Chris Durkin’s plan was to play in Europe indefinitely, to remain with the small club in the Flemish region of Belgium for up to another 14 months, then perhaps seek another team, another league, another country on a soccer-fertile continent.
His pro career was on a steady path, having launched at 16 with D.C. United and, three summers ago, advanced overseas.
Plans change, however. The pandemic aggravated the isolation of being far from home. He longed for his girlfriend and family.
Though Belgium had provided wonderful opportunities on and off the field, it was time to come home.