Chivas USA defender Lawson Vaughn is expected to be sidelined between four and six weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken nose and lacerated cheek suffered Saturday during Chivas USA's match at the Houston Dynamo. The injury occurred in the 9th minute when Vaughn, leaping to head a cross in the penalty area, was kicked in the face by Houston midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, who was attempting a bicycle kick on the play.
Vaughn underwent surgery on Sunday afternoon at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, Calif. The procedure, performed by Jay W. Granzow MD, included a surgical repair of Vaughn's nose, which was broken in several places, as well as repair to a laceration on his right cheek, which required 32 stitches.
In his third year with Chivas USA, Vaughn enjoyed a breakout season in 2007, playing 24 matches (starting 22) and adding a goal and two assists while helping the team to the second-best defensive record in the league. Vaughn was originally selected by Chivas USA with the 25th overall pick in the 2006 Supplemental Draft after finishing his college career at the University of Tulsa.
