CARSON, Calif. – After making the trip several times over the past few years, Sainey Nyassi understands the circuitous route from Boston to Banjul.
The New England midfielder – along with club and country teammate Kenny Mansally – made the familiar voyage through New York, Brussels and Dakar, Senegal, last week as he traveled to the capital of his native Gambia to feature in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia last Saturday.
“It's a long way, but we're kind of used to it,” Nyassi told MLSsoccer.com after the Revolution trained at the Home Depot Center on Thursday ahead of Friday's game against Chivas USA.
Nyassi missed out on the SuperLiga final defeat to Monarcas Morelia and a 3-1 home victory over Seattle while he played for his country, but the international pay off made the trip worth it. Gambia took a significant step toward securing their first ACN berth by collecting a 3-1 victory over Namibia to kick off their Group F qualifying campaign in style.
The victory also carried some personal importance as Nyassi – who started on the left side of midfield and said he played 76 minutes while Mansally watched as an unused substitute – headed home the opener after eight minutes to set the Scorpions on their way to a crucial victory.
“It was a really important game for us,” Nyassi said. “It was our first home game, so we had to win it. In order to qualify, you have to win your home games and at least get a point away. It was a good day.”
The days that followed weren't quite as fun as Nyassi attempted to stave off fatigue and swelling in his legs as he worked his way back to the United States. The lengthy travel itinerary and the match action impacted Nyassi physically as he started to turn his attention to the trip to California.
“I think I'm alright,” Nyassi said. “When we first got back on Tuesday, I couldn't show up at practice because I was tired and I had a little headache. Now I'm feeling good and I think I'm ready for the game.”
New England coach Steve Nicol gave Nyassi the day off on Tuesday to aid his recovery, but included both Gambians in his travel party for Wednesday's flight to the West Coast. Nicol said he would weigh the arduous travel plans into the equation as he pondered whether to play Nyassi from the start against the Red-and-White.
“Obviously, they have done a fair bit for the past few days,” Nicol said. “When we give the 11 out, we'll put that into consideration.”
Despite the rigorous demands placed upon his body over the past couple of weeks, Nyassi said he believes he is fit enough to feature in his usual role on the right flank against Chivas USA and sees the extra travel as part and parcel of his duties for both club and country.
“I've been playing a lot and that takes its toll on me,” Nyassi said. “I get tired legs sometimes. But that's football, that's soccer. I have to keep going. It's my job and I have to do it no matter what. I've recovered enough to play this game. I think I'm fine.”
