Gaston Brugman’s season ended early last year when he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee in August.
The long road to recovery finally led him back to the field in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.
“I’m much better now, recovery was hard six months or more,” Brugman said. “When I (thought I) was good, I had something in the knee and I needed to stop, but now I’m good, but six months I was sad because it’s a difficult and I missed (playing on) the field.”
Brugman joined the Galaxy in the summer of 2022 and quickly helped solidify the midfield. After he was injured last season, he was still around the team as he started his recovery.
“He’s a veteran, he’s a leader, he brings quality to the group, it’s just nice to have him back,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “It was good to see him come on, help us keep possession, make good decisions on the defensive side and attacking side.
“He’s one of our veterans who is really important to the group. For him, it’s been a long road and I’m sure emotionally it (returning) was a good moment for him.”
Brugman entered the game in the 71st minute.
“We have to keep trying to build him and get his match fitness there,” Vanney said. “He’s done the work to be pretty fit, now it’s match sharpness, we’ve done a few different things with him. Obviously he’s played deep in the lower midfield position in the pivot for a lot of last year and we talked about possibly seeing what he would like a little higher, so we’ve been able to do a little bit of that. He’s still learning a little bit of the movements, the connections and being patient in some of these spots on the field.
“We want to make sure that we don’t have any setbacks and we make this as smooth as possible.”
Brugman said he wanted to thank to the Galaxy staff and medical team for their help through the recovery process.
“My family, friends, medical staff and I passed a lot of tough times with Martin (Cáceres) too,” Brugman said.
Brugman and Cáceres have developed a bond since arriving at the Galaxy. The Uruguayans both suffered season-ending injuries last season.
“We started (recovery) here and after that in Uruguay. I’m happy for him, he’s back good, better than last year,” said Brugman, who said their connection extends from food to herbal teas. “We talk Spanish in the locker room, Riqui (Puig) too, we go to eat, we share mate, same culture.”
Gabriel Pec out
The Galaxy’s new Designated Player will miss Sunday’s game, but not due to injury. Gabriel Pec is getting married and was away from the team this week.
“He will be back the beginning of next week and ready to settle in and I think life will finally slow down for him a little bit,” Vanney said.
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Brady Scott added
On Friday, the Galaxy signed goalkeeper Brady Scott to a one-year deal through the end of the 2024, with two option years through 2026.
Scott, 24, spent the past two seasons with Columbus Crew 2. He’s also played in Germany (FC Koln II) and in the USL with Memphis 901 and Sacramento Republic FC.
Galaxy (1-0-1, 4 points) at Nashville SC (0-0-2, 2 points)
When: Noon Sunday
Where: Geodis Park, Nashville
TV: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)