As the two teams came out on the field when Chivas USA took on D.C. United on Saturday night, there might have been no happier person in The Home Depot Center than Maykel Galindo. After a 2008 season that saw him struggle with three separate sports hernia surgeries, the Cuban striker was in the starting XI for the first time in 2009.
Galindo played 61 minutes for the Red-and-White before being replaced by Sasha Victorine. He hassled the D.C. defense all night with his pace and finesse on the ball, and scored the first Chivas goal in the 25th minute. It was his first since the 2008 MLS season opener.
"I felt like a child who had been given a new toy," said Galindo. "I felt good. The team supported me a lot and I enjoyed the 60 minutes that I played. I'm excited to keep working hard and, God willing, I'll keep improving physically."
Galindo's goal started with a pass from Atiba Harris that set the striker loose at the top of the box and gave him a one-on-one with D.C. 'keeper Louis Crayton. He expertly darted around Crayton and slotted home his first point of the season.
While it might have looked offside from some angles, the goal stood, and Galindo wasted no time in dancing on the endline.
"I guess [the dance] was a way for me to shake off the rough patch of three surgeries and of not being able to help my team for so long," said Galindo with a smile when asked about his celebration dance.
Since his arrival on Feb. 8, 2007, Galindo has been one of the biggest names for Chivas USA. When healthy, his lightning-fast speed and skill on the ball make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He scored a team-leading 12 goals and added five assists in his first season with the club. The team was 7-1-1 in games where he scored a goal.
In practice, Galindo is quick to crack a joke or two to lighten the mood but holds himself to a high standard during drills and scrimmages. Off the field, he's a fan favorite, commanding huge applause from the Red-and-White faithful.
That passion was evident on Saturday night, when Galindo once again thrilled the crowds. And he was as excited about being on the field as they were to see him there.
"It's an incredible feeling," said Galindo. "I really feel like I'm returning; that I'm playing soccer. I'm not feeling my operation; I'm not feeling the pain. For me, that's amazing."
Galindo will be looking to continue the good form he showed against D.C. when Chivas USA travel to Kansas City on Saturday to take on the Wizards for the first time this season.
Jeffrey King is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
