http://http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/covering-the-crew/2012/04/duka-update.html Unfortunately, this has become common place for our players. I think the turning point was when our Strength&Condition coach left for the EPL (Everton) in 2009. Since that moment forward all Crew injuries have turned into extended leaves. Either the the training staff does not have a good strategy to avoid injuries or they are poor in rehabilitating. I believe its both. Currently: FW Ben Speas (sports hernia rehab) DF Rich Balchan (sports hernia rehab) FW Tommy Heinemann (L knee surgery) DF Julius James (illness) GK William Hesmer (R hip surgery) MF Dilly Duka (L hamstring strain) DF Carlos Mendes (R hamstring strain) And lets look at the total time missed last year. (numbers are approximate based on minutes) Eddie Gaven - 8 games missed Danny ORourke- 28 missed Emilio Renteria - 16 missed Dilly Duka - 23 missed Robbie Rogers - 7 games Shaun Francis- 29 games Just saying something is wrong.
People were complaining about our injuries before that (2009 departure) though weren't they? The issue is probably more that we have never had the best depth.
"I went to my doctor the other day. You know my doctor don't yah? Dr. Vinnie Boombatz? I said I don't know what's wrong with me. I got up this morning looked in the mirror and wanted to throw up. My doc, he says, I don't know what's wrong with you, but your eyesight's perfect! So I says I want a second opinion! He says, OK, you're ugly, too!" - Rodney Dangerfield Medical quacks
How could a strength and conditioning coach help a lot of these injuries? Hernia, illness, hip surgery, knee surgery?
I think it is more the strengthening that would help out issues like Danny O's ankle, and the multiple hammy issues we have right now...
Last year dont forget Balchan with herni and the he played in the playoffs hurt and Tchani-was hurt from day one
...looking to blame someone? Foolish comments dont make you look any smarter. I offered an opinion and through in some numbers to back up my idea. ...still waiting JayFunkyFresh for something constructive. Aren't you supposed to be some type of expert or writer on crew subjects?
Sorry, I just now saw this. I had meant to quote eboe and DAK77, as my comment was in response to that. But I agree with what DAK77 was suggesting. I don't think a better strength and conditioning coach would do anything about the hernias or the illnesses or the hip surgery or the knee surgery. You might have a case with the hamstrings, but those happen more and more these days (it's not like that's a problem only the Crew experiences). I was just reading an article the other day over at Grantland about how Tottenham and Arsenal players are losing steam right now. Harry was frustrated that players these days get tired easier than he feels they used to back in his day. Here was the writer's response: I tend to agree with this sentiment. I think Renteria, while he looks like a "brick outhouse" and plays like one, is still, ultimately, "a lean, delicate machine." Now, do I have any numbers or any hard data to back this up? Not really. This is just my feeling. Had I had more than a feeling I would have supplied evidence to back that up. Or, hell, since I'm some soccer expert writer, I might have written an in-depth article about it. But I didn't. So I shared my, admittedly, somewhat uniformed opinion about it on a soccer message board, because I like discussing these things with other Crew fans. You and many others are quite possibly right that the Crew could use a better S&C coach/training. But I don't think the examples that are being given are anywhere near conclusive to support that. As far as me being an "expert," I don't know where that came from. Yes, I write about the Crew and soccer occasionally, but what does that prove? I've never claimed to be anymore than a slightly educated fan who grew up playing soccer, played collegiately and who also happens to write about the team and soccer. My Crew fandom comes before my writing. Always has, always will. But I'm sorry if my comment somehow rubbed you the wrong way. Sincerely. I just get a little burned out on reading over and over how many ways the Crew is inept. Some of that is surely deserved, but I also think people look for any reason to blame the FO for anything they want to (not that I'm indicting you on this).
For what it's worth for those who want heads to roll, 2/3 of that staff was replaced after last season. New strength coach and one new trainer this year.
Interesting note! Its not that i am looking for heads to roll, i had the feeling these programs just are not working. I would have NOT been surprised to see some article about Danny Orourke and horse placenta really.
With SOOOO many injuries I am starting to look for alternate explanations. Following what popular culture has taught me these are all possible. If you don't hear from me after I post you know one is correct 1) Obetz Water - The Rapids back in 2009 started putting a chemical in Obetz water that causes muscles to fail. Also causes unusual spasms during PKs. 2) Demonic Curse - Toronto fans, who we all know are in league with the Devil, have sent a Canadian demon to injure the Crew. 3) Yellow Mob - Some of the BigSoccer "Fire Warzycha" members and the Chicago Fire mob are holding family of the injured players forcing them to be "injured." This will ensure RW is fired. 4) Reality TV - There is some sort of reality TV on the Crew players which we know kills all sports careers instantly. 5) Love in the Training Room - There are some really attractive doctors and PT people. After watching the movie Goal, the players know that soccer injuries bring about love and understanding. So they injure themselves to be with this person daily.
If certain muscles and or tendons are under conditioned or lack strength then it can put extra pressure on other areas of the body to compensate. Not saying any of that has anything to do with any of these injuries....
Fatigue is definitely a big issue in top European leagues, but the Crew aren't playing that many matches by comparison.
After Marshall's injury, I am leaning toward the Canadian Injury Demon right now. We can call him CID or CelIne Dion. Seriously 11 injuries might be some sort of record for the MLS.
Marshall should retire for his own health. that being said, if he wants continue to damage his brain in exchange for the lifestyle that being a soccer player affords him, then i am happy with that too.
