CARSON, Calif. – Slowly but surely, Michael Lahoud is working his way back onto the field.
The Chivas USA winger has been sidelined with a left hamstring strain since picking up the knock just days before the season opener. While hamstring injuries are always tricky, Lahoud is upbeat about his chances to participate Sunday against Sporting Kansas City (9 pm ET; watch LIVE online).
“I’m feeling better and better each day,” Lahoud told MLSsoccer.com on Wednesday. “Each day I’m trying to make progress and my goal is for sure to try and be available for this weekend, but for sure I need to keep listening to my body.”
Since suffering the injury, Lahoud’s recovery has been a steady one as the club’s medical staff looks to protect him from further damage during his comeback.
On Wednesday, he laced up his cleats, undergoing a rigorous session under the watchful eye of head coach Robin Fraser.
“I’ve been foaming at the mouth to get back on the field, but I’ve also trying to discipline myself and listen to my body because I know that I’d be worthless to the team if I came back unhealthy,” offered Lahoud. “I don’t serve any purpose to the team if I’m not able to play to the best of my capabilities so that’s the biggest challenge at this point. I’m definitely pushing it so we’ll all see when I get there, but I’ll be out there soon”
Regardless of whether or not Lahoud makes his season debut on Sunday, the night will be an important one for the midfielder as his charity, Schools for Salone, holds a major fundraising event during thematch. Working with countryman and Sporting winger Kei Kamara as well as former teammate Paulo Nagamura, Lahoud hopes to raise significant funds for the construction of schools in his native Sierra Leone.
Fans will be allowed to buy tickets with proceeds going to Lahoud’s organization while also getting the opportunity to meet the three players after the match.
For the altruistic Lahoud, the match represents his chance to accomplish something that goes beyond the bounds of soccer field.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about us,” Lahoud explained. “It’s about us getting focused on something bigger than just players, and moreso to help the people in need in Sierra Leone.”
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com
