After sustaining a low-grade quadriceps strain during U.S. Men’s National Team camp in California, FC Cincinnati defender Greg Garza has arrived in Ohio to undergo treatment for the injury. That means he’ll be with FCC as it begins its first Major League Soccer preseason Monday morning.
“One of the most unique things about constructing and building a new team is having chemistry both on and off the field,” he said. “It definitely feels good to be here my first day to get to know the guys as quickly as possible and start creating that chemistry.”
Garza joins FC Cincinnati as an MLS champion having played for Atlanta United FC in its 2-0 MLS Cup win against Portland Timbers. Now, he joins a club just weeks away from its first MLS match.
“This is a new adventure for myself and for my family and I’m very fortunate for everything I’ve done in my career,” he said. “We’re very excited.”
After leaving his old club having lifted a trophy, Garza aspires to do the same with a new organization.
“I hope to be a part of that,” he said.
By leaving national team camp early, Garza will miss both U.S. friendlies later this month, but he said he left this camp with new head coach Gregg Berhalter on good terms.
“I think it was a bit mutual from all of us,” Garza said of his decision to leave national team camp to join his new club. “It’s a little strain that tightened up a bit in training and we sat down with doctors and the coach and there was just no reason to try and force it by playing some games that don’t mean much, but I’m thankful for the opportunity.
“The good days I was there were hopefully enough for the coaching staff to see and hopefully I’ll have an opportunity in the future. I’d work my tail off to have another opportunity with the national team.”
