It was a long road back for Toronto FC defender Mark Bloom. 

After spending the entire 2015 MLS season on the mend following a brutal leg injury suffered against the Portland Timbers in 2014, Bloom made his return on Saturday night against the Seattle Sounders. 

Though Bloom was playing out of position on the left, the 28-year-old acquitted himself well.

“It was a great experience for me, being out for so long, just the road to recovery, all the work I put in on the training ground and in the gym," said Bloom following the match. 
LISTEN: Bloom joins the Sportsnet TFC Pitchside Podcast 
"And then finally to have it culminate in 90 minutes is a surreal experience for me and just thinking back on how long it has been. But once I got out there it felt like I never stopped so It kind of came back right away. I felt comfortable out there, it was a big step to build on, just to keep going and getting better and better from here.”
Bloom found out he would get the start the day before, leading to a restless night for the Marietta, GA native. 
"I was excited; I didn’t know what to think," said Bloom. "It kind of made sense, so many guys have been hurt, and I have been back to training for a solid week. I have been training good and feeling good, so I think it was good time to get me in and give Justin [Morrow] a break.  Obviously I was just excited to get the start.”

Bloom impressed his head coach Greg Vanney. 

“I thought Mark was excellent," said Vanney. "I thought he looked composed and I thought his decisions when to leave the line to get out and press were decisive. He defended well and had a great game,”

The Reds return to the pitch on Saturday night at 7:30 PM ET when they will take on the Chicago Fire. A limited amount of tickets are remaining!