WASHINGTON āBill Hamid may remember 2016 as the year he learned how to overcome the nagging injuries that plagued his early career.
Thereās still time to make major progress with club and country, as well.
The D.C. United goalkeeper approaches Sundayās match at the New York Red Bulls (1 pm ET; ESPN) having started 14 of 15 league matches since returning from knee surgery in late May.
Thatās his most consistent stretch since making 21 consecutive league and playoff starts to close the 2014 campaign. And the timing couldnāt be better, as United push for the playoffs and Hamid aims to work his way back into the US national team picture ahead of the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, which starts in November.
āThose little hiccups that I was having in the past, I can tell since Iāve come back, itās much less than what itās been,ā says Hamid, who credits increased attention to his physical health. āI think itās working well right now, because I feel good.ā
One part of Hamidās revamped regimen is simply being more diligent about post-match stretching, massages and other exercises all players go through.
But the 25-year-old D.C. United academy product has also delved into cryotherapy, the practice of exposing oneās body to sub-zero temperatures to aid muscle recovery. He is also wearing gear to help protect against the constant impact that comes with being a goalkeeper.
āYouāre diving around and your body takes a beating,ā says Hamid, who has also missed time with hand and foot injuries in the past. āAll the loading. Your back, your hips, your knees. Itās tough.ā
With Hamid healthy, United had gone six matches unbeaten before a dramatic 3-2 loss at New York City FC on Sept. 1. Continuing that individual and collective form could help Hamid get back into Klinsmannās fold as the US play a pair of friendlies in October and begin Hexagonal play in November.
Hamid hasnāt spoken to Klinsmann since January, when his injury kept him out of the national teamās annual winter camp. He did connect with Yanks goalkeeping coach Russell Payne just before his MLS return in May.
āThey want to see the next level out of you,ā Hamid said. āI understand that. Itās been belted into my head since 2011.ā
Between increased attention to his health, a renewed focus on video study with goalkeeper coach Zach Thornton, and a consistent run of matches, Hamid believes heās getting closer.
āWe make sure that weāre doing everything possible for me to perform at a high level to help this team, No. 1, and No. 2, for me to get back on the national team,ā Hamid said of his work with Thornton.
āYouāve just got to stay the course, because theyāre watching,ā he said of the US coaching staff. āThey see the games, they see the highlights, theyāre able to see every single touch, every single pass that I do. Iām prepared for that.ā