CARSON, CA (Tuesday, April 13, 2004) - Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jones, the only remaining member of the club from its inception in 1996, underwent a successful tonsillectomy late Tuesday morning at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, CA, the club announced today.
"We felt it was best for Cobi to go ahead with the surgery now in order for him to perform to the best of his ability later this season," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "We expect a speedy recovery. Cobi and the club both have high expectations this season; and we know that a healthy Cobi is essential to our success."
Manhattan Beach Doctor John Joseph Rehm performed the surgery on Jones, who is expected to miss between seven and ten days of action with the team. The precise date of his return will be determined as he is evaluated after the surgery.
"Cobi still commands a great deal of attention from our opponents, as he demonstrated last week, and we will miss him in our lineup," said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "However, we felt it most important to get him as healthy as possible now, rather than waiting for another window later in the season."
Jones, a native of Westlake, Calif. who played college soccer at UCLA, has played in 201 career MLS regular season matches over eight-plus seasons with the Galaxy, second only to the recently-retired Mauricio Cienfuegos who donned a Galaxy kit 206 times in his career.
The dynamic Jones holds the record for the most goals scored in club history, with 65 tallies. In addition, he leads all U.S. national team players in full international appearances with 159 and played in three FIFA World Cups representing the USA.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are pleased to announce that their next home game, on Saturday April 24 vs. Columbus Crew at 7 pm will be the first chance this season for fans to purchase a Galaxy Family Pack. For as a little as $52, a family of four gets four match tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas. To take advantage of this wonderful offer and to bring your family out to The Home Depot Center for this MLS East versus West clash, please call the Galaxy ticket office at 1-877-3GALAXY or log on to www.lagalaxy.com
