Eighty-one days.
That’s how long Jordan Morris missed due to his hamstring injury he suffered on Sept. 10 against the LA Galaxy, an excruciatingly long period for a young player who didn’t miss an MLS match in 2016.
“When I was off the field, it was tough, I wanted to be out there playing,” Morris told media following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Toronto FC in MLS Cup 2017. “I had time to reflect on what I could keep getting better at, so hopefully in the offseason I will keep working and then come back stronger.”
After winning AT&T Rookie of the Year honors in an impressive rookie campaign, Morris, 23, was struck by the injury bug in 2017. He battled an ankle injury for the first half of the season, and not long after getting healthy, he injured his hamstring. He ended the regular season with three goals and an assist in 23 matches.
“[It was a] very frustrating year,” said Morris, who made two postseason appearances off the bench. “Again, it’s just about trying to appreciate the time you have playing this game because it goes by fast.”
Like last year, the MLS Cup makes for a short offseason; the team will be back in preseason camp in just five weeks. Morris notes he’ll continue to work on his finishing and being sharp in the box, as he looks to regain form for a club that continues to have massive expectations.
“Especially after the last two years, the standard is to make it back here every year,” Morris said. “Now with [CONCACAF] Champions League at the beginning year, we want to make a good run in that, and then just be a high-quality team. Obviously we are devastated, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but we just have to look at the opportunities we have to come back and get some revenge.”
