Rookie Ring resumes training with Quakes
Midfielder's nagging hip injury wiped out expected first season
!["[Ring] is running free, which I think Brad feels pretty good about that," said Frank Yallop.](/images/2009/10/22/TWsxiLu3.jpg)
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Alas for Brad Ring, a hip injury wiped out what he had hoped would be his inaugural season in MLS, and only now has he been cleared to resume training with his San Jose Earthquakes teammates.
"I always try to think optimistically, and the last eight months have by far been the most frustrating of my soccer career," said Ring following a training session at Santa Clara University. "But it's something you just to have to get through. It's been hard."
Of course, prior to last January's MLS SuperDraft, Ring had much more grandiose plans. He had just finished off a stellar collegiate career at Indiana University, one that included twice being named a semifinalist for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy. It was on the back of that reputation that the Quakes made Ring the 17th overall selection.
But the nagging pain in his hip that dogged him during his senior year continued to plague him when training camp opened. He was originally diagnosed with avascular necrosis in both hips, although a second opinion indicated a "more transient issue that would resolve itself in time" according to San Jose trainer Bruce Morgan.
The good news was that a potentially career-ending injury had been spotted in time, and wouldn't require surgery. The bad news was that he would miss out on the entire campaign. His first professional contract would have to wait as well.
"When I heard I couldn't be out here, and just dealing with everything, it was a shock to me," said Ring. "I was ready to move on, do something. I had graduated and I was ready to take the next step in my life and in soccer. The realization that it wasn't happening anytime soon, that was the low point. It took a week or two to adjust. I was like, 'Man, I'm back at home, back at school.' It was kind of rough."
What made his recovery especially grueling was that he had to take the Office Space approach to rehab. He did absolutely nothing -- no running, no ball work. Just a little bit of swimming and yoga.
Ring credits his family and friends for getting him through this period. He also admitted that their encouragement, as well as the time off gave him a bit of perspective in terms of his soccer career.
"I'm still young, and this year, in the long scheme of things might not be as big a deal," said Ring. "It was probably best for my body to shut it down for five months, as I did."
When Ring did resume activity, his body complained, but in a good way. He trained occasionally with the IU team, as well as with some former teammates, and aside from the usual aches and pains, he's been able to run without any discomfort.
That progress was evident in Ring's first few sessions with San Jose. Despite training on the unforgiving artificial surface at the Quakes' training facility, Ring has looked lively and relatively sharp with his passing given his long layoff.
His progression has been noted by San Jose head coach Frank Yallop, although he remains cautious. Obviously, with the rosters long since frozen for the rest of the 2009 season, stepping on the field in a real game was never an option for Ring. But the training stint should give the team an idea of how the midfielder is faring.
"[Ring] is running free, which I think Brad feels pretty good about that," said Yallop. "He's our property, so let's see how he does."
It's an opportunity that Ring is intent on making the most of. In essence, his rookie season starts now, and after watching the Quakes struggle through much of 2009, he's eager to see if he can make a contribution next year.
"I've got [the Quakes] website on my list of favorites, checking out how they're doing every week," said Ring. "It's been frustrating when they've gotten leads and lost them. I know the guys have been frustrated as well. If I can come out here next year and make a contribution, I'd love to [do that]."
So would San Jose.
Jeff Carlisle is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
