The recent World Cup has sparked a renewed enthusiasm for soccer across New York City, drawing fans of all ages onto local fields and parks.
On the sidelines of that surge, Dr. Salvador Portugal, a rehabilitation specialist at NYU Langone Health and a former college soccer player, appeared on NY1’s “News All Day” to discuss how participants can stay safe while chasing the sport’s thrill.
Listening to the Body
He warned that pain is often the first signal of a deeper problem, citing injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tears, ankle sprains, hamstring strains and concussions as common outcomes when players ignore their bodies.
According to Portugal, the most effective injury‑prevention strategy is simple: pay attention to discomfort and adjust activity accordingly.
He also emphasized that regular exercise, even in the context of competitive play, offers cardiovascular and muscular benefits that outweigh the occasional risk, encouraging New Yorkers to keep moving.
The conversation also highlighted the role of proper warm‑up routines, hydration and protective gear, though Portugal noted that the cornerstone remains personal awareness of one’s physical limits.