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Awful news for FC Dallas.
It has been confirmed Argentine midfielder Mauro Diaz will miss up to eight months with a torn Achiles tendon, hitting the turf after a nasty challenge from Sounders defender Tyrone Mears late in the match.
FC Dallas playmaker Mauro Díaz scheduled for surgery Wednesday. Club preparing for absence of up to 8 months.
— Brian Straus (@BrianStraus) October 18, 2016
Everyone in the stadium feared the worst when Diaz required a stretcher to exit the field, and the midfielder is set to have knee surgery in North Carolina on Wednesday.
The injury is a devastating blow for FC Dallas, even more so than the departure of mercurial speedster Fabian Castillo earlier this season. FCD had wisely prepared for that move, however there is no quick-fix to replace the dynamic playmaking abilities Diaz brought to the pitch, who has 13 assists this year in addition to chipping in 5 goals.
35-year old Mauro Rosales will likely take Diaz’s spot.
At the same time, the injuries to Diaz as well as U.S. National Team d-mid Kellyn Acosta put LA in a much better position to land a victory this Sunday at the StubHub Center (1 pm, FS1 and Univision) vs. FC Dallas, who only need a draw to secure the Supporter’s Shield.