CARSON, Calif. - Los Angeles Galaxy defender Chris Albright has suffered a grade three medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain, the club announced today. Albright underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test on Thursday, May 26 to determine the extent of the injury and is expected to need six to eight weeks to fully recover.
"On a very personal level, we are saddened for Chris, who has been playing well for both club and country of late, as he has suffered an injury needlessly on what was a late and ultimately dangerous tackle," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "We have the utmost confidence in our medical staff to work with him towards a full and speedy recovery."
Albright's injury occurred in the 67th minute of the Galaxy's scoreless draw against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night at The Home Depot Center when he collided with Crew goalkeeper Bill Gaudette after sending a dangerous cross into the box.
A 26-year-old defender, Albright has appeared in 8 games - all starts - registering 657 minutes on the field so far in 2005. He has earned one assist thus far in the season, combining with Cobi Jones to set up Landon Donovan's game-winning goal against FC Dallas on April 30. In his seven-year career, the native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has played in 130 games - made 103 starts - and amassed eight goals and 14 assists.
The former All-American at the University of Virginia began his career as a forward before moving to the backline prior to the 2004 campaign, and the move resulted in him earning a start in the Sierra Mist All-Star Game for first time in his career. He has seen time with U.S. National Team at different points in his career, most recently in '05.
The second edition of the Honda Super Clásico will see the Los Angeles Galaxy square off against Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills on Saturday, May 28 at 7:00 pm. The match will be televised on Fox Sports Net, HDNet, Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports World En Espanol, and on radio in both English (KMPC 1540 am) and Spanish (830 KMXE). For information regarding purchasing Galaxy tickets, call toll-free (877) 3-GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com.
