By RYAN TOLMICH
If the Portland Timbers are going to make the playoffs in 2014, they will do so without captain Will Johnson.
The Timbers announced Sunday that the Canadian midfielder is out for the season after suffering a broken leg in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Toronto FC. Johnson underwent successful surgery Sunday and is expected to miss six months.
The injury occurred just 11 seconds into Saturday’s game, as Johnson collided with TFC defender Mark Bloom while challenging for a loose ball.
Johnson has been a member of the Timbers for the past two seasons after previously playing for Real Salt Lake, the Chicago Fire, and Dutch clubs Heerenveen and De Graafschap.
The 27-year-old midfielder made 29 appearances this season for the Timbers, scoring six goals while earning recognition as an MLS All-Star for the second straight season.
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How will the Timbers fare without Johnson? Do you think they can still make the playoffs?
Share your thoughts below.
Stay up El Capitan!!!
i saw the injury happy. but i have to ask, was he given a yellow card? it was a total foul on his part going in so late.
Currently recovering from a broken Tibia Plataea, and Fibula. The latter is not generally considered a serious injury. The former, however, required surgery. Five weeks post surgery it’s hard to imagine playing soccer in less than 5 months, but I’m 36 and other than the golf course, past my athletic days. I wish Will the best though and hopefully he can meet that timeline.
I had to search around and the reports I found confirmed it is a fibula and tibia break. Terrible news.
Johnson always seems angry to me but he gives 100% all the time. He only knows one way to play and I suppose it can have the potential for injury to him or an opponent but this is a horrible injury. My thoughts and prayers are for Will to have a speedy and full recovery.
I feel bad for the Timbers and I feel bad for Will Johnson.
BUT why go in for a slide when you see the other guy going down already? (Yes, Will was the second one down) You’re just asking for an injury.