the max in temperatures which were in the low 90s.
09:10: The players have already had their first session of the day down at the Ortez Training Ground, the base of the Columbus Crew. Last night's session was arguably the most demanding of pre-season so far, and in that, I do include the hills in Switzerland.
09:06: Remember, we have our first game of the tour against MLS side Columbus Crew later this evening, before the players get ready to fly south to Orlando tomorrow morning.
09:05: Good morning and welcome back to the new look stokecityfc.com for day 2 of our behind the scenes blog, direct from the United States.