Speedy Carr ready to roll and bolster Fire's offense
Calen Carr could be just the change of pace the suddenly struggling Fire attack needs.
It's been about 11 months since the speedy forward/winger tore up his left knee in an U.S. Open Cup game at D.C. United, requiring two surgeries. Now Carr is nearing his return to the first team after playing the full 90 minutes in a reserves game, scoring the third goal in a 3-0 victory against the Fire's Premier Development League Super-20 team.
"I'm feeling good," said Carr, 26, a four-year veteran out of California. "It was great to get back out there. It was my first game in a long time, even though it's not necessarily a real game. But it was good to get 90 minutes in, get some fitness going, make some runs and get used to playing with the guys again."
Carr has been a steady presence around the team this spring, doing his rehabilitation work on the side while his teammates practiced, trying to be patient and not rush his recovery.
"It's just one of those things that takes some time to come back from, and I wanted to make sure that I did everything exactly the right way so that when I did come back I was fully ready," he said.
"In terms of physically, I'm really not even thinking about my knee now. I've worked hard enough to the point where it's not something that I have to be concerned about. I'm enjoying getting some contact and doing some stuff that I haven't done in a long time," he said.
Carr's return will give coach Denis Hamlett another option up front and on the right side of the midfield, most likely off the bench in MLS games. Carr could see time in the First XI during a hectic June and July that include three SuperLiga games and the start of the U.S. Open Cup campaign.
"Part of that is up to the coaching staff," Carr said. "I know we have a busy stretch with MLS and SuperLiga and Open Cup. So I'd really love to be a part of that. I'm itching to get back involved and raring to go. I've been watching games long enough. I've always supported the guys, but I want to see if I can help the team out however I can, especially during this busy stretch."
Carr's return will mean coach Denis Hamlett and technical director Frank Klopas have to make some difficult decisions. With MLS rosters down to 18 spots this season, space is tight and competition is fierce. Not only is Carr coming back soon, but Daniel Woolard and Peter Lowry also played 90 minutes Tuesday and will want their roster spots back after long stints on the injured list.
But first things first.
"He's worked very hard," Klopas said of Carr. "Obviously, it's important for us to get him healthy, first of all, and get him on the field because he brings a lot to the team.
"Speed is one thing, but over the years he's learned how to use his speed better. He's learned how to make better runs, to create space for himself. He's not scared to run at players. When he's on the field he does create things."
The Fire hopes he can create a few more goals like the one he scored Tuesday.
"I'm really looking forward to the first one in a real competitive match. That will be a special feeling after all the hard work I've put in," Carr said.
Surprisingly, for a guy who will have much to celebrate, Carr hasn't considered how he will celebrate that goal.
"I've had enough time to think about it," Carr joked. "But I just will work on getting the goal first and take it from there."
Free kicks: Defender Brandon Prideaux announced Tuesday he will retire as a player following the season. In his second season with the Fire, Prideaux has played 12 years in MLS. He has played in seven of the Fire's first 13 MLS games this season... Before Saturday night's game at D.C. United, the team will visit the White House on Friday. The tour was arranged by the Fire's vice president of communications, Becky Carroll, who worked for the Obama campaign.