CARSON, Calif. – The situation appears to be getting worse before it gets any better for Chivas USA, who received news this week when an MRI exam on midfielder Oswaldo Minda revealed a left adductor strain.
Seemingly undermanned the last three months, the Goats will be without their defensive holder for an indefinite amount of time. The length of Minda’s recovery will hinge on how well he responds to treatment in the next week, a club spokesperson told MLSsoccer.com.
“I’m under the impression it’s a forceful injury,” Chivas USA head coach José Luis “Guero” Real told reporters following last weekend’s loss to the LA Galaxy.
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Minda was subbed out in the first half on Sunday as he dropped to his knees near midfield during a stoppage in play.
“It felt like I had a rock in there,” Minda told MLSsoccer.com in the locker room afterward.
It’s not the first time the 29-year-old has been sidelined this season. Minda missed six matches between March 30 and May 25 due to a strained hamstring. He also was the subject of a contract dispute, which nearly led to a return to his native Ecuador.
“Remember, I didn’t have much of a preseason,” Minda said, suggesting he hasn’t been in top shape the last few weeks.
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Minda scored his lone goal of the season on March 10 in a 3-1 victory against FC Dallas. He has attempted one shot since that game.
“It’s always tough when you lose a guy to injury in the first half because you have to adjust the game plan,” goalkeeper Dan Kennedy told reporters. “Gabriel [Farfan] came on at midfield and did a tremendous job. He’s a very versatile player. I thought we adjusted just fine, but you hate losing guys to injuries.”
Midfielder Edgar Mejía has missed the previous three league matches due to an ankle injury, but might return to the lineup Saturday when Chivas USA host the New England Revolution at StubHub Center (10:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
