ORLANDO, Fla. — Brek Shea won’t say it in quite as many words, but he is ready to make up for lost time as he prepares to hit the field again for Orlando City SC in Sunday’s high-profile home game against Sporting Kansas City (7pm ET, FS1).
The rangy left-sided midfielder-cum-defender has been sidelined for the past 10 weeks by a sports hernia, but is finally ready to go after being given a solid green light by head coach Adrian Heath.
And it was notable that Shea was one of the last players off the training field Saturday; he looked to grab every precious second of practice time, ensuring he would be ready when Heath calls his number, either as a starter or (more likely) off the bench.
“Yes, I want to stay out there as long as I can,” Shea said. “When you are not playing every week, you just can’t do that, and I love playing this game. So I am trying to get as many touches in as I can right now.”
With the 6-foot-3 Shea straining at the leash, Heath intends to offer important minutes in what will be City’s first game against their former affiliate partner. Former USL side Orlando City features Aurelien Collin, going against his old teammates, and faces the return of striker Dom Dwyer, who remains a hero with Lions fans for his on-loan goal exploits while helping the team to the 2013 USL Championship.
“Barring any repercussions from training, Brek will be involved at some stage,” Heath said. “It might possibly be too early for him to start, but once we get a full idea of our injury situation in the morning we will know for sure.”
That “injury situation” includes doubtful status for both Kaká and Darwin Ceren in a clash that will be featured nationally, and the absence of either – or both – will force Heath to adapt his lineup accordingly.
Servando Carrasco stands by as deputy for defensive midfielder Ceren, who damaged his right knee on international duty with El Salvador last week. But Heath will need a complete re-shuffle to continue covering for his captain if Kaká fails a late fitness test on the adductor strain he suffered with the Brazil national team in midweek.
Shea is likely to play a significant role in that shuffle, and remains eager after missing 11 games, during which the team managed a single victory.
“I am very excited. Whether I play a big part or tiny part, I am excited,” he insisted. “It has not been fun the last few months, both with my injury and seeing the team struggle, so I would definitely like to see us get a good result tomorrow.
“As a team, we don’t get fixated on the injuries, but for my part, I am fully focused on being able to contribute now that I am healthy again. I want to help us get in the playoffs if at all possible and that’s still our goal.”
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The Lions must win to stay alive with just six games left and, without Kaká, they will need several players to step into the creative and goalscoring void. That means Orlando are hoping Cyle Larin can finally break the MLS rookie goals record – he has been stuck on 11 since August 1 – and also for Colombian winger Carlos Rivas to make a contribution after serving a one-game suspension.
“It is nice to get your center-forward back,” Heath said. “And I hope that record is inspiring him, because it’s definitely something he should be looking for and something he can be proud of. I’d like to see him get it as soon as possible because it would take a weight off his mind and he can then push on.
“Carlos is also chomping at the bit. Earlier in the season, it was very stop-start for him. But now that we have him involved on a regular basis, he’s starting to show his potential. The next thing he has to become is a goal threat, which we know he can be. He has a great left foot and a powerful shot, and we have to get him in the right positions to utilize those strengths.”
Heath is aware of the familiarity between the two rosters, but has cautioned his men not to get carried away with the party atmosphere; Lions fans are expected to offer a warm welcome to Dwyer.
“The last few weeks have been tough, but we’ve still had incredible support,” Heath said. “So it’s important we give our supporters something to cheer and hang on to. I have a lot of faith in this group, and I think we are still capable of winning our remaining games at home.”
