CARSON, Calif. – Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, recently tabbed as captain by new head coach José Luis "Chelís" Sánchez Solá, remains sidelined with a dislocated right pinky and missed his third preseason scrimmage on Tuesday.
According to the club, Kennedy's hand injury is not serious and the veteran has progressed well. He is expected to return to the pitch soon following a two-week absence. Netminders Tim Melia and Patrick McLain were in goal Tuesday as Chivas USA played to a 1-1 draw against the visiting Chicago Fire.
Sánchez Solá shrugged off Kennedy's injury, hinting at a sort of displeasure with how long it takes MLS players to recover. The coach has not been in town for long, but has already noticed a difference from his days in Mexico's Primera División.
"It's a whole different type of medicine they use here," he explained. "I would start to get angry but I don't want to get angry. The recovery of players here is entirely different in this league."
READ: Chelís: My job at Chivas USA is to change culture, win back fans
Kennedy was in good spirits, smiling and waving at fans as he walked to the team bus outside the gate. The 30-year-old is coming off consecutive 32-start, 100-save seasons and, following a brief time of uncertainty, appears to be one of Sánchez Solá's favorites.
Midfielders Jorge Villafaña (sprained ankle) and Ben Zemanski (back spasm) didn't see action either while nursing their respective injuries.
"It's something we need to change here, but we'll do that little by little," Chelís said of the recovery process.
