Colorado Rapids center back Bobby Burling is out five weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, the club announced Tuesday.
“We chose to have this surgery at the start of the break for Copa America,” Rapids technical director and vice president of soccer operations Paul Bravo said in a news release. “We hope to have Bobby fully fit as we push for the playoffs later this season.”
The Rapids did not clarify what day the surgery was performed.
Burling, 31, graduated from Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument. The 6-foot-5 defender has been an integral part of Colorado’s stingy defense this season, starting 10 of Colorado’s 14 games. The Rapids have allowed only 10 goals all season, the lowest mark in the league.
“We have the best defensive record in MLS this season, and Bobby has played a major part in achieving that,” Bravo said.
Burling also scored a key equalizer on the road in Montreal in a 2-2 tie.
Open Cup vs. Colorado Springs
The Rapids will host the Colorado Springs Switchbacks at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Last year, the same two teams met in the fourth round of the Open Cup, with the Rapids eliminating the Switchbacks from the knockout tournament in a 4-1 win. General admission tickets for the game are $15.
Doyle left off Irish squad
Colorado Rapids striker Kevin Doyle will not be joining the Republic of Ireland national team for the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament. The Rapids 32-year-old designated player was left off coach Martin O’Neill’s 23-man roster. As a result, Doyle should be available for the Rapids when they resume MLS play on June 18 against the Chicago Fire.
