One year and nine months since last appearing for the Black-and-Red in a regular season match, veteran defender Chris Korb’s long road to recovery from injury came to fruition when he took the field against the Philadelphia Union on May 13 as a second half substitute.
The right-sided defender, who was drafted by United in the second round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Akron, had been out of action since suffering a season-ending ACL tear in his right knee in a match against New York City FC on August 13, 2015. After being out of contract in 2016, United signed Korb back to the team on May 4 after a successful spring trial.
Korb had further complications during his recovery and underwent additional surgery in 2016, missing the entire season in the process. It was a tough rehab for the 29-year-old Ohio native, who at times thought his career might be over, but he kept his comeback attempt going with the help of doctors and trainers and was rewarded for his patience and determination when his number was held up in the 53rd minute against the Union.
“It was good to be back,” said Korb on his long-awaited return. “There were plenty of down moments where it [my knee] wasn’t ready when I thought it was, but I just kept going and it’s great to get my feet wet again and get back into it. I wasn’t really planning on [being subbed on], but it was great to get back out there.”
Korb had played for United from 2011 to 2016 before the injury, making 105 MLS appearances (96 starts) and recording ten assists. Always a popular player amongst fans, United’s number 22 was greeted with a loud ovation and cheers from the RFK faithful as he ran out onto the field in his return.
“I heard it a little bit, but I was just concentrating and trying to get back into it,” said Korb. “I’ll watch some of the game today, and I’ll smile a little bit at that.”
Needing game experience, coaches sent Korb down to Richmond to play with the Richmond Kickers on May 6. Logging seventy minutes and displaying some of his patented speed and agility throughout the match, head coach Ben Olsen and his staff saw enough to warrant not only select him for the bench against the Union a week later, but also send him into the action.
Chris Korb set it up. @bassy437 puts it in.
— Richmond Kickers (@RichmondKickers) May 6, 2017
Kickers took the 1-0 lead in the 7th minute. #RICvCINpic.twitter.com/6qYA3zS12n
“He’s been training for a few months now, and the game in Richmond really helped him,” Olsen said. “It was great to see him out there. He’s up to speed and it was great to see a couple times where, because we were down a man and emergency defending, he bails us out with his pace.”
Olsen, who had several operations during a 12-year playing career, understands the recovery process more than most.
“You know I have a soft spot for guys that spend a lot of time out and come back,” Olsen said. “I think he [Korb] has an appreciation for it. The soccer rust will come off, and it’s great to see him back.”
D.C. United take on the Chicago Fire at RFK on Saturday, May 20, in the last match of their three-game home stand before they head out on the road for the next two matches to play Vancouver and Orlando.
