Sounders stalwart Nate Jaqua underwent surgery Thursday in Philadelphia for a lower abdominal fascial repair, the club announced. He’s expected to rejoin training in four to six weeks.
The midfielder/forward was one of Seattle’s most dependable players last season, starting 27 games and notching a new career high with nine goals. He also started and played every minute in three of Seattle’s four U.S. Open Cup playoff games, scoring a memorable goal against Houston in the semifinals of that competition. Jaqua started the season as a striker and eventually moved to right midfield.
In his absence, Roger Levesque has started the first two matches of the season at right midfield. Seattle has also brought in the versatile veteran Pat Noonan, who can also play in the midfield or as a striker.
The club placed Jaqua on the injured reserve before the start of the season. If healthy, he will be eligible to return for Seattle’s May 2 game against the Columbus Crew.
