Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By RYAN TOLMICH
Chivas USA midfielder Thomas McNamara has seen his impressive rookie season cut short after it was revealed he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers.
The 23-year-old rookie is now set to spend a long period of time on the sidelines as the club announced Friday that McNamara has undergone surgery to repair the injuries.
The No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 MLS draft, McNamara started in all six of Chivas USA’s matches prior to his injury. His most impressive performance came back in March, when the Clemson product scored in his debut against the Chicago Fire, earning him the honor of SBI MLS Rookie of the Week.
Chivas USA will most likely be without McNamara for the rest of the season, but assistant coach Paul Caffrey believes someone else on the roster can fill the void.
“It’s next man up,” Caffrey said. “It’s definitely unfortunate for Thomas and for the club. But anytime it happens to any player, it becomes an opportunity for somebody else to stake a claim for the starting spot. That’s essentially what it’s about.”
Chivas USA’s first game without McNamara takes place this weekend when they host the Seattle Sounders.
another one bites the dust in the turf…..
Yeah why is this not being discussed more as an issue?
And we’re bringing more plastic fields into the league now?
KJ, not sure, but I would like to see a list of players being injured in turf alone over the last few years.
SilverRey, yes, and it’s sad really.
not a fan of CUSA but dude was really playing good for a rookie….to bad.
La Flama Blanca – extinguished
Guy reminds me a bit of Mathis. In look at least. Tough break, but he’s young so maybe a full speedy recovery.
Good thing he earned his Master’s degree.
Another victory for the Clemson Dept of Mullet Finance.
So unforntunate, he was off to a ROY canadate season.
Less people will now be subjected to seeing that mug on television.
My nephew deserves the same opportunities as any other not-yet-convicted serial killer