CARSON, CA - Los Angeles Galaxy defender Danny Califf underwent successful surgery this morning to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee. The fifth-year defender originally suffered the injury in the first half of the Galaxy's 1-0 victory against the Chicago Fire on Sunday, June 27 and was replaced on the field by Hone Myung Bo at halftime of that contest.
"The success of Danny's surgery is good news for our club," said Los Angeles Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "The entire Galaxy family wishes him a speedy recovery; we all look forward to seeing him playing for us again very soon."
Galaxy team doctor Ronald Kvitne performed the operation on Califf on Thursday morning at HealthSouth Medical Center in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old defender is expected to begin physical therapy in the coming days, at which his recovery time will be determined.
The 2004 season has been a difficult one for Califf. The Galaxy and U.S. National mainstay had returned to the Galaxy from injury just two games prior to tearing his meniscus. He missed eight games earlier in the campaign after suffering a severely sprained Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) in his right knee in the Galaxy's 2-0 defeat of the Columbus Crew at The Home Depot Center on April 24.
"Danny has already had to overcome a lot this season," said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "However, we are sure that he will bounce back and be able to make his usual valuable contribution to the Galaxy as we head into the stretch run."
Danny Califf has appeared in 97 career matches for the Galaxy - 92 starts - since being drafted in the first round of the 2000 MLS SuperDraft (No. 6 overall). The physical defender became a fixture for club and country in 2003, splitting his time between the MLS season with the Galaxy and appearances for the USA at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA Confederations Cup. The 2000 U.S. Olympian has amassed five goals and four assists in his career for a total of 14 points.
The Los Angeles Galaxy will host the largest fireworks show in Southern California after their match on the Fourth of July against the San Jose Earthquakes at The Home Depot Center in Carson. As was the case a year ago when the Galaxy also hosted the largest show west of the Mississippi as part of their inaugural season in their new stadium, Rialto-based Pyro Spectaculars will be responsible for the production, presented by the Daily Breeze. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Galaxy toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
