Washington, D.C. (August 29, 2007) - D.C. United announced today plans for United midfielder Josh Gros to resume full training with the Black-and-Red. Following visits this week to Dr. Neal Kurzrok in the Neurology Center at Washington Hospital Center and Dr. Mark Lovell at the University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine Concussion Program, the 25-year-old has been cleared to resume activity.
Though Gros does have a history of sustaining concussions, both doctors agree that recent episodes were post-traumatic migraines, as opposed to concussions. An MRI and EEG of Gros' brain, as well as a series of neuropsychological tests, provided normal results. Having been placed on migraine medication, Gros began physical training this week, is planning to return to full sessions next week and, barring setback, will be available for selection in United's road match September 6 at Chivas USA.
"We're pleased with news that Josh has been cleared to return to action," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He is an important part of this team. Josh's health, however, is our number one priority and we'll continue to keep a close eye on this issue as he continues his playing career."
After being struck in the head by the ball early in United's August 18 match at the Columbus Crew, Gros experienced nausea and blurred vision and was subbed from the game in the 9th minute. The Mechanicsburg, PA native suffered a similar injury in United's CONCACAF Champions' Cup game against CD Guadalajara on March 15 and has worn protective headgear since that time. Gros also suffered a broken wrist during the preseason and has worn a protective cast for a majority of the season.
United acquired Gros in 2004, a season in which he made a quick transition from fill-in substitute to full-time starter, becoming the first United draft pick to log more than 2,000 minutes since the club's inaugural season. In 2005, he followed up his rookie campaign with another solid season, notching four goals and four assists, including a Goal of the Week tally versus Columbus on 5/7. Gros continued his rapid development in 2006, starting each of the 29 games in which he played. He set a career-high with five assists while totaling three goals on his way to his first MLS All-Star game. The adaptable midfielder provided the game-winning goal against Houston on April 15 and the game-winning assist against Kansas City on 6/24/06.
In 2007, Gros received his second call up to the U.S. Men's National Team, participating in the team's training camp in January and earning his first international appearance in the U.S.' victory over Mexico in Glendale, AZ February 7. He has since remained a consistent member of United's first team, where he has played in the midfield and as a part of the team's four-man back line. Gros provided the game-winning tally in United's 3-0 win at New England on August 5.
