Listen: Waibel on his injury
Listen: Waibel on his recovery
SAN JOSE, CA - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that defender Craig Waibel has suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee. Waibel, who has started and played 527 minutes for the Quakes in their first six games of 2005, injured the knee in the Earthquakes scrimmage against Santa Clara University on Tuesday, May 10.
Waibel, 29, underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam on Wednesday, where the tear was confirmed. Waibel will have surgery on Tuesday, May 17. Following the operation Waibel could return in four to five months.
"Craig is a big part of our team and our defense," Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "He has been playing well for us this season, and his presence on the field is going to be missed. We wish Craig a quick recovery and we hope to see him back on the field soon."
Waibel is a six-year MLS veteran who joined the Earthquakes in 2003. The University of Washington product has played in 53 games in his San Jose career, scoring one goal and registering four assists. Waibel appeared in six MLS Cup Playoff games with the Quakes in 2003 and 2004, scoring one goal.
