CARSON, Calif. – For the first time since the international break, Chivas USA were able to enjoy a well-deserved bye week. But just because the club didn't play doesn’t mean it entered training this week unscathed.
Forward Juan Agudelo was unable to train with the club on Monday and Tuesday, instead watching the group from the bench while wearing a brace on his left knee. For the young forward, who has played appeared in five games and added two goals and three assists in all competitions since joining the club from the New York Red Bulls in May, the injury comes from his considerable work load.
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“I’ve been having a few problems with the past week and a half with my knee swelling up with just so many games,” Agudelo told MLSoccer.com. “I’m just not used to that much pounding because I’ve been off it for a while due to surgery. It’s just a little minor break so it calms down.”
Agudelo underwent surgery on March 25 when he was a member of the Red Bulls in order to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee that occurred while the 19-year-old forward was with the US Under-23 squad during the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament. The injury ultimately kept Agudelo out until May 3, but just weeks later, he was dealt to Chivas, where he has logged heavy minutes.
Since joining the club, Agudelo has been a key part of the Goats offense, making eight appearances in all competitions and going the distance in four contests, a far cry from his sporadic play in New York.
However, heavy minutes and all, Agudelo admitted that he is still unsure about his status for Saturday's game against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“I don’t know, we’ll see,” Agudelo said. “I feel good and the swelling is going down fast.”
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com.
