BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. ā Fire midfielder John Thorrington participated in parts of full training on Wednesday, the first time he has practiced with the full team since he strained his left quad in the preseason.
āItās just sort of been running on my own and doing ball work in a controlled environment,ā Thorrington told MLSsoccer.com after practice, āand now this was my first time where itās a bit uncontrolled, where Iām doing a bit more erratic movements and things.
"If I can keep moving forward each day and keep progressing without my symptoms worsening, then Iāll be out there the first game and day that I possibly can.ā
The 30-year-old central midfielder played as a neutral in several of the Fireās full team drills. He looked comfortable on the ball and distributed nicely throughout. Most importantly, Thorrington said that his quad held up fine over the course of the two hour training session.
āIt feels good. I was able to get through everything without really thinking about it,ā he said. āPlaying felt somewhat natural and now I think I just have to see how it recovers overnight and take it each day.ā
Thorrington declined to give a specific timetable for his return to game action.
āI got my first taste now and itās a lot more fun than running on your own and sitting inside,ā Thorrington said. āI want to advance as quickly as possible while at the same time being sensible to ensure that I donāt have any setbacks. ā¦ I just need to get the point where Iām giving the [coaches] a decision to make.ā
Sam Stejskal covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com. Email him at sam.h.stejskal@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @samstejskal.