Bobby Wood on The Soccer Show: “Glad to be back” one year after surgery
Where would the Revolution be without Bobby Wood? One of New England’s most influential offseason signings flew under the radar, but the Honolulu, Hawaii native has been the team’s top goal scorer through 15 games and has run away with starting role as New England’s number nine.
As Wood approaches the one-year anniversary of his adductor surgery back in June 2022, during his time with Real Salt Lake, the striker sat down with DJ Bean on The Soccer Show to reflect on the first half of his comeback campaign.
“I always believed in myself. I worked very hard in the offseason to make sure everything was fine again,” Wood said. “I was very unlucky with the surgery I had last season. It didn’t go well, which kept me out for seven months and it should have been a two-month injury.
“I’m just glad to be back helping the team. With the injuries we’ve had so far, a lot of guys have to step up. Yeah, I’m enjoying it.”
Wood is certainly helping, to say the least. His five goals are tied with Carles Gil for most on the team. With three assists, his eight goal contributions on the year are already an MLS-career high since he returned to the United States in 2021.
“So far, we have a really good team. We have a lot of quality players and it’s easy to play. Before coming back, I suffered a lot of small injuries – or big injuries – that didn’t really let me really get my rhythm going. I’m glad I’ve got a great coaching staff, physio staff, training staff that’s been keeping me really fit. I’m glad I can help.”
Wood’s early career took him from his home in Hawaii to Irvine, California, where he cut his teeth in the region’s competitive club soccer scene. In search of a competitive edge, Wood made the move to Germany as a teenager to develop in the 1860 Munich youth academy, before excelling over a long pro career in the top two divisions of Germany. Accustomed to proving himself as an outsider, the experienced veteran is finding himself at peace on the other side of 30.
“As you get older, you’re just comfortable and you’re comfortable in your ability,” Wood said. “I knew coming in, I just have to do my thing, focus on myself. I knew that if I did that, I could help the team, and I think it’s been showing. I’m enjoying it for sure. We’ve got a lot of quality players and I can’t wait for everyone to get back and get the season rolling again 100 percent.”
After more than decade spent in the upper echelons of European football, Wood brings a unique perspective to how Major League Soccer has boomed since his days as a pre-teen in Irvine.
“MLS you can’t compare to any league. It’s its own football. I think it’s really cool to see how much it’s grown. The stadiums are always very packed and there is a culture growing within the whole league, within the country… You’ve got guys wanting to come to MLS in their primes and that’s just exciting.”
Watch Bobby Wood and the Revolution this Saturday, June 3 at 3:30 p.m. as they take on New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. Watch every MLS match this weekend for free on the Apple TV app or listen right here on 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM) with Brad Feldman and Charlie Davies calling the action.
