It’s been a long, patient road to recovery for Vancouver Whitecaps FC centre back Erik Godoy.
The Argentine made his first start in over six months this past weekend at Houston Dynamo FC, his latest step in a long journey back to his top form.
Following his debut MLS season in 2019 where he started 28 of the club’s 34 games, Godoy was hoping to continue his run of form at the start of the 2020 season.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.
Godoy suffered an injury during the 2020 preseason and found himself out of action for a full eight months.
“It was difficult being out for so long,” explained Godoy. “Add in the fact I’m alone in a different country without my family, without my friends, it was really hard.”
However, Godoy gives lots of credit to the club’s Player Medical Care and Physical Preparation teams, as well as his teammates for pushing him every day towards making a full recovery.
“I had my teammates always supporting me, pushing me to get back quickly,” said Godoy.
Godoy missed a total of eight games due his injury last season, including the entirety of the MLS is Back Tournament, and suffered a number setbacks on the road back to the pitch.
On September 5, 2020, Godoy finally made his long-awaited return to the ‘Caps lineup, starting at right back against Toronto FC at BC Place.
The last game the Argentine had played for the ‘Caps was back on October 6 in the regular season finale at BC Place against Real Salt Lake in 2019.
“I was super happy when I made my return, I got the same sensation as I did when I made my first appearance for the club,” said Godoy. “I didn’t feel at 100 per cent yet, but I was very happy to have helped the team after being out for so long.”
As Godoy continued to build up his fitness, the centre back was able to solidify his place in the starting XI towards the end of the regular season, as he helped the ‘Caps to key victories against Real Salt Lake, LAFC, San Jose Earthquakes, and LA Galaxy.
“I felt really good, I was always focused on what I had to do to play well and help the team,” said Godoy.
Fast forward to 2021 preseason, the centre back suffered a minor injury set back which kept him out of action for the beginning of the season.
Now playing in his third MLS season, Godoy has become one of the veterans of Marc Dos Santos’ group and hopes he can play a big part in the ‘Caps success for the rest of the season.
"There's no doubt that Erik brings something different with the tools that he has. He's probably the most comfortable player we have in possession and a player that anticipates and reads the play very well," said Dos Santos. "What Erik brings is that experience from a lot of games in Argentina and also games with us. He is a player who we need to be sure is there to help the team."
The ‘Caps are also set to have plenty of players away on international duty throughout the year, which means Godoy could see plenty of minutes at the heart of the ‘Caps defence.
“I feel good, but my last start was in November. I’m okay, but I need more games to be again at my level,” said Godoy after the Houston game.
With his first full 90-minute shift for 2021 under his belt, Godoy can go into the break knowing where he is at in his journey back to full fitness, and what to focus on as he continues to work on his health, as well as the standard he has set for himself.
“I have a lot of goals in mind, and I want to be one of the best defenders in the league,” said Godoy.
Saturday night was a small step towards the right direction.
Following the FIFA international break from May 31 to June 14, Whitecaps FC resume MLS play as the road side against Real Salt Lake on Friday, June 18. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. PT at Rio Tinto Stadium.
