Midway through last season, Colorado Rapids striker Conor Casey tore his Achilles tendon and was forced to sit out the remainder of the team’s MLS Cup-defending campaign. Now, after more than nine months of rehab, Casey is set to make his return to the field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park this Saturday at 7 p.m. against Chivas USA. Word from the team is Casey practiced well all week and will likely see action off the bench. His services will be a welcome addition to the Rapids, who are 3-4 so far this year and looking to rebound from a loss last week to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

We chronicled Casey’s rehab process, from the moment he was injured to his return to regular team workouts, in the April issue of 5280. In preparation for the game this weekend, read how Casey worked himself back onto the field.

—Photo courtesy of the Colorado Rapids