MetroStars defender Seth Stammler and goalkeeper Johnny Walker both underwent successful surgery procedures this week to repair injuries suffered late in the season.
Stammler, who had injured a right ankle tendon, was operated on by Dr. Bauman of St. Luke's Roosevelt in Manhattan Wednesday morning. He will be able to begin rehabilitating his ankle in one month and will be ready for the 2005 preseason.
Stammler, a Columbus, OH native, was drafted as the Metros first pick and the 18th overall pick in the 2004 MLS Superdraft. Coming out of the University of Maryland, Stammler captained the Terrapins in three of his four years of play. This marks the second time that Stammler has had to undergo surgery as a MetroStar. Last preseason he had a procedure performed to repair torn tendons in his left ankle, which held him out of play for over three months.
On Tuesday of this week, Walker was operated on by Dr. Decker of St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ to repair a partially torn rotator cuff. Walker will also remain out for one month before undergoing rehabilitation and should be healthy for the start of the 2005 season.
Walker was acquired during the 2003 season to replace departed goalkeeper Tim Howard and immediately put up impressive numbers. During his shortened rookie campaign in MLS, Walker played in 14 games for the Metros, logging 55 saves, 5 shutouts and an impressive 0.95 GAA. For his career with the MetroStars, Walker has been in net for 42 games, posting nine shutouts and 154 saves. Prior to joining the MetroStars, Walker established himself as the first successful American soccer player in South America while playing in Chile.
