Terrence Boyd, shown playing with Germany's RB Leipzig, has earned 13 caps for the USA. (Photo courtesy of RB Leipzig)
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Terrence Boyd says it's a miracle that he is playing football today.
The United States international thought his playing days were numbered earlier this year after recuperating from multiple injuries that were suffered while competing for Red Bull Leipzig in Germany.
Boyd, who recently returned to club action after recovering from an ACL injury suffered in December 2014, was called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for Tuesday’s international friendly against visiting New Zealand at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium.
His last appearance for the U.S. came on March 5, 2014, when he entered as a late substitute in a 2-0 loss to Ukraine.
"I'm just thankful for the call-up," Boyd said Monday. "It's nice to see the old guys again. It was a long journey. I was injured, didn't know if I would ever come back. To be back with the national team obviously means a lot to me."
The knee didn’t heal properly and cysts developed after Boyd was forced to undergo calf surgery. It took four operations and almost two years before he was considered healthy enough to play again.
"It was great because from that standpoint if you don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, it just makes you feel terrible," he said.
So terrible that Boyd considered retiring in May at the age of 25. However, he had a sudden reversal of fortune -- good fortune.
"Then within weeks it just changed completely," commented Boyd. "I could play again. It was working without swelling. It's a miracle I'm back on the pitch right now."
Not surprisingly, his national team objectives are straightforward.
"Personally, right now, the main goal was to go back to the states, to be with my boys," Boyd finished. "I wanted to train good. I want to win the game against New Zealand. Hopefully, I can play. Just enjoy the moment right now."
