Fire rookie midfielder Corben Bone hasn't enjoyed the ideal start to his Fire career.
Drafted 13th overall out of Wake Forest, Bone was just settling into his new surroundings when he picked up a right knee contusion against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Feb. 15. The injury, which was originally thought to be relatively minor, has sidelined the 21-year-old attacking mid for nearly four weeks, keeping him out of training -- and away from his new teammates -- for the majority of the preseason.
"I was just getting to feel out the guys and get into the group a little bit and then the injury happened," Bone said after practice on Tuesday. "I thought I was doing well and then unfortunately this happens."
But Bone hasn't let his disappointment get in the way of his recovery. He rehabbed while his teammates zig-zagged across North America on their preseason tour and it paid off -- he returned to full training on Wednesday.
"As far as my knee goes, I feel good," Bone said. "I'm already moving at full speed and cutting at full speed with no pain. I'm taking it day by day and its feeling better, so that's a good thing."
Bone said he wasn't sure if he would be able to go in time for the Fire's season season opener on March 27, but he’s optimistic.
"Opportunities don't come that often, so when I get them I’ll have to prove myself," Bone said. "I was planning on doing that earlier but hopefully I’ll get to do that again soon."
