Pablo Mastroeni has missed the Colorado Rapids' past two games because of lingering headaches and insomnia related to a possible concussion he suffered against the Columbus Crew on March 10. Now, the 35-year-old is expressing concern that his career may be in jeopardy (via Denver Post).
Concussions Could Force Rapids’ Pablo Mastroeni Into Early Retirment
Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni has missed the past two games because of a concussion he suffered in the season opener.
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“Absolutely there’s worry,” Mastroeni said Sunday, dressed in street clothes while his teammates were defeating Chicago 2-0. “I have a wife and kids. ... Worry, definitely, it’s there every day. It’s there every morning.”
The central midfielder was able to play in the following game, but has not played in either of the Rapids’ past two games or trained with the team. Mastroeni first suffered a concussion last October and at least partially because of the recurring nature of the injury, there’s no prognosis when he will be able to return.
If concussions do, in fact, force Mastroeni into retirement, it would mark the end of one of an impressive career. This is Mastroeni’s 15th MLS season, dating back to 1998 when he was a rookie with the Miami Fusion. Along the way, he earned 65 United States national team caps and earned a reputation as a hard-nosed midfielder. He played in two World Cups (2002 and 2006) and won a MLS Cup with the Rapids in 2011.
He would also become just the latest in a growing list of players who have had their careers cut short by concussions. The most notable — and outspoken — of that group is Taylor Twellman, who has made it a point to help better educate the soccer world about the danger of concussions.
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