Toronto FC made waves when they eliminated the LA Galaxy from the CONCACAF Champions League, but the momentum from that victory took a big hit after word that star defender Torsten Frings will be sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Frings will miss 4-6 weeks with the strained right hamstring suffered during Toronto FC's 3-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, the team announced on Tuesday morning.
Frings had been outstanding for TFC, anchoring the team's defense and providing a dominating presence in the back that helped provide protection for an otherwise vulnerable defense. Now, without Frings, Toronto's defense could be in serious trouble.
The injury means Frings will miss TFC's CONCACAF Champions League semifinal series vs. Mexican leaders Santos Laguna. The two-leg series kicks off a week from Wednesday, with Santos already considered the heavy favorite even before Frings' injury.
TFC will likely have to turn to rookie first-round draft pick Aaron Maund to fill in, but could be tempted to facilitate a trade for some defensive cover.