The spasms began in early July, centralized in the back of Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia. They emerged every few days, then every few hours and eventually every few minutes when he set foot on the practice field.
But after waiting six years for the opportunity to be a starter in Major League Soccer, Melia opted for a silent approach to the injury. He simply attempted to play through it.
“That was definitely the hardest part — when you’ve waited so long for your chance, you don’t want to come out of the lineup because of an injury,” Melia said.