Dorman Eyeing Return to Action

By Brian O'Connell
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Updated: October 8, 2014

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Three months ago, Andy Dorman was a major part of a Revolution midfield that was not only coming into its own, but finding success along the way. Then, with one swooping tackle, he wasn’t.

In the early stages of a Jul. 12 clash with the Fire, Dorman was met with a fierce challenge from Bakary Soumare. The Revolution’s midfield general slowly picked himself up, and tried to fight through the pain in his right knee. But it was too great for him to bear. He came off the field minutes later, and after the match, exited the locker room on crutches. The diagnosis: a sprained MCL, with a recovery period of 10-12 weeks.

Now, with the bulk of his rehabilitation behind him, the 32-year-old midfielder is eyeing a return to the pitch with his side in the hunt for the postseason.

“Initially, when you get told it’s going to be 10-12 weeks, it doesn’t seem too too bad,” Dorman said. “But yeah, it’s dragged on a long time, you know? Full credit to the guys in the treatment room. They’ve been brilliant.”

The Revolution training staff has certainly played a major role in Dorman’s recovery. When Dorman was able to return to training, he was under the watchful eye of head trainer Evan Allen and assistant Phil Madore, both of whom ensured that the veteran midfielder wasn’t rushing back too fast.

“They’ve been brilliant in taking it slow (with me), and everything’s been good so far,” Dorman said. “I’m sure I’ve been a pain to have around for the last 10-12 weeks.”

While Dorman is able to snicker about countless hours he’s spent with the training staff, there’s no question the physical recovery hasn’t been easy – especially in the immediate wake of his injury. But according to Dorman, the psychological aspect of his recuperation was just as daunting.

“I always find it hard on the Saturday watching the games,” Dorman said. “The recovery at the start was painful, and obviously, and you do what you need to do to get ready, and listen to the guys in the training room. But Saturdays were always the hardest for me and not being involved.”

Today, Dorman is as close as he’s ever been to returning to the pitch. A few weeks ago, he returned to full participation in passing and possession drills, which then led to him partaking in small-sided games. Last Monday, he reportedly played in a full scrimmage against the Western Mass Pro Soccer team without setback. Days later, his status on the injury report was upgraded from “out” to “questionable.”

Whether the veteran midfielder is set to return to the pitch this weekend in Montreal remains to be seen. Dorman is only one of three players who appeared on last week’s injury report, meaning that coach Jay Heaps has nearly a full roster to work with at the moment.

But don’t bet against Dorman coming back before the end of the season. With U.S. International Jermaine Jones quickly assimilating himself in a midfield that the Welshman once commanded, many supporters are intrigued about the potential of a Dorman-Jones central pairing.

As for Dorman, who said his knee feels “good,” he appears content with taking it day-by-day, comfortable knowing that, with the Revolution playing well and his knee close to being fully fixed, there’s no need to hasten his return.

“I’m back at training at the moment, so that’s all, and really taking it from there, and getting the training sessions in, and getting the fitness and strength in my legs back,” said Dorman. “I’m just being sensible at the moment and letting my body determine (when I return).”