Chris Albright has been added to the USAÆs 23-man roster for the 2006 World Cup, replacing defender Frankie Hejduk, who today was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee. Albright will join the U.S. training camp on May 10 in Cary, N.C. Hejduk, a two-time World Cup veteran, suffered the injury during the CrewÆs 1-0 loss to Kansas City on April 29 in Columbus. Despite the injury, Hejduk completed the match as well as a full training session Tuesday before experiencing pain in his knee. An MRI taken this afternoon confirmed the ACL injury.
Albright, who was named to the 13-player alternate list for the World Cup during the official announcement on the May 2 edition of SportsCenter, has appeared in 19 matches for the USA.
''I deeply regret having to replace Frankie Hejduk on the roster. Frankie has been a great member of the national team program for many years. Unfortunately this last minute injury has forced us to make a change,'' said U.S. Coach Bruce Arena. ''I'm delighted to be able to offer Chris Albright an opportunity to be a member of our team. As the case with all of our alternates, they need to be prepared in case a situation like this occurs.''
Albright started all six of the U.S. matches at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, registering two goals and an assist. The Los Angeles Galaxy defender has won two MLS Cup titles with the Galaxy (2002 and 2005), assisting on Carlos Ruiz's game-winning goal to give the Galaxy their first title.