Chivas USA had a wonderful regular season, finishing first in MLS’ Western Conference, but L.A.’s other club faces mounting injury problems that could curtail its playoff challenge. Chivas is already without veteran forward Ante Razov due to a long-term injury, and now Maykel Galindo, the club’s top scorer during the regular season, looks set to join him on the sidelines after revealing a hernia injury.
Sports hernia typically requires surgery but Galindo says he’ll wait until after the playoffs to make that decision. Galindo said the pain is so great it prevents him from sprinting, turning quickly and kicking with his left foot. The Cuban striker last played for Chivas USA in the 0-0 draw with Houston two weeks ago.
The news is particularly bad for Chivas because the team faces the prospect of heading into Game 2 without its top two strikers, knowing it needs to score to survive.