SANDY, UT- JUNE 7 : Javier Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Galaxy reacts while being loaded onto a stretcher after injuring his kneeduring the first half of the quarterfinals of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup against Real Salt Lake at America First Field June 07 , 2023 in Sandy, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
The Galaxy have struggled on the road, while St. Louis is leading the Western Conference in its inaugural season.
The Galaxy were dealt another setback on Thursday when it was revealed that forward and captain Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez had suffered a torn ACL, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
“A lot of emotions, I’m gutted for him,” said Galaxy coach Greg Vanney. “Obviously, it’s never an injury that anyone wants to have to deal with.” It’s a difficult one, it’s been a long time, and you have some work to do to get yourself back.
“I know with his work rate and his passion and desire to be out there, he’s going to do the work and he’s going to put himself in a position to come back and continue to play the game.”
Hernandez joined the Galaxy in 2020, during a difficult period in his personal life that included the death of his grandfather and a divorce, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and an injury that limited him to only two goals in 12 appearances.
To his credit, he fought back to become the Chicharito of old, scoring 18 goals in 2021 and 17 last season. His production was limited this season (one goal) due to a hamstring injury that slowed him early in the season. This was the final year of his contract after a one-year option was exercised following the previous season.
Not only will his presence be missed on the field, but also in the locker room.
“He’s the captain, a guy that’s a leader for the group and a vocal leader for the group, so the group has to process the fact that he won’t be with us again and move on and keep attacking the next game,” Vanney told reporters.
The next game is on the road on Sunday (10 a.m., Fox/11) against expansion club St. Louis City SC, which is currently leading the Western Conference with 28 points.
Aside from slowing down a St. Louis team that currently leads MLS in goals scored (32) is finding a way to score their own goals. Dejan Joveljic, who had 11 goals last season, has only two this season and will now be given more minutes and opportunities.
