LA Galaxy forward Chicharito was carried off the field with a right knee injury in Wednesday’s US Open Cup quarterfinals match against Real Salt Lake, the team confirmed. He’s waiting for an MRI for more details. Here’s what you need to know:
- Chicharito went down in the 23rd minute without any apparent contact and immediately signaled for help.
- Dejan Joveljić replaced Chicharito in the game.
- Real Salt Lake defeated LA Galaxy 3-2 to reach the semi-finals of the US Open Cup.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What a long-term absence would mean for the Galaxy
While Chicharito has struggled to find his best form in front of goal this season, scoring just once in the league, a long-term injury would be a major blow to the Galaxy’s hopes of turning the current season upside down in the five-time MLS Cup Winner is bottom of the Western Conference.
In his absence, coach Greg Vanney will turn to Serbia international striker Joveljić, whose best performances in MLS usually come from the bench. With the club without Chicharito bearing more responsibility as the main source of goals, it falls to Joveljić to shoulder much of the attacking burden, at least until the summer transfer window.
Chicharito is out of contract at the end of this season and depending on the extent of the injury, tonight’s Open Cup loss to Real Salt Lake could be the last Galaxy fans see of the 109-time Mexico international. He has scored 38 goals in 74 league games since joining from Sevilla in 2020. – Burke
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(Photo: Gary A Vasquez / USA Today)