Once a Goat: Zarek Valentin tears Achilles while playing in Norway

Here's a no-so-happy update on a former Chivas USA player: defender Zarek Valentin, who played for the Goats in 2011, tore his Achilles while playing in Norway with his current club, Bodø/Glimt, and is projected to be out at least six months.

The defender played for the Montreal Impact in 2012 after leaving Chivas via the Expansion Draft before being loaned to the Norwegian side before its season began last year. Then playing in the country's second division, Valentin was a regular contributor last season and helped the club win the league and gain promotion to the top flight.

Bodø/Glimt signed Valentin outright ahead of the season, which was barely underway, and the American played in the first two games of the new season. He tore his Achilles in training on Wednesday, and looks set to miss the rest of the season. He tweeted about the injury earlier today:

Yes, I tore my Achilles today. Yes, my season is over, but yes I will come back stronger than ever I promise you that. This is my journey…

— Zarek Valentin (@ZarekValentin) April 9, 2014

A promising sign is that he's only 22, so he should have plenty of good years ahead of him after he undergoes surgery and completes rehab.

We wish Zarek a speedy recovery, and the best of luck moving forward.

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