Atlanta Silverbacks star forward Macoumba “Mac” Kandji is still recovering from a high ankle sprain suffered against Miami last Saturday. However, the team leader in most offensive categories is recovering nicely and should be back in time for the home finale against Rochester on Saturday, Aug. 30.
“[It] is getting better right now,” Kandji explained. “The physical therapy is helping a lot. I should be back by the next home game. I can’t standing sitting [on the bench] and not being able to help my team.”
Atlanta has scored only one goal in the time since Kandji was injured. Kandji left the Miami game last Saturday in the 20th minute. The team drew Miami 0-0 and then scored only one goal in Wednesday’s 3-1 loss at Montreal.
The Silverbacks will allow their injured star to travel to Rochester for the next game on Saturday night but it is unlikely that Kandji will play. He could be healthy in time for games against Montreal and Vancouver the following week, but the Senegal native is unable to travel outside of the United States. Kandji has his work permit so that he can work in the United States but does not yet have his green card, which would allow him access to Canada and other nations.
The Silverbacks hope that the former Georgia Military College player returns in time to help solidify a playoff berth. The team is in fifth place in the current USL standings, which would be good enough for a postseason appearance. However, the team has the goal of moving up in the standings.
“If we keep playing hard and win a couple more games,” stated Kandji, “I think we will definitely make the playoffs. We at least want to get back to at least the fourth seed, because we had the fourth seed last year and that helped a lot.”
The top four seeds get home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
Kandji was the focus of an article on ESPN Soccernet earlier this month which highlighted a few players in the USL who may be moving up to the MLS or possibly European leagues after this season. It is very likely that Kandji will move on after this season. As far as where he will be going, the 23-year-old was not sure.
“My agent is talking to a bunch of different teams right now but I have no idea what is going on. The New York Red Bulls for sure [are interested], but the other ones, I don’t really know.”
The young scoring sensation is currently tied for the league lead in points, and is second in goals and third in assists despite missing much of the past two games.
Black can be reached at sblack@scoreatl.com.
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