CARSON, Calif. --
LA Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Wicks underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on Monday morning to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Wicks, who suffered the injury in training last week, is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks. Galaxy team physician Dr. Bert Mandelbaum performed the surgery at the Santa Monica Orthopedic Group's facility in Santa Monica.
In his first season with the Galaxy, Wicks is yet to appear in an MLS game. He was the backup goalkeeper for each of the club's first 11 games this season before suffering the injury in training last week. A native of San Bernardino, Wicks has appeared in all four of the Galaxy's Reserve Division games this season, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in each. He also played 90 minutes in the friendly with the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 13, a game that the Galaxy lost 2-1 despite eight saves on the night from Wicks. The 24-year old was the USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year in 2007 as a member of the Portland Timbers, when he compiled a 13-4-9 record and a league best 0.60 goals-against-average.
With Wicks, as well as rookie goalkeeper Charles Alamo each recovering from knee surgery, Vito Higgins will serve as the club's primary backup to starter Steve Cronin. The 22-year old native of Hawaii made his debut in the 18-man squad on Saturday in the 3-0 win over San Jose when he was an unused substitute for the game.
The Galaxy are back in action on Saturday, June 21 when they host former Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid and the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. at The Home Depot Center. For more information about this game or to order tickers, please visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY.
