WASHINGTON – Amid the Charlie Davies love-a-thon at RFK Stadium last weekend, there was another feel-good story that was nearly lost in the shuffle of D.C. United's 3-1 win over Columbus:
Chris Pontius made his first start since last August.
The versatileattacker started and went 90 minutes in the win, his first significant game action since a hamstring injury knocked him out seven months ago and required offseason surgery. On Tuesday, Pontius said said he's fully recovered.
“I honestly feel faster than I ever have before,” Pontius toldMLSsoccer.com after training. “This hamstring’s been bugging me for a while, so to be able torun pain-free for 90 minutes, I feel strong, I feel fast, I feel good. Gamefitness, it’ll come with a couple more games, and that goes for everyone on ourteam.”
A healthy Pontius made for a dangerous asset on theleft wing against the Crew. He looked relatively sharp, and won the penaltythat Charlie Davies scored to extend DC's lead in the second half.
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The whole experience was something special, Pontius said.
“It was amazing," he said. "For Charlie, for our team, for our fans.Last year was a rough year in a number ways for D.C. United and a number ofways for Charlie. So to have that come together in the first game of the seasonat home is the perfect way to start the season.”
It's been a long road for Pontius to get to the season opener. After months of inactivity he's needed the full seven weeks of preseason to work out all the rust.
“I was in preseason and everyday you push yourself alittle bit more and I think I’ve gotten to a point where I’m not holding backat all," he said. "Shots, sprints, I’m pretty much full pace out there every play."
More good news that United will take happily.
