Viana Hopeful for Return against Fire
June 19, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release
For the first time in almost two months, utility player AgustÃ-n Viana hopes to be a part of Robert Warzycha's gameday plans when the Crew welcomes the Chicago Fire on Saturday (8:00 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio). The Chicago-born Uruguayan strained his right hamstring 20 minutes into his first match at leftback against D.C. United on April 27, after starting the Black & Gold's first seven matches of the season in central midfield.
Viana saw 30 minutes of action in the Crew's Reserve League match against the Montreal Impact in his return to play following a setback in his rehabilitation three weeks ago.
"I'm really happy because every player wants to be on the field, to train with teammates," Viana said. "[The time away from the field] was really hard, but I must very grateful with all the people with the Crew because the medical staff worked very hard. [Strength and Conditioning Coach] Brook [Hamilton], the coaches, my teammates: they helped me a lot in what really was a hard moment being injured."
Viana admitted there was some trepidation playing in Sunday's Reserve match, but is becoming increasingly comfortable getting reacquainted with the speed of the game.
"I was a little afraid because I've been re-injured one time," he said following Tuesday's training session in Obetz. "I was really afraid, but it was important for me to start again with confidence. I enjoyed training today, I wasn't afraid. I think every day will get better."
Viana is working to build fitness after his 30 minutes of action in the Reserve League. He hopes to show progress in training this week to compete for a spot in Robert Warzycha's matchday roster.
"I'm only thinking about each day and training hard. It is the position of the coach to decide. I think the important thing is feeling good, for one, and then training hard," Viana said.
"I'm working hard. I want to be on the field, but it's not my decision. I trust in the coach's decision."
After losing Eddie Gaven and Gláuber to season-ending knee injuries, Warzycha welcomes the competition and depth that a healthy Viana provides.
"[Viana] is a good player," Warzycha said. "I think it would be nice to have him on the field.
"Depending on his performance during practice, he's going to be thrown in the mix. He's going to give us some competition."
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from June 19, 2013
- Jaime Moreno Elected to D.C. United Hall of Tradition - D.C. United
- Former Galaxy Captain Peter Vagenas Named Director of LA Galaxy Academy - LA Galaxy
- Sporting KC Weekly Update - Sporting Kansas City
- Viana Hopeful for Return against Fire - Columbus Crew SC
- Crew Youth Update - Columbus Crew SC
- Crew Set to Welcome Agustin Viana Back to Lineup - Columbus Crew SC
- Homegrown Rookie Scott Caldwell a Key Piece of New England's Youth Movement - New England Revolution
- Earthquakes to Host A&W Root Beer Float Night on Saturday, July 13 - San Jose Earthquakes
- Dynamo Visit Impact Tonight in Key Eastern Conference Matchup - Houston Dynamo FC
- MLS Appoints Front Office Positions - MLS
- Revolution Update - New England Revolution
- Union Sign Goalkeeper Oka Nikolov - Philadelphia Union
- Crew Prepare for Faceoff With Fire - Columbus Crew SC
- Crew Relieved to Have Marshall Back in Central Defense - Columbus Crew SC
- Guinness International Champions Cup Tickets on Sale - LA Galaxy
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Columbus Crew SC Stories
- GRAMMY© Nominated Artist Marshmello and Multi-Platinum Recording Artist PinkPantheress to Perform at the 2024 MLS All-Star Concert Presented by Target
- Columbus Crew Acquire up to $200,000 in General Allocation Money from Real Salt Lake in Exchange for Philip Quinton
- Columbus Crew, Wilfried Nancy Agree to Contract Extension
- Tickets for Columbus Crew vs. CF Monterrey Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinals Home Leg Available Now
- Black & Gold Advance to Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinals for First Time in Club History