April 13, 2007 Toronto FC Maurice Edu may play in New England game (from Toronto Sun)
Edu thinks he can do
TFC rookie might play tomorrow
By DEAN McNULTY -- Sun Media
Toronto FC's prized rookie Maurice Edu could be ready to play in tomorrow's away game against the New England Revolution in Boston, coach Mo Johnston said yesterday.
Edu, who was chosen first overall in the 2007 Major League Soccer superdraft, has been out since training camp recovering from a small pelvic fracture.
He was on BMO Field for the full 90-minute practice yesterday and later said he felt good, but he was unsure if he was game ready.
"It's possible that I could play," Edu said. "I have gone all out the past few days and I am starting to feel pretty good, but I still need to get my fitness level up to the rest of the team."
Edu's rehabilitation has been remarkable. Johnston feared that he might not have Edu back until mid-season.
"After seeing him (yesterday) I think he could be ready for New England, but if that does happen it likely will be for only 20 to 25 minutes, not the whole game," Johnston said.
Edu said he is worried that his timing might not be up to game standards until he has had a few more full practices.
"I think as I get more involved in everyday practices, I'll start to get back in the groove," he said. "But right now I still feel a step or two off."
The 20-year-old Maryland graduate said this past two months have been the longest he ever has been away from playing soccer and he hopes he never has to go through it again.
"Being off is the worst thing for any athlete," Edu said. "So in those terms, I am really excited about being able to just go for the whole practice."
While he is anxious to get back on the pitch with the expansion MLS squad, he's realistic about any impact he will have.
"Obviously, I have to adjust to the speed of the game," he said. "That's my biggest concern right now."
On another front, Johnston said he also expects star midfielder Ronnie O'Brien to be ready for next week's game in Kansas City.
O'Brien strained a medial collateral ligament in TFC's first practice on the new turf at BMO Field more than a week ago.
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