Chivas USA midfielder Thomas McNamara suffers torn ACL, likely out for season

The turf monster at Providence Park has claimed another victim.

Chivas USA rookie Thomas McNamara, who started every game for the Goats so far this season, suffered a torn ACL and torn meniscus on his right knee in last week's 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers. The team announced the diagnosis today, after several days of speculation about the severity of the injury, and said McNamara is set to undergo surgery at an undisclosed date.

The club did not give a timetable on the midfielder's return, but it appears that barring a rapid recovery from the surgery and a deep run in the MLS Cup playoffs for CUSA, McNamara looks unlikely to return this season. The best case scenario we've seen recently among soccer players, LA Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez, returned after about six months when he tore his ACL a couple years back. Given the end of the season comes in six months, I'd say McNamara will likely work to return for the start of next season. Still, we'll have to wait for official word from the team on that count.

McNamara's play and his unique hairstyle have made him a fan favorite in just a few short months. Through the first six weeks of the season, he was a legitimate MLS Rookie of the Year candidate, but unfortunately that campaign is over. We wish him a speedy recovery and the best of luck in coming back from this major injury.

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