MLS D.C. United

D.C. United's Nick Rimando Suffers Torn Left ACL

Published on September 26, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


CHANTILLY, VA (September 26, 2003) - D.C. United announced today that an MRI exam performed today on Nick Rimando revealed that the goalkeeper has a torn left ACL. Rimando will undergo surgery next week and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2003 MLS season. The injury occurred in the second half of last night's 2-0 win over the MetroStars at Giants Stadium after Rimando made a lunging throw from his own penalty box.

"We are saddened for Nick at the news of his ACL tear," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He has been an important member of D.C. United for the past two seasons. We expect a full recovery from his knee reconstruction and we look forward to his return in the 2004 MLS season."

The untimely injury forced Rimando to finish 50 minutes short of breaking the MLS all-time mark for consecutive minutes played. His exit from the match ended his streak at 6016 minutes (dating back to July 4, 2001) just behind the record of 6,066 minutes set by Peter Vermes. Rookie Doug Warren made his MLS debut when he replaced Rimando in the 78th minute.

"The one single player on our club that I would call irreplaceable is now lost for the season's climax," said United Head Coach Ray Hudson. "It's a viciously cruel way to end another superlative season by Nicky, but this presents a real opportunity for Doug to confirm what a very good all-around keeper he's proven to be."

Rimando posted his seventh shutout of the season on August 13th with a 1-0 win over Colorado and was the only player to play every single minute for the Black-and-Red this season. His seven clean sheets, which ties a club record and matches his career-best set in 2002, place him third in the league behind only Pat Onstad of San Jose (9) and Scott Garlick of Colorado (8). Though the MetroStars did not get on the board Thursday night, Rimando was not credited with a shutout because he was forced to leave the game prior to the final whistle.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 26, 2003


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