TUKWILA, Wash. – Star Seattle Sounders defender Chad Marshall will miss the second leg of the MLS Western Conference semifinals because of knee surgery.
The center back was having surgery Tuesday to repair cartilage in his right knee, coach Brian Schmetzer said. There was no word on how long the anchor of Seattle’s defense will be out.
Marshall was hurt during Seattle’s 2-1 loss to Portland in the first leg Sunday and was replaced in the 40th minute.
Marshall is a finalist for MLS defender of the year along with Aaron Long of the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta’s Michael Parkhurst. Marshall has won the award three times.
Roman Torres replaced Marshall when he was injured is expected to start in his place Thursday night. He’ll be paired in defense with Kim Kee-hee, knowing Seattle must push for goals while also trying to contain Portland’s counterattack.
“Certainly, that pairing hasn’t played a lot together, so we’ll do what we can to get them in sync. But they are two very talented players,” Schmetzer said. “Roman was waiting for his chance and here it is. He’ll be ready.”
The status of midfielder Cristian Roldan is unclear after he strained a hip flexor strain against the Timbers. Roldan tried to play through the injury but had to be removed in the 31st minute. Roldan assisted on Seattle’s only goal.
“We’ll see if he can make it,” Schmetzer said. “He’s a pretty strong, mentally, kid. … That’s probably going to be a game-time decision.”
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