MLS D.C. United

Hristo Stoitchkov Undergoes Successful Knee Surgey

Published on August 19, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


CHANTILLY, VA (August 19, 2003) - D.C. United announced today that forward and assistant coach Hristo Stoitchkov has undergone a successful medial menisectomy after tearing his left meniscus in Saturday night's 3-1 loss to the Chicago Fire. Stoitchkov was operated on this afternoon by Dr. Chris Annunziata at Commonwealth Orthopedics in Fairfax, VA. During the procedure, Dr. Annunziata removed a damaged portion of Stoitchkov's medial meniscus. The Bulgarian is expected to be out of action for two to three weeks.

"We are pleased with the result of the surgery and look forward to Hristo's return in a few weeks," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper.

Stoitchkov has been having a successful campaign in his first year with the Black-and-Red after playing three seasons with the Chicago Fire. The 37-year-old has played in 17 games for United including eight as a starter. He has registered three goals and five assists for the Black-and-Red, making him the second leading scorer on the team with 11 points. Stoitchkov scored United's only goal in Saturday night's 3-1 loss to Chicago, finishing from the penalty spot after being dragged down inside the area by defender C.J. Brown. Stoitchkov left the match in the 66th minute.

Stoitchkov's lengthy career has seen him earn accolades and titles all over the globe. As a member of the Bulgarian National Team, Stoitchkov earned the Golden Boot as the top scorer of FIFA World Cup USA '94 and helped his country to a surprise fourth place finish in the event. Stoitchkov's place as one of the best footballers of the last decade was confirmed after he won the Golden Onze, awarded to the world's best footballer, in 1992. That same year Stoitchkov was given the Silver Globe from FIFA as the world's second best player, and he was awarded the same prize two years later in 1994. Stoitchkov was also awarded with the Golden Ball in 1994, which goes to the best football player in Europe. Throughout his lengthy career, Stoitchkov has led his clubs to over 40 titles in domestic and international competitions.

The native of Plovdiv, Bulgaria started his playing career in 1977 for his hometown team of Maritza Plovdiv. Since then, Stoitchkov has suited up for first division teams in Bulgaria (CSKA Sofia, 1985-90, 1998), Spain (Barcelona 1990-95, 1996-98), Italy (Parma, 1995-96), Saudi Arabia (Al Nasar, 1998) and Japan (Kashiwa Reysol, 1998-99) before signing with MLS in 2000.

D.C. United also announced today a change in the television broadcast schedule for two of the Black-and-Red's upcoming games. Comcast SportsNet will bring United fans live coverage of the Black-and-Red's match against the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium on October 4th. Comcast SportsNet, however, will no longer be airing United's September 6th match against Los Angeles at RFK Stadium. That game will be televised by Fox Sports World.

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