On a backline that endured numerous changes throughout 2015, Damien Perrinelle was a near constant for the New York Red Bulls.
Now, after a left knee injury early in the second half of the Red Bulls' Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinal opener against D.C. United at RFK Stadium, it appears New York could be without the Frenchman’s services for the return leg at Red Bull Arena – and perhaps beyond.
In the 48th minute of what would be a 1-0 Red Bulls' victory, Perrinelle went down in a heap after landing awkwardly and was stretchered off the field. At time of publication, the extent of the injury was unclear, but head coach Jesse Marsch expressed concern in a postgame interview with ESPN.
“Obviously very unfortunate about Damien," Marsch said. "We hope for the best right now, but we’re a little bit worried on that end.”
The Red Bulls turned to Ronald Zubar off the bench, and the Frenchman nearly made his own exit after a dicey tackle in the 68th minute.
With Perrinelle’s prognosis unclear, New York could once again turn to Zubar in the second of leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals next Sunday. Canadian international Karl Ouimette also gives Marsch a second option should Perrinelle be sidelined for a prolonged period.
"We're mildly concerned right now, hopeful that it's not terrible," Marsch told reporters. "We'll just have to take a couple of days and get a scan on it to see where he's at."
