The news came swift and it reminded coaches, players and fans just how cruel sports can be when Seattle Sounders General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey announced Monday morning that forward Jordan Morris is ruled out of the 2018 soccer season due to an ACL tear that occurred during the teams CONCACAF Champions League match against Santa Tecla FC.
The injury occurred in the 83rd of the match when Morris sprinted down the left flank with the ball and attempted to chip the Salvadorian side’s goalkeeper with the outside of his right foot. The forward’s knee twisted as he tried to execute the deft chip and he fell to the turf.
“We are going to do what is best for Jordan’s career long-term. We think he is a Sounder for the long-term, he is in the club’s long-term plans,” Lagerwey added. “Jordan is part of the Sounders, that has not changed, that will not change. We are going to do what’s best for him long-term, which may mean a longer recovery.”
The injury is a devasting set back to Morris and the Sounders. Morris had a promising preseason after suffering an ankle injury in the first half of the 2017 season and a hamstring injury in September. While the setback may be a devasting blow, Sounders head coach believes Morris will fully recover and learn from the injury.
Morris himself sent a heartfelt message to the Seattle community thanking them for their support.
Morris, 23, has been a fan favorite since his rookie campaign in 2016. A Seattle local and former Sounders Academy standout, Morris’ father, Dr. Michael Morris, is the club’s physician. Morris has always believed in civic engagement and created the JMO Foundation. A Foundation whose mission is to Educate Inspire and Support the lives of children with Type 1 Diabetes. Morris has been named the club’s Humanitarian of the Year in each of the past two seasons.
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