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'Special meaning' Klein named MLS Comeback Player of the YearPosted: Tuesday October 15, 2002 2:07 PM
ATLANTA (CNNSI.com) -- Major League Soccer announced Tuesday that Kansas City Wizards midfielder Chris Klein has been named the 2002 Comeback Player of the Year. Klein rebounded from a devastating tear of his right ACL during the offseason to reclaim his status as one of the premier flankers in American soccer. A product of Indiana University, Klein suffered the injury in a Copa Merconorte match against Barcelona FC on Oct. 17, 2001. After appearing in four matches for Bruce Arena and the U.S. national team, Klein's hopes of competing for a spot on the U.S. World Cup team were scrapped in favor of five grueling months of rehabilitation. "It is an honor to receive this award," said Klein. "It has special meaning whenever you suffer an injury like this but can come back and play at the same level as before. I was determined from the moment I went down that I would come back and be able to help this team. "This kind of award means a little more to me than other awards." After sitting out the Wizards' season-opening tie with the Colorado Rapids, Klein announced his return in grand fashion. Playing with remarkable form after his long layoff, Klein produced a goal and an assist in his first game back with the Wizards on April 13 in a 2-0 shutout of the defending MLS Cup champion San Jose Earthquakes. The 26-year old Klein, a five-year veteran of MLS, started all 25 of his appearances for Bob Gansler's squad, racking up 19 points on seven goals and five assists. Klein finished tied for first on the team in goals and was second overall in total scoring. With his return, Klein resumed his workhouse ways, logging 2,171 minutes on the right flank. Among his highlights on the season were two goals in a 4-2 victory over the eventual Eastern Conference champion New England Revolution on July 13 and the equalizer in a 1-1 overtime draw with the Colorado Rapids that secured a playoff berth for Kansas City. The ACE Comeback Player of the Year award honors a player who has overcome injury or tremendous adversity to experience measurable success during the 2002 season. Other finalists for the honor included Ben Olsen of D.C. United and Alexi Lalas of the Los Angeles Galaxy. Klein was selected the winner in voting by MLS coaches, general managers, players and members of the Professional Soccer Reporters Association.
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