Head-to-post soccer injury raises safety questions
By Emerson Marcus, Reno Gazette-Journal
Kevin Rivera cut a four-inch gash in his head and sustained a concussion during a soccer game Sept. 18.
The McQueen senior only remembers going for the ball before slowly regaining consciousness as he was escorted to a hospital by an ambulance.
“It was scary,” said Rivera, who will return to the soccer field Wednesday against Reed.
What makes Rivera’s injury different than most soccer injuries is his wasn’t caused by body-to-body contact or the turf — Rivera collided with the goal post.
Nevada’s high school soccer goal posts, unlike football goal posts and the edges of basketball backboards, aren’t padded.
“It’s a very isolated injury,” McQueen athletic director Eric Borja said. “But football posts have pads and maybe this is something soccer should look into for the future.”
