It was confirmed to reporters tonight that A.J. DeLaGarza will likely miss significant time due to his knee injury suffered in Colorado. While the severity of the injury won't be known until test results come back tomorrow, in talking with reporters the initial time frame given was a few weeks. The LA Times report is that DeLaGarza will likely be out until the playoffs.
DeLaGarza was seen at the Time Warner Cable Sportsnet launch party on crutches, but the progress of Omar Gonzalez should speak to the talent of the Galaxy training staff in handing injuries. Tomorrow's injury report update will likely include a formal release on the status of DeLaGarza.
Still, the Galaxy will have to progress through their most difficult stretch of the year without a top defender. That the Galaxy have already clinched a playoff spot is a comfort, but Real Salt Lake and a trip up to San Jose are going to prove a challenge with a replacement in DeLaGarza's position.
The Galaxy are currently third in the MLS Western Conference, with a match at home against Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Rookie Tommy Meyer will have a large role to fill with vital points on the line, look for the Galaxy to take on the more defensive form they showed in the second half of the Colorado match.