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Hejduk Injured, Albright In

May 3rd, 2006 | By: Daryl | 7 Comments »

Frankie Hejduk has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and Chris Albright has replaced him on the 23 man roster.

Hejduk was injured playing for Columbus Crew last weekend (April 29), but completed the match and a further training session before experiencing any pain. An MRI taken today confirmed the ACL tear.

To keep playing while injured is very Frankie: 200% effort but not the smart choice. He’s taken his share of stick from WCB and others, but I genuinely feel for the guy today. To be on a World Cup roster for less than 24 hours is pretty rough.

Tags: Chris Albright, Frankie Hejduk, Injuries, USA

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Comments

By Wendall | May 3rd, 2006 at 5:54 pm

That really is tough luck for Frankie. Not even an oxygen tent can save his World Cup dream either. I wonder if he’ll still go as an inspirational leader off the pitch. Either way, a great chance for Albright to step up and be counted.

Posted from United States

By Bob | May 3rd, 2006 at 6:00 pm

Tough break, but in the end it might be the best result for the US. I wonder where the guys will get their pot in Germany now. Maybe DMB has a Dutch connection.

By MHL | May 3rd, 2006 at 10:27 pm

Like everyone else, I think Frankie leaves a little to be desired on the field. The one thing about him though is that he seems to be a good guy who fits that upbeat jokester rah-rah role that you need on a team. Both Bruce and Landon have given Frankie props in interviews and have talked about his locker room presence and the intangibles he brings to a team.

By Lyle | May 3rd, 2006 at 11:25 pm

I wonder if Heydude can be brought along to Germany as chief cheerleader or something.

Posted from United States

By Mick | May 4th, 2006 at 9:16 am

Lyle– That’s a great idea about bringing Hejduk along to be the chief cheerleader. I would love to see him in a skirt and pom-poms.

Posted from United States

By Chuck | May 4th, 2006 at 10:01 am

I’ve made my peace over the years with the entity in the back known as Frankie Hejduk. I shall now pay tribute to him…

Hey, the guy went out there gave it his all time and time again, even if “his all” lacked certain aspects of technical skill.

And while many of his crosses seemed to be wasted efforts that gave possession back to our opponents, it was his willingness and ability to push forward and join the attack that put him in position to make those bad crosses in the first place.

Finally, were it not for his dubious positioning and tackling skills, we may never have gotten the opportunity… no, privilege… to witness Mr. Hejduk’s wonderful recovery speed.

I want to stand up and say, “Thank you!” for all the memories, Frankie! Get well soon, too!

Posted from United States

By Louis | May 6th, 2006 at 12:30 pm

I am sorry about hejduk’s injury. I used to hate him and hoped he wouldn’t be included in 1998, but his performance there and other big games/tourneys (especially 2006) changed my mind. He is one of those players you need on your team. He raises his game above his skill level by sheer will and that is contagious. I believe we will still be fine w/o him, but his loss will hurt.

Posted from United States

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