KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Stephane Auvray first started feeling the discomfort in his right knee during the preseason but didn’t think much of it.
Training camp was long and demanding, and Auvray figured the pain on top of his knee was just a result of the long hours and tireless effort he was putting in on the training field to fit in with a new team.
“During preseason you always feel kind of sore everywhere because we work a lot,” he said. “I didn’t really pay it any attention.”
But after playing on turf in Seattle on April 17, the pain started getting much worse and gradually spread. Auvray tried to play through the discomfort, but it began affecting him physically as well as mentally.
“We tried acupuncture,” Auvray said. “We tried injections. It didn’t work.”
The 28-year-old had arthroscopic surgery last Friday, and he hopes to be back on the field in two weeks or so if all goes as planned. Auvray said he had been working with trainer Chet North since the surgery to maintain power and flexibility in his right leg while he recovers.
Interestingly enough, it is the first time Auvray has had surgery in his soccer career and the first time he has been forced to miss more than a week or two. He said he was disappointed it happened so early in the season and was focused on making a full return.
“There’s a first for everything,” Auvray said. “Unfortunately, it has to happen here.”
Good news comes in twos for Beasley
Jamar Beasley was trying his best to sleep early Wednesday morning when he got the phone call he was waiting for.
On the other end of the line was younger brother DaMarcus with the news that he had been included on Bob Bradley’s 23-man U.S. roster for South Africa. Combine that good news with the fact that Kansas City officially announced Beasley’s signing on Wednesday, and it has certainly been a good 24 hours for the Beasley clan.
“I didn’t really sleep that much last night,” Beasley said. “That’s a big thing for our family. Myself being back in MLS here in Kansas City, and him in the World Cup. It’s big for our family right now, and we’re just so happy and so stoked about that.”
Jamar has never played for the U.S. national team, but he has participated in two FIFA Futsal World Cups in 2004 and 2008.
Wizards react to roster spot for Gomez
Former Wizard Herculez Gomez, who played for the club in 2008 and 2009, was also named to the US roster for the World Cup on Wednesday.
Gomez signed with Puebla in Mexico during the offseason and scored 10 goals in 14 games to tie for the league lead and earn a spot in South Africa. He has three previous caps and one goal.
“It’s great.” Midfielder Jack Jewsbury said. “Herc always a little bit of a knack in front of goal and went over to Mexico and got on a hot streak. Best of luck to him.”
Gomez scored one goal in 40 appearances for the Wizards and the team did not bring him back following the 2009 season. Despite that setback, Gomez took a chance signing with Puebla and a huge impact off the bench.
“You never want to see a player not play well,” manager Peter Vermes said. “Credit to him. He worked hard, and he fit into that league and got his confidence. He just went after it. Good for him. It’s good for the US, too.”
