CARSON, Calif. – James Riley finally made his on-field return from a knee injury that sidelined him most of the season, and he said he's ready to contribute whatever's needed as the LA Galaxy make their play for the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup titles.
There's work to be done, especially with Robbie Rogers out again after suffering a left hamstring strain early in Saturday's 3-0 victory over visiting Toronto FC, the fifth time this year LA's left back has been forced out by injury.
Riley, who hadn't played since tearing his left meniscus in a March 23 draw at Real Salt Lake, came on for Rogers in the 16th minute, discovered it the perfect situation for a comeback game and fared well as LA posted their fifth shutout of a 10-game unbeaten streak.
“I was hesitant about putting him that early in the game,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “The thinking was that he'd probably have to come out in the second half at some point, but he hung in there, so that's terrific.
“He worked real hard to come back from that surgery and that injury, and to be able to give us 75 minutes or so tonight, on a night we needed it, was big.”
Riley, who won a roster spot in preseason, returned to training in late August and was on the bench the previous five games.
“I've been at this for a long time, 10 years now, and everyone counts and is important coming down to the critical time of year where you just have to be ready for your opportunity,” Riley said. “I was just trying to go in and play simple, play safe, just try to get in a rhythm.
“… I knew under the lights with adrenaline I could go a bit more than I thought, and it was kind of a chess match, I think, and my job was to just kind of sit, get the play going, connect passes, and then, honestly, just be aware of [speedy Toronto winger Dominic] Oduro on the break.”
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Outside back has been LA's problem spot for injuries this year, and Rogers told MLSsoccer.com that he expected to be sidelined a few weeks, probably until the postseason. Right back Dan Gargan missed the game with a sprained left ankle, and his status is uncertain for next weekend's match at FC Dallas (Sunday, 7 pm ET, ESPN2).
“[Rogers' injury] is frustrating, because he's been playing so well,” midfielder Landon Donovan said. “But I thought James came in and did a great job. It's been the curse of this team all year, the outside-back spot, but guys have come in and done a good job. James hasn't played in [more than six months], and it says a lot about his professionalism, his preparation, that he was ready to come in and help us.”
Riley was just happy to have the opportunity to do so.
“When it's taken away from you, it's eye-opening. It was a difficult time,” Riley said. “To run on the field again – I mean, the adrenaline's going, it's joyful, it's a blessing. Just very thankful, for sure.”
Scott French covers the LA Galaxy for MLSsoccer.com.
