FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution right back Kevin Alston enters the offseason with one pressing task: Find a way to keep his hamstrings healthy in 2011.
In each of his first two years as a New England player, the 22-year-old Alston has battled hamstring problems. Alston played 26 games during his rookie campaign in 2009, but he had to deal with a pair of right hamstring strains. Similar concerns cropped up in 2010, as Alston made just 23 starts and missed time on three separate occasions to address recurring problems with his left hamstring.
The former Indiana University star took an injection to bolster his left hamstring in mid-October and spent the next three weeks on a strict diet of rest. Doctors cleared Alston to start the rehabilitation process on Nov. 9, but the Revs fullback said he planned to take a patient, diligent approach to the considerable challenge ahead.
“Time's on my side,” Alston told MLSsoccer.com recently. “I'm not going to rush it. I'm not going to play anywhere [this winter]. Hopefully, I'll get it sorted out.”
Alston said he plans to spend most of his offseason to rectify the persistent hamstring concerns. The series of strains in 2010 has weakened his left hamstring, so Alston is focusing on repairing those torn fibers and improving his durability.
“I'll be in here [at Gillette Stadium] doing a strictly enforced strengthening schedule,” Alston said. “I'll be working out with a [specialist] four times a week, so that will help as well. Basically, I need to make sure that I am on top of it.”
All of that hard work will hopefully allow Alston to eliminate these hamstring concerns and maintain a more consistent presence in a side that currently lacks natural cover on the right side of defense.
“It's vital, really,” Alston said. “That's the only way it's going to get better. I can't slack on it. I need to make sure I get better.”
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