Playmaker is out for D.C.’s next four matches
On the eve the first group play match of the inaugural CONCACAF Champions League — D.C. United’s latest international tournament, and the exact type of competition for which high-priced Marcelo Gallardo was brought to the team — it was announced that the Argentinian playmaker has returned home to his native country for a two-week rehabilitation stint spurred by his continued struggle to recover from sports hernia surgery in July.
“We had a lot of discussions,” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “At this time, that’s what he felt was going to help him, and we’ve exhausted all resources here to try and get him back. So that is the next step.”
Gallardo, by far United’s highest-paid player, who will earn nearly $1.9 million this season, has played 105 minutes over three matches — making one start — since June. He will miss at least the next four matches — two in the CONCACAF Champions League and two regular season Major League Soccer matches. He’s also not expected to be fit to play upon his return.
“It’s hard [to be without Gallardo] because he’s a different player,” said United defender Gonzalo Peralta, who was also operated on at the same time as Gallardo and has not played since. Peralta said he has recovered but that he is not yet fit and will not be available tonight.
Midfielder Santino Quaranta has done a serviceable job filling in for Gallardo on the field of late — scoring in three of D.C.’s last four league matches — but Peralta’s absence has had a greater effect on United’s defense, which is the second-most porous in MLS (1.58 goals against per game) despite the recent addition of goalkeeper Louis Crayton.
“Obviously, during the flow of games, there are going to be breakdowns and your keeper is called upon,” said Soehn “But the situations we created [in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with FC Dallas] were just bad giveaways and bad defending. He had to save us time and time again, and that’s just too much pressure on any keeper in general.”
Note » On the final day before MLS rosters freeze for the remainder of the season, D.C. United claimed former Columbus Crew defender Ryan Miller off waivers.
CONCACAF
Champions LeaguE
Group A
Wed., Sept. 24
D.C. United at CD Marathon, 10
Wed., Oct. 1
Cruz Azul at D.C. United, 8
Thurs., Oct. 9
D.C. United at Deportivo Saprissa, 10
Tues., Oct. 21
D.C. United at Cruz Azul, 10
Wed., Oct. 29
CD Marathon at D.C. United, 8
