Most of the Chivas USA roster had only been away from the field for a few weeks when they arrived back at The Home Depot Center for the 2010 preseason camp. For goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, it had been nine months.
The California native missed the entirety of the 2009 MLS season after an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee last March. Now, after a nearly a year of rehabilitation and training, Kennedy is back between the sticks with the Red-and-White.
"I feel like a kid again. My family and girlfriend could tell you how much happier I am," said Kennedy with a smile. "It's great just to be amongst the team and to feel like I'm contributing again."
Kennedy was selected by Chivas USA in the fourth round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft, but opted to play professionally in Puerto Rico and Chile before returning to the Red-and-White before the 2008 season. His season-ending injury last year came in a scrimmage against the Chicago Fire on March 7.
"Last year was a really tough year but I've put it behind me," said Kennedy. "Now this preseason is under way and I'm eager to train."
Three months after his initial injury, Kennedy underwent reconstructive surgery to repair his knee. During his rehabilitation, he worked hard to improve his game from the stands.
"I tried to take the positives out of being on the sidelines for a year," he said. "I tried to mature and watch a lot soccer and learn more. The only way I could make myself better was to take a magnifying glass out and think about my own techniques."
With the surgery now seven months behind him, Kennedy feels fully fit and ready to play.
"I feel like I've already overcome all the obstacles [of my injury]," said Kennedy. "This first week was a big test just to see if I could sustain the intensity, and I have. That was really the only question I had in my mind and it seems to be no problem, so I'm excited."
Kennedy rejoins a Chivas USA goalkeeping corps that includes Jon Conway, Lance Parker, and 2009 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Zach Thornton.
"It's great to have Dan back training with us again," said Parker. "He brings a lot to the table. We're always giving tips to each other and it's always helpful to have another pair of eyes out there looking at you and trying to help your game out."
The Chivas USA goalkeepers are enjoying the tutelage of new Red-and-White goalkeeper coach Daniel Gonzalez. The Argentinean was officially named to the Chivas USA staff on Jan. 24.
"The goalkeeper training has been going well," said Parker. "We're spending a lot of time with Dan [Gonzalez]. He's really breaking everything down for us and telling us what we need to be working on. The pace has been great so far."
For Kennedy, the 2010 preseason is a welcome return to the field and a chance to continue his improvement as the team prepares for its season opener on March 26.
"I feel great," he said. "Now it's just about getting comfortable with the ball again and making sure the guys are confident in me."
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
