Kris Boyd’s season may be over after the Portland Timbers' Designated Player suffered a groin injury in the team’s 2-2 draw Wednesday against the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium.
The Scottish striker came off in the 13th minute after he challenged for a header shot in the box and crumpled to the grass in pain. The club told MLSsoccer.com on Friday that he would miss four to six weeks with the injury, making his return before Portland’s season finale against San Jose on Oct. 28 uncertain.
Boyd, the Scottish Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, who the Timbers made their marquee offseason acquisition, played to mix reviews this season. He currently leads the club with seven goals but was making his first start Wednesday since Aug. 15.
Former head coach John Spencer, a fellow Scot, was a big reason why Boyd signed with the Timbers. Spencer lured Boyd to the Rose City through his connection to Billy Davies, Spencer’s brother-in-law who crossed paths with Boyd at English club Nottingham Forest.
Boyd also started the season slowly, logging three goals in his first 11 starts.
Since Spencer was fired on July 8, Boyd has made just six starts in 12 games.
Dan Itel covers the Timbers for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at dcitel@hotmail.com.
