Galaxy forward Adam Cristman returns healthy to Kansas City

Larry Morgan

CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s Adam Cristman said he is looking forward to returning to Kansas City, where the Galaxy resumes its MLS regular-season schedule on Monday at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park (3 p.m., Fox Soccer).

Cristman is eager to catch up with some of his former neighbors and even ex-teammates such as Roger Espinoza, Michael Herrington and Chance Myers. But he’s especially looking forward to showing Sporting Kansas City what they missed had he been healthy in the abbreviated 2009 season he spent with the-then Wizards.

The 26-year-old Cristman joined Kansas City in a November, 2008 trade with New England, but he played in only five games with his new club, attempted just two shots and did not score a goal. He suffered two foot injuries (one of which required surgery), tore an abdominal muscle and even contracted a case of swine flu.

“It was a crazy year,” Cristman said after training Saturday. “I was really looking forward to being there. I bought a house while I was there, and I was trying to set up to be there for a few years.

“There was a lot going on.”

Flash forward two years, and Cristman is healthy and having a decided impact on the Galaxy. He has played in six games, including two starts, and has one goal, but he has given the Galaxy a presence up front the club had been lacking for much of the season.

He also is the only player to score in each of the team’s competitions, from the World Football Challenge (Cristman had the lone goal in a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid), the U.S. Open Cup (he scored in a 3-1 loss to Seattle), reserve league matches (two goals), CONCACAF Champions League matches (against CD Motagua in the opening round of group play) and the regular season.

“Over the last month or so,” head coach Bruce Arena said, “it’s been pretty good to see how far he’s come physically. And now he’s gotten a bit of confidence and he’s starting to play well. He’s certainly a good addition.”

The Galaxy’s David Beckham admitted he hadn’t seen much of Cristman aside from rehabbing in the gym, but he’s been impressed with the play of the 6-foot, 190-pounder.

“Obviously, he’s a big, strong guy,” Beckham said. “He comes in, beats defenders up and puts his head in there. He’s a brave lad. He’s brought a bit of freshness into the team.

“When players have been out for so long, they’re eager to come back and they’re eager to do well. It shows in his play. He’s been a plus for us.”

Cristman’s season with the Galaxy hasn’t been injury-free – he had minor knee surgery just before the start of the regular season – but he said he now feels 100 percent healthy. And the price he has paid to get this far has been worth it, he pointed out.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “I think it’s developed another level in terms of me being a professional and taking care of my body. That extra five, 10 percent is making me a better professional.

“It feels good to finally be able to come out and play and not be burdened by a rehab schedule and the frustrations of fighting to get back. Now I can just focus and do my job for the team.”