READY TO RETURN
Defender Jeff Rosenberger will be back in Fleetwood’s starting lineup after missing the second half of last season with a knee injury
Not many soccer players immediately step into Fleetwood’s starting lineup.
Jeff Rosenberger was an exception. From the first game of his freshman season, he was on the field. If the Tigers played, so did Rosenberger.
Until one day, he didn’t. It happened on a routine play 11 games into Rosenberger’s junior season. The left back was running alongside Wyomissing’s Colin Shimp. Rosenberger planted his foot wrong and twisted his right knee. Torn ACL. Season over.
The next six weeks were rough. Rosenberger, who helped Fleetwood capture its fourth PIAA championship the year before, sat and watched his friends attempt to repeat.
“There were times when I was there and I was like, ‘Wow, I know a play could have happened differently,’ “Rosenberger said. “‘Or this game could have turned out with a different result.’ There was nothing I could do about that when I’m injured and sitting.”
Rosenberger was happy when Fleetwood won the District 3 title in November, although it wasn’t the same as when he participated. He was crushed when the state tournament run ended in penalty kicks in the first round four days later.
If Fleetwood had Rosenberger, a speedy defender who helps transition the ball to the midfield, it might have been different. The Tigers might not have surrendered that 2-0 lead to New Hope-Solebury.
Who knows? Maybe they end up celebrating title No. 5.
“Jeff could do more than just play defense,” Fleetwood coach Keith Schlegel said. “He knows the game. He moves up front and he makes runs. Before he got hurt, he scored some big goals for us. He didn’t go all the time but he knew when to go and when not to go.”
Eleven months have passed since Rosenberger suffered his injury. He hasn’t played in a game anywhere during that time.
The senior was allowed to start soccer activity in May. Touching the ball. Making short passes. Nothing too strenuous. He was cleared to fully practice about a month ago.
Rosenberger has been following the PIAA drama about whether or not there will be a season with a close eye. There were moments when he feared that mundane play against Wyomissing might be the end of his high school career.
“At one point I was really doubting the season would happen,” Rosenberger said. “The more it went on, I started to have a little more hope in it. Obviously I’m thrilled with the outcome of it now. But it was a little bit scary sometimes knowing my senior season could be canceled.”
Fleetwood is expected to contend for championships again.
County, districts, states, all of it.
Rosenberger, who had two goals and two assists last season, is an essential piece of the puzzle. The Tigers lost their four starting backs from the playoffs: Andrew Slusser, Matt Avila, Ian Snyder and Jon Hope. They’ll need Rosenberger to anchor a new defensive corps.
Although there was some trepidation about his knee when he first stepped onto the field, Rosenberger said he has felt more confident as workouts have continued.
“I’m getting to the point now where I’m not thinking about it,” he said. “I’m just playing my game like I normally would. I know I have the big brace on my knee. At the end of the day that isn’t going to affect me mentally.”
Fleetwood is excited to have one of its top players back. Rosenberger is an All-Berks talent with his ability to jump-start the Tigers’ fast-paced attack.
“Jeff’s a good kid,” Schlegel said. “He’s very open with his thoughts. He wants to play. He’s upset about last year, which anybody would be if you’re a competitor. I’m glad he can take part this year. He seems strong, so we’re happy.”
When the opener arrives for Fleetwood, later than usual because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, it’ll be one year since the injury.
Rosenberger will be in his familiar spot. In the defensive third. In the starting lineup.
“I’m going to be nervous beforehand,” he said. “I’m super excited about it. I think about it all the time. I just want to get out there and play my game.”
The freshman who started his first game is a senior now. All he wants is to play again.