SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that defender Chad Marshall underwent successful right knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear suffered in the early part of Sunday’s match vs Portland. The lateral meniscectomy procedure was performed by Dr. Michael Morris on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 6 at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Marshall is beginning rehabilitation immediately following the procedure.
Marshall, the only three-time MLS Defender of the Year in league history, this season anchored a defensive unit that ranked second in the league in fewest goals allowed (37) in 2018. He matched a career high and was tied for second among MLS defenders with four goals, including one match-winner. On October 21 at Houston, he became just the fourth player – and second field player – in league history to appear in 400 games and pass the 35,000 minutes-played mark. Marshall currently ranks second all-time among outfield players with 396 career starts and 35,123 minutes played, trailing only Kyle Beckerman in both categories.
After a 2-1 loss in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals at Portland, Sounders FC hosts the return leg of the two-match series on Thursday, November 8 on the Xbox Pitch at CenturyLink Field (7:30 p.m. PT / FS1, TSN, TVA, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM). Bearing in mind the away goals tiebreaker, Sounders FC would advance to the Western Conference Championship with a shutout win or a two-goal margin of victory in Thursday's second leg. A draw or loss would see Portland through, while a 2-1 Seattle win on Thursday would force extra time (and penalty kicks if necessary).