ACL injury suffered by playmaker Alan Velasco on Monday at Lumen Field will sideline FC Dallas for the upcoming months.
Velasco suffered the injury in the opening minute of Monday night’s 2-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders in the FC Dallas playoffs. Velasco persevered until the 18th minute, the moment the agony compelled him to the ground, oblivious to the true severity of his injury. Liam Fraser, a midfielder, assumed his place.
Nico Estévez, head coach: “Everyone is sad because Alan is a wonderful child; we all adore him, not only for what he contributes on the field but also because he is an incredible guy and teammate off the field.” “It is the most frustrating aspect of athletics when a player is injured. “At this time, our focus must be on his recovery.”
It is a catastrophic loss for both Velasco and FC Dallas’ postseason campaign. Velasco, who was called up for the first time as a U23 for Argentina earlier this season, had reasonable expectations of remaining on the squad for the Olympic Games in Paris next summer. Dallas, which has already played one game against Seattle in the playoffs, must win Game 2 in order to salvage the series and advance to Game 3.
Estévez stated, “I believe the team must use this as motivation to do something extraordinary for him.”
Given Velasco’s absence, forward Bernard Kamungo is expected to start Game 1. Prior to that game, Kamungo was doubtful due to a persistent ankle injury he sustained on the final day of the regular season, a contest in which he also contributed to two goals. Despite playing for a mere 15 minutes on Monday, there is optimism that Kamungo will be fit to begin Game 2 after a few more days of recuperation. Kamungo has repeatedly demonstrated this season that he can rise to the occasion, and FCD will likely rely on him once more as the season comes to a close.
Velasco becomes the third member of the FCD to endure a significant knee injury this season, following defender Geovane Jesus and forward Tarik Scott, both of whom suffered ACL tears. Velasco, according to Estévez, will be sidelined for nine to ten months.
