The odds had been stacked against James Weber for some time until this year’s NPSL season. Before playing for the Milwaukee Torrent in their inaugural 2016 season, Weber was dealing with the adversity of tearing the same ACL twice in two years. This is why the young forward managed to only play one game for the Milwaukee Wave, an indoor league team, in two seasons. These ACL tears came after Weber scored 30 goals in 34 games for a fifth division team in Sweden.
ACL injuries are some of the toughest to come back from. ACL tears are why former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore never played a down in the NFL. Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis tore his ACL while he was with the New York Knicks during the 2012 playoffs. Davis has not played in an NBA game since.
On the flip side, there have been plenty of comebacks from the devastating knee injury. All-Pro linebacker Thomas Davis of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers tore his ACL three times and has been regarded as one the league’s best linebackers since returning from injury. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn won her second race back from her AC
L injury in 2015. Add James Weber to those great comeback stories.
After tearing his ACL for the second time, Weber’s doctors decided to change the surgical procedure. This time the doctors used a graft from Weber’s hamstring to repair his knee. The Torrent forward credits this along with his hard work in rehab to why he was able to make it back to the pitch.
“The rehab was very hard. The hardest part was the mental aspect and the biggest thing that helped me was patience. I am now mentally tougher because of this process and I’ve gotten to a point to where my knee doesn’t even bother me anymore.”
That’s right, after two ACL tears in the same knee, Weber doesn’t even feel the slightest pain.
“The doctors said it would probably still bother me, but it doesn’t. I’ll put ice on it sometimes, but that’s just a precaution.”
Since his comeback, Weber has led the way as a captain for his new team.
“I’ve just been trying to get the team gel and to become a family,” Weber said, “It’s gone well from what I can tell.”
Weber is not only the Torrent’s captain, he was also their first signing back in 2015, which has given Weber the chance to see a team be raised from the ground up.
“Andi Davi (the owner and coach) has done a really great job coaching us. He’s also done well on the owner side of things. I’ve seen him raise the money and sponsors necessary. He’s great.”
Davi himself had high praise for Weber, saying, “His qualities as a striker as well as a leader makes a huge impact on the team. He has a great sense for where the goal is and doesn’t need many chances to score. He always works for the team and puts everything in to help the team.”
Weber has been impressed with the NPSL so far.
“The quality of play is diverse in the games we’ve played,” Weber said, “From what I can tell, the speed is at a decent pace and the physicality is at a good level.”
As for the Midwest Central Conference, Weber enjoys the rivalries and competition.
“There’s been some good rivalries formed, especially with Chicago. Teams from Wisconsin and Chicago always seem to have a good rivalry in any sport.”
Torrent home games have become known for their great atmosphere and matchday experience. Weber has noted the great fan support being a contributing factor to the team’s success. Because of the great fan support, Weber sees a future for outdoor soccer in Milwaukee.
“The future for soccer in this city is bright. The Torrent have provided a good foundation for future teams to build on. As the money grows, the team will grow, and the sport will grow.”
