CARSON, Calif. -- Second-year midfielder Dan Keat was widely considered the top rookie during the 2011 season, but since undergoing knee surgery in June, the New Zealand International has struggled to find playing time in MLS or Reserve League play. However, now finally healthy, Keat is eager to play some role in Thursday's CONCACAF Champions League match against Isidro Metapan.
Keat faces a stiff test as he will need to crack into a Galaxy midfield that includes Michael Stephens, Rafael Garcia and Kenney Walker, each who have flourished in CCL play this year. However, Keat, traveled to El Salvador believes that a good appearance against Metapan could do wonders for inserting him back into Bruce Arena's rotation.
Below are thoughts from Keat on his fitness and his goal of earning more minutes...
KEAT: "It’s good, I feel healthy, which is a good start and I think everything follows from that. When you know that your body is good and your mind is right, I know that I can play and help the team. Just have to be ready if and when you’re called."
(On attempting to earn minutes from the Garcia and Walker...)
KEAT: "I suppose when I got injured those guys came in and did really well, especially in reserve games. That’s life in a club like this, I’ve been really impressive with the way those guys have stepped in this year, and even though it’s never easy, I think that I can play."
(On what he could do break into the lineup...)
KEAT: "I just need to play my own game and you can only control what you can do. If I get a chance to play this week then I need to play well, and just go from there. There’s not a whole lot left in the season and you have to see what happens, but hopefully by playing well, you can help the team out."
